Internet Access and Training Program (IATP)

The 25 IATP access sites represented in all 24 oblasts and the Republic of Crimea provide access to Internet resources and computers and Internet usage to local audiences, including alumni. IATP helps build targeted community electronic resources. In addition, IATP develops and maintains the community's role in the global information infrastructure.

IATP is a program of the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA), US Department of State, funded under the Freedom Support Act (FSA). IATP is administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).

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Global Libraries

During 2008, IREX will work closely with the Ukrainian Library Association, governments at the national and local levels, and non-governmental organizations to jointly design a plan that brings the Internet to the millions of Ukrainians not currently served by the benefits of access. This yearlong information gathering process will focus on how to improve access to the Internet through public libraries, especially for the most underserved. Activities include:

• Conducting a needs assessment in close partnership with the Ukrainian Library Association.  This process will gather basic information about the state of Ukraine’s public libraries, existing infrastructure and equipment, and the training and information needs of librarians and communities.
• Convening a National Vision Forum to bring together key stakeholders and decision-makers in defining a program mission and securing government involvement. Participants from library systems in other countries will share their experience with providing public Internet access, and help identify areas of the greatest potential impact in Ukraine.
• Establishing a National Steering Committee consisting of representatives from government, the library system, civil society, and the private sector to discuss the main challenges in providing public access to the Internet at libraries and to advise the project on how to generate the necessary government and community support to sustain this access over the long term.
• Coordinating with the U.S. Embassy’s Library Electronic Access Project (LEAP) and the USAID-funded Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) to build on past efforts, exchange best practices, and identify areas for collaboration.

These activities will result in a plan for a large-scale project that improves public access to the Internet in Ukraine.

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