Backgrounder on Public Access to Information in Kyrgyzstan Library Landscape: TASCHA 2008 Landscape Study reported 289 public libraries, 144 of which are in rural locations o 2010 “Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System” by Meaghan O’Connor reported 1,540 total public libraries Very high literacy rate (nearly 100% of people over age 15 can read and write)1 o 97% of children complete a full course of primary school 300 computers throughout library system2 o Not all connected to internet or available to public; often used for printing flyers for internal library use General information3: Library housed under Ministry of Culture Most libraries old/in disrepair; general lack of administrator understanding of library upkeep o City libraries in particularly poor condition, especially Bishkek City Library Regular services for children and pensioners o Librarians expressed interest in involving parents more with children’s programs Occasional special programs/events planned to support communities during post-revolution sociopolitical transition Regular monitoring and evaluation of visitors, circulation, and new acquisitions including funding/donations from outside sources o Annual “targets” regarding ideal number of visitors and circulation have not been changed since Soviet era and most probably not met Many libraries have had technology centers provided by outside donors that have not holistically improved library services—need to integrate technology better Many libraries offer some paid services (like internet) to generate extra income for materials and sometimes salaries Three public library associations o Kyrgyz Library & Information Consortium (KLIC) Provides fee-based services to librarians (including access to electronic databases through EIFL) Holds annual conference, periodic trainings for librarians (see below section on Librarian Training and Development)
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UNESCO. Education (all levels) profile – Kyrgyzstan, UNESCO Institute for Statistics in Brief. (2010) O’Connor, Meaghan. Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System. (2010) 3 Ibid. 2
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Lobbies for increased access to information and implementation of 2009 library legislation Holds elections every March, with two-year term limits o Association of Libraries Headed by national librarian Purpose: coordinate oblast library activities with Ministry of Culture Budget: 2-3 federal grants/year o Association of Librarians Organizes library day celebrations Receives small federal grants for seminars and trainings Publishes “Bibliopulse” library journal semiannually Perceptions: Libraries are full of outdated materials; improving reference services and attracting more patrons has not been enough of a priority Not enough material is available in languages other than Russian or Kyrgyz National library4: National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic (NLKR), based in Bishkek – one of the largest libraries in Central Asia o Serves roughly 1,250 readers daily Has staff of 320 Coordinates biannual trainings for oblast librarians A member of international librarianship organizations like IFLA and BAE Library collection includes 6 million documents in 90 languages, 14 specialized reading halls with 1,000 seats, and 24 departments Federally funded—in general libraries have no reliable funding to add books to collection Legal and Budgetary Status of Public Libraries: Legal status o Library legislation passed in 1992, executive order on culture signed with specific provision on libraries in 2009 2009 executive order set new base salaries for librarians reflecting knowledge and experience, but revolution postponed implementation Libraries reportedly lost 50% of budget after revolution5 o Libraries in Kyrgyzstan are legally allowed to charge for services and generate income for the library o Lobbying: 4 5
Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI). “National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan).” O’Connor, Meaghan. Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System. (2010)
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KLIC was a key player in the 2009 parliamentary hearing that led to revised statutes for libraries under executive order on culture. In recent push for revisions to intellectual property law (the state is considering Russian law), KLIC is conducting a seminar with the state agency to provide information about different laws around the world, stressing the importance of enabling free access to information.
Budgetary status o The National Library, Children & Youth Library, and Oblast libraries are federally funded .4-.5% of national budget allocated to Ministry of Culture (under which libraries fall) o The Raion, City, and Village libraries are funded through local government budgets Often don’t have adequate funding for new materials, professional development, or Source: “Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System,” capital expenditures: Meaghan O’Connor, 2010 just library salaries and daily operations However, there are examples of local administrations that have secured public funding for libraries6 o Librarian salary average: 2,500 som/month, about $53 (2010 values). o Salary same for similar positions (i.e. “Director”), regardless of library type/scope of work or librarian experience. This practice is criticized by librarians, lobbied against
Librarian Training and Development: There is no nationally coordinated training for librarians o Oblast librarians travel to Bishkek 1-2 times/year for training. Raion and village librarians travel to oblast library 1-2 times/year for training. 6
In 2009, local administration funded a new building in Novo Pokrovka with a library, cultural center, aikido office, and enough funding for new materials each year. Source: O’Connor, Meaghan. Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System. (2010)
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Subjects covered: modernization of libraries, library marketing, preparation for Victory Day events. Technology not covered KLIC conducts trainings on book preservation for rural librarians, and funds other regional trainings
Information Access Landscape: Internet penetration among highest in Central Asia o 20% of population uses internet, 3.98% of households have computers, 3.20% households have internet7 o Internet access mostly free of control, but dependent on neighboring countries like Kazakhstan. Because of Kazakh internet policy, Kyrgyztelecom, main provider in Kyrgyzstan, is subject to internet filtering by Kazakhtelecom.8 o Rural residents often live in remote villages that are difficult to reach because of the mountainous terrain. Many settlements isolated in the winter by deep snow and treacherous roads.9 Result: poor digital connectivity/infrastructure in rural areas, patchy electricity Recent high growth of mobile communications, but unimproved quality of online state services over last five years.10 o April 2012 update: Kyrgyzstan 115th in the annual ranking of ICT development in the world according to World Economic Forum & ITAR-TASS for Global Information Technology Report 2010-201111 o Quality of Kyrgyzstan’s e-government services declined consistently since 2004.12 From 2010 to 2012, World E-Government development ranking fell from 91 to 99.13 6,380 public access centers with little content in languages other than Russian and Kyrgyz14 o 289 public libraries, 58 with ICT o 11 telecenters, all with ICT, located in rural areas (more research needed to confirm this TASCHA statistic) o 6,000 cybercafes, all with ICT o 80 “E-clubs,” all with ICT Existing ICT infrastructure favors two largest cities, Osh and Bishkek
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International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Kyrgyzstan. (2010) Open Net Initiative. Kyrgyzstan. (2010) 9 Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA). Public Access Landscape Study Summary: Kyrgyzstan. (2009) 10 Civil Initiative on Internet Policy. Kyrgyzstan. 11 AKIpress News Agency (Kyrgyzstan). “Kyrgyzstan takes 115 place in annual ranking on ICT development in the world.” (2012) 12 Civil Initiative on Internet Policy. Kyrgyzstan. 13 United Nations (UN). E-Government Survey. (2012) 14 Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA). Public Access Landscape Study Summary: Kyrgyzstan. (2009) 8
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Push for privatization of telecommunications services (like Kyrgyztelecom) to increase competition in ICT sector & decrease user access fees15
Government ICT Administrative Structure: Under Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Center of ICT Development registered by Ministry of Justice16 ICT Program for Development17 o Governed by an executive body authorized by the Kyrgyz government This coalition conducts analytical work about the status of ICT development and summarizes ICT expenditures for accounting purposes. o Financial reviews (of ICT Program for Development) conducted by ICT Council, which provides recommendations to Kyrgyz government. o Embeds ICT staff in all public agencies o Funded by ICT Development Fund Provides financial support to national, social, scientific-technical and educational projects in ICT area Funds come from state budget, non-budgetary resources, credits, investments and commercial funds Government ICT Policies: Law on Freedom of Access to Information, 1997 o Under “competence” of state authorities and local self-governance bodies o Emphasizes that publically accessible information should in fact be available to public and local self-governing bodies18 First National ICT Summit, April 2001 National Strategy on Information and Communication Technologies for Development of the Kyrgyz Republic proposed, 2002: o State declared ICT development a national priority. Reviewed by ICT Council and approved by president in 2003. o Includes action plans and ICT strategies to encourage development of e-government, e-education, and e-economy. o Under joint program between the government and international organizations, 95 percent of central government bodies, as well as 50 percent of local ones, are connected to the Internet and now provide online information about their services. 19 Kyrgyz Republic Law «On electrical and postal communication»
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Ibid. UNESCO. Country Readiness Report Kyrgyzstan. (2002) 17 UNPAN. National Strategy, Information and Communication Technologies for Development in the Kyrgyz Republic. 18 Open Society Institute. Joint Regional Report on Access to Public Finance Information, (2009) 19 Open Net Initiative. Kyrgyzstan. (2010) 16
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o Ensures equal access to information resources, addresses problem of “balanced development” in telecommunication infrastructure
Government ICT Programs: Upcoming telecommunications “tasks” outlined in 2007-2010 PRSP: o Construction of main fiber-optic communication line o Telephone installation in marginalized settlements (556 in 2007) o Full coverage of the Republic by TV and broadcasting; o Implementation of the 2002 National ICT Strategy (mentioned in previous section) Public Access Centers Project (part of 2002 Universal Access Strategy) o Incorporates post offices as access to information points for regions with poorly developed telecommunication infrastructure o “Internet in Each Village” program20 Provides access to government agencies & electronic services Digital Telecasting Project21 o Seeks to reduce rural-urban information gap, hopes to have completed transition by 2015 Public Access Partners: World Bank & EBRD o Helped fund Kyrgyztelecom o Has provided small grants to KLIC, attended KLIC conferences22 Soros Foundation/Open Society Institute (OSI) o Supplied expertise on designing ICT regulatory environment o Hold conferences on ICT, access to information o Started union catalog of Kyrgyz library materials, co-funds KLIC (library consortium) conferences23 Eurasia Foundation o Provided major support for creation of union calendar of Kyrgyz library materials24 NATO o Internet connectivity project providing educational institutions, libraries, and hospitals with ICT and satellite equipment25 UNDP 20
AKIpress News Agency (Kyrgyzstan). “ICT development in Kyrgyzstan is crucial element in recovery of national economy - President Bakiev.” (2009) 21 Ibid. 22 O’Connor, Meaghan. Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System. (2010) 23 Ibid. 24 Ibid. 25 Ukrainian Times, 2003
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o Supplied expertise on designing ICT regulatory environment o Public Access Points (PAP) project (partnered with SOROS and IREX) Provide free Internet and ICT training for individuals and civil society organizations Facilitate communication between government and citizens USAID o Established e-centers in rural areas through Last Mile Initiative (LMI project) UNOPS (Nordic Trust Funds) IREX o Community Connections Program clearly beneficial for both training librarians in better management of library physical resources and improving communication between libraries and government bodies.26 Internews o Helped develop National ICT Strategy GIPI (Global Internet Policy Initiative)27 o Simplify ICT licensing system o Work with Kyrgyzstan Lawyer’s Association to draft ICT legislation o Hold conferences with other stakeholders including OSI, Ministry of Transport and Communications, UNDP JICA o Established National IT Information center Aga Khan Foundation o Has “Reading for Children” project that produced Kyrgyz-language children’s books, trained parents in reading techniques, and established network of rural minilibraries.28
Sources: Aga Khan Foundation, “Rural Development in Kyrgyzstan.” http://www.akdn.org/rural_developsment/kyrgyzstan.asp AKIpress News Agency (Kyrgyzstan). “ICT development in Kyrgyzstan is crucial element in recovery of national economy - President Bakiev.” (2009) http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ICT+development+in+Kyrgyzstan+is+crucial+element+in+reco very+of...-a0213065513 AKIpress News Agency (Kyrgyzstan). “Kyrgyzstan takes 115 place in annual ranking on ICT development in the world.” (2012)
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O’Connor, Meaghan. Field Assessment of Kyrgyz Public Library System. (2010) GIPI. Highlights, Progress Report: First Quarter 2002. (2002) 28 Aga Khan Foundation, “Rural Development In Kyrgyzstan.” 27
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http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Kyrgyzstan+takes+115+place+in+annual+ranking+on+ICT+dev elopment+in...-a0285298174 Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI). “National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan).” https://www.zsi.at/object/partner/1895 Civil Initiative on Internet Policy. Kyrgyzstan. http://www.gipi.kg/ GIPI. Progress Report First Quarter 2002: Highlights ro-gateway.ro/node/185929/comfile/download/GIPI-1Q-2002.pdf Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 2007-2010. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2007/cr07193.pdf International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Kyrgyzstan. (2010) http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/icteye/DisplayCountry.aspx?code=KYR Open Net Initiative. Kyrgyzstan Profile. (2010) opennet.net/research/profiles/Kyrgyzstan Open Society Institute. Joint Regional Report on Access to Public Finance Information, (2009) http://right2info.org/resources/publications/publications/Report%20on%20AP%20Finance%2 0Info.pdf Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA). Measuring Global Public Access to ICT: Landscape Study Summary Reports from 25 Countries Around the World. (2009) https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/bitstream/handle/1773/16292/TASCHA_Go mez_MeasuringPublicAccess_2009.pdf Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA). Public Access Landscape Study Summary: Kyrgyzstan. (2009) http://faculty.washington.edu/rgomez/projects/landscape/countryreports/Kyrgyzstan/1Page_Kyrgyzstan.pdf UNESCO. Country Readiness Report Kyrgyzstan. (2002) http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/publications.php?akt=id&st=adv&id=391&lg=en UNESCO. Education (all levels) profile – Kyrgyzstan, UNESCO Institute for Statistics in Brief. (2010) http://stats.uis.unesco.org/unesco/TableViewer/document.aspx?ReportId=121&IF_Language =eng&BR_Country=4160&BR_Region=40505 United Nations (UN). E-Government Survey. (2012) http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan048065.pdf UNPAN. National Strategy, Information and Communication Technologies for Development in the Kyrgyz Republic http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN012317.pdf These backgrounders was prepared as a part of the Beyond Access Initiative and attempt to provide an accurate picture of the state of access to libraries, ICT venues, and other sources of information in the states they profile. After establishing the historical background of these venues, special attention is paid to innovative library and ICT programs and partnerships that seek to break down the unique barriers to access faced by each country. The backgrounders used the most recent information available, encompassing academic and government reports, news articles, and commentary from bloggers and other online resources.
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