FEATURE: OUTREACH TO LIBRARIANS COUNTRY WIDE |
 | | Steven Shalita, World Bank, presenting the disclosure policy. |
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KAMPALA, November 2006 - The Uganda Communications Team made a presentation on "The World Bank - a Knowledge Bank," at a Library & Information Association Symposium on September 26-27, at Hotel Equatorial, Kampala. The objective of the symposium was to assist participants to effectively meet information needs of Ugandans. The event was an outreach opportunity to more than 150 librarians and stakeholders who are responsible for information on development from different organizations (academia, private sector CSOs) from all over the country. The team led by the Communications Officer, Steven Shalita presented a paper covering a) the Bank's Knowledge resources b) the Bank's disclosure policy and c) the Bank's Public Information Center (PIC) (including facilities for the visually impaired.) The presentation was well received and stimulated a useful discussion on possible partnerships we can foster. The symposium led to a change of perception about the World Bank. A University Lecturer and Head Librarian, Kyambogo University, Geofrey Luyimbazi said, “When we were told the Bank is presenting on the theme: Knowledge Bank, I did not know the relevance of the Bank in the area of knowledge sharing. I now know that you are engaged in research and have a wealth of resources that can benefit all.” Consequently, Mr. Luyimbazi invited the Bank to make a presentation to University students, and contribute to resources for the university library.  | | Participants: Librarians from all over Uganda. |
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Likewise, there were numerous requests from Librarians country wide, for World Bank reports and publications. In response to the requests, the World Bank is forming partnerships with various libraries to set up satellite Public Information Centers and regional World Bank depository libraries. On October 20, the World Bank, Public Information Assistant, Agnes Biribonwa visited the Parliament of Uganda, a World Bank regional library, to discuss the proposal with Mr. Innocent Rugambwa, Director, Library & Research Services. The objective is to avail operational information, especially of World Bank funded programs in Uganda. The Director, Parliament of Uganda welcomed the idea of setting up a satellite PIC in his facility, saying, “It is very timely, especially with the new parliament that is focused on tracking donor sponsored programs.”  | | Parliament of Uganda Library |
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The Library has 15 computers and internet connectivity, trained staff -3 librarians 2 assistants and rotational interns. He is willing to dedicate one staff to be trained on how to access and maintain World Bank information and to maintain the PIC section. The choice of Parliament Library, as venue for the satellite PIC, is because it is used by policy makers who need operational information on projects through out the project cycle. This would see the creation of a section dedicated to project information. In collaboration with library specialists in Washington, we are confident; we can meet this quest for Bank resources in line with the Bank’s disclosure policy. |
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