Jessica Dorr, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), speech at INELI-MENA convening, 30 September – 6 October 2017, Egypt

1. Global Libraries
Background for INELI MENA

2.  In March 2014, after 20
successful years and more than
one billion dollars invested in
public libraries, Bill and Melinda
Gates decided to bring the
Global Libraries program to a
close.
 Recognizing the importance
and impact of the program,
including the more than 253
million lives improved, they
asked the Global Libraries team
to leave the library field strong
and exit with grace
2
SETTING THE CONTEXT

3. The foundation’s original
program has achieved
significant impact working
through others to focus on:
 Improving lives through
increased access to
resources and opportunities
 Stressing aligning library
services with community
needs.
 Raising visibility of libraries
as major community assets

4. WIND-DOWN STRATEGY
To successfully leave the library field
strong and position the field for
sustained impact, we look to be as
catalytic exiting the field as we were
in execution
• GL’s strategy goal prior to exit – improving
the lives of one billion information poor by
2030 and leveraging the original
investment became our vision.
• We selected five partners for this work,
with a focus on leadership development,
innovation, impact measurement,
advocacy and partnership development as
well as deepening the impact in key
geographies with a focus on Africa
• We’ve focused on bringing together
leaders to create more connected
networks

5. 5
Leading international body representing the interests of
library and information services and their users
KEY LEGACY PARTNERS
Leading U.S. body providing diverse program of
communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education,
and programming for those interested in the advancement of
public library service
Leading research body with a global focus that explores the
design, use, and effects of information and communication
technologies in communities facing social and economic
challenges

6. 6
AfLIA's mission is to empower the library and information
community to actively promote the African development
agenda through dynamic services that transform livelihoods.
KEY LEGACY PARTNERS
EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) works with libraries
to enable access to knowledge for education, learning,
research and sustainable community development. Our
vision is a world in which all people have the knowledge they
need to achieve their full potential

7. Regional INELIs
• ASEAN
• Balkans
• Ibero America
• India and South Asia
• Middle East North Africa
• Oceania
• Sub Saharan Africa

8. Global Libraries Wind-Down Framework

9. Libraries are known
and recognized as
engines of
development and
funded as key
community assets
THIS IS THE ASPIRATION
The only way it can happen:
A STRONG, UNITED, ALIGNED
AND CONNECTED GLOBAL
LIBRARY FIELD

10. THANK YOU