SLA is partnering with World Computer Exchange (WCE) to facilitate the donation of computer equipment by SLA members, help improve information literacy, and advance information access and professionalism in developing nations.

“It’s easy for those of us in the most developed economies to take for granted our access to information in the public domain—we log onto our computers at home, in our offices, we even carry them in our pockets and purses,” said SLA Chief Executive Officer Janice R. Lachance. “But many people in developing parts of the world can only dream of that,” Lachance said. “SLA is perfectly positioned to work with WCE to bridge the digital divide.”

WCE is an international, educational nonprofit working through non-governmental organizations. It solicits and accepts donated computers and refurbishes, prepares, and ships them to projects in developing nations—mainly schools, libraries, and academic institutions. A network of WCE volunteers provides online support to maintain the computers, train teachers, and encourage the development of local content and resources.

“SLA Chapters will work with WCE members, soliciting donations of computers and the financial resources needed to ship them abroad,” said Barbie Keiser, a member of the SLA Washington, D.C. Chapter’s International Relations Committee, which is spearheading the partnership. “Our active, global member network is aware of libraries and information projects in parts of the world that would benefit greatly from even a small number of computers being installed and used. We look forward to exploring how we can share our knowledge about finding, using, and developing quality information resources with WCE project leaders in these regions.”

For more information about the partnership, contact Barbie Keiser on +1.703.823.4085 or barbieelene@att.net.

For more about WCE, visit www.worldcomputerexchange.org.

The SLA/WCE Partnership Agreement is available for review.