COMMUNITY BROADBAND LIBRARIES
In 2006, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) identified the provision of broadband internet access to libraries as a project to be implemented by under the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme.
The purpose of the implementation is to provide Internet access to consumers in underserved areas throughout the country. Initially, the focus of the project is to assist libraries in providing facilities to the marginalized community of digital development in rural areas through access to communication and training.
In accordance with the plans and targets set under the National Broadband Implementation Plan and the MyICMS 886 Strategy, the implementation of this project is expected to open up digital opportunities to rural communities. This project also aims to expand the functions of library staff from only focusing on the physical books and resources in a library's possesion to encompass electronic and internet-based resources and thus empowering them to be an agent of change in improving the socio economic conditions of society through new ways of learning facilitated by the Internet.
Libraries have been selected based on information received from the Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia and respective State Library Corporations. SKMM has appointed the Public Works Department (PWD) for the purpose of monitoring Community Broadband Libraries projects.
In 2006, 78 libraries located in 89 underserved districts were shortlisted for the Community Broadband Library Initiative under the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme. After a thorough assessment was conducted of proposals submitted 44 libraries were selected for implementation...
