Myanmar to turn public libraries into modern information center

Myanmar has launched a project to transform the country's public libraries into modern information center by applying information technology system, according to the Information Ministry Monday.

A total of 55 libraries will be developed with the Beyond Access Myanmar project in 2015 in some districts and townships in Yangon, Mandalay, Bago and Sagaing regions where internet connection is available.

The project will be supported by the Ministry of Information, Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation, Ooredoo as well as an international non-profit organization Irex, the sources said.

The Beyond Access project is aimed to help the libraries to get updated information and to develop the reading habit of people for the betterment of their socio-economic life. It will train librarians for information technology and will provide libraries with variety of books and some applications with Myanmar language in tablet computers.

Some 22,000 persons will benefit from the program, the sources added.

The Beyond Access is a global network of Irex to develop public libraries into modern learning facilities. The project is expected to extend over 5,000 libraries across the country in future.