US EMBASSY TO OPEN GROUNDBREAKING REGIONAL LIBRARY INFORMATION CENTER IN GOBUSTAN REGION

7 February, 2005

On February 8, at 9:30 a.m., the US Embassy in Azerbaijan will officially open its Regional Library Information Center (RLIC) in the central library of Maraza, Gobustan region. Attending the event will be representatives of the US Embassy, the US Department of State, International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), the Gobustan Cultural Department, the library, and the community. The center-which houses four new, Internet-connected computers, printer, scanner, and generator-is maintained by an IREX site monitor with IT and training skills who will work with the community to fully utilize these resources. This will be the first location in the entire region to provide a connection to the World Wide Web. As part of the RLIC program, the center will provide the library and community at large with free Internet access, training in fundamental IT skills, seminars on various topics, and access to a network of more than 20 Internet centers throughout Azerbaijan.

The Regional Library Information Center's program is a program of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan and is administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board. RLIC supports the revitalization of regional libraries with the use of information technology. Launched in September 2004, the program will provide services to over 14 Azerbaijani libraries.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Press is invited to the event. For additional information please contact the US Embassy press service at 498 03 35/36/37.