Public Information Center (PIC)

  Public Information Center  

The World Bank does not have an office in any of the nine Pacific Islands (the closest one is the office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea) nor a Public Information Center (PIC). PIC services are provided through the World Bank’s Depository Library Program. Studies and reports are also available for sale through a Local Distributor.

Depository Library Program

The World Bank's Depository Library Program is a key element in its publication strategy. The Libraries allow the World Bank to share the information from its sponsored research, analysis, and data gathering. The libraries listed below have agreed to provide access to the public. 

  World Bank Depository Libraries in the Pacific Islands

Purchasing publications through Local Distributors

In order to provide efficient service at a lower prices, the World Bank has established special local pricing agreements with distributors in many countries at significant discounts. For more information, please contact the local distributors.

  Local Book Distributors in the Pacific Islands

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World Bank Public Information Center's (PIC) is the focal point for providing access to World Bank publications, reports and other development-related materials. This is being done in support of the World Bank's Bank's policy of disclosure to be open about its activities and to explain its work to the widest possible audience.

Who can use a Public Information Center?

Public Information Centers are open to the public. No fee is required to use the PIC. Users can access information through the Internet and thousands of World Bank publications and other development-related materials. 

What services are offered?

The Public Information Center's services include:

• online access to World Bank project documents, publications, and other development-related publications;
• access to a special collection of CDs and videotapes on development;
• access to development sites on the Internet;
• online access to World Bank projects, documents and reports; and
• an extensive cataloguing system (Global Jolis) that allows users to see the collection of around 60 World Bank PICs around the world.

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What reports and documents are available?

Among the Reports and Documents available at the Public Information Center are:
  Project Information Documents. (PIDs). These are documents that give brief summaries of evolving projects. These are updated and expanded as the project preparation proceeds.
  Project Appraisal Documents. (PADs). These contain descriptions of a project and the plan for its implementation, including procurement procedures. These are made available to the public after presentation to the Board.
  Economic Sector Report. These include macroeconomic analysis of the economy, analyses of major economic sectors and other reports on specified issues, such as poverty assessment, etc. Environmental Assessments (EAs). EAs are detailed studies required for projects likely to have significant impact on the environment. Such studies are available before the final appraisal of the viability of the project.
  Loan (or Development Credit) Agreements. These are records of loan amounts and terms and conditions on which the loan is made. It also records the borrower's general commitment to the project objectives. It is made available to the public after the loan agreement is signed and declared effective or ready for disbursement.
  Bidding and consultant documents. These provide guidelines for borrowers and their implementing agencies in the procurement of goods, works and consulting services.
  UN Development Business. A United Nations publication that publishes general procurement notices for goods, works, and services to be procured through international competitive bidding for each Bank-financed project.

Besides operational documents, the center also provides more than 3,000 World Bank publications and other special publications. Some copies of World Bank publications are available for free.