Although only public libraries in developing and transition countries are allowed to apply for this call, other organizations interested in this field, can partner and jointly submit proposals with them. The opportunity is provided by  (Electronic Information for Libraries) Public Library Innovation Program “seeks to spark the development of innovative public library services with and for their communities” and the grant support is extended by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Innovation has been defined as that which “is completely new; has never been done in this place before; never focused on target group before; was never done in partnership before; was never done properly before [say why]; or never used technology (or a particular kind of technology) before.”

Countries that are eligible to apply are those where eIFL.net has a presence or where the Gates Foundation supports projects under its Global Libraries Initiative. These countries are Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), Poland, Guatemala, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Some examples have been suggested as the “innovative library services might focus on improving health care, personal and economic development, agricultural practices, employment, communication, government services, or civic engagement.” Grants of up to US $30,000 would be provided for a period of one year and a total of ten proposals would be awarded. The deadline for submitting applications is 28 February 2010. For more information, visit this PAGE

Please note that Mladiinfo does not give scholarships or any financial support, but only informs about different opportunities. Click on the direct link to the official page above to apply for the program.