AKIPRESS.COM - The closing ceremony of the project "Library Without Borders" took place on December 13. The project was launched by the Australian Embassy in collaboration with the National Library of Mongolia and the Mongolian Library Association in September 2022 to support the development of local libraries, Montsame reports.

Financial aid from the Australian Embassy helped to enrich public libraries in 21 provinces with new books, organize capacity-building training for librarians, and use technological advances to expand cooperation. A team of library specialists organized capacity-building training based on need analysis.

The Australian Embassy in Mongolia has continuously invested in the library, education and information sector and has successfully implemented projects to bring best library practices to Mongolia through the initiative of Australia Awards Scholarship alumni. The "Beyond Books" project was implemented in 2018-2019 to introduce community library practice in the capital's remote districts, and "Australian Corner" room opened in the Children's Central Library in 2019-2020.

Ambassador of Australia to Mongolia Katie Smith noted that the project covered 17 provinces of Mongolia, where more than 800 librarians were trained. She expressed hope that residents will benefit from more accessible and improved library services as a result of a project.

"The National Library of Mongolia is committed to providing the methodology to all public libraries, but we faced challenges in reaching public libraries in 21 provinces to share experiences and organize training. Now, we are one step closer to our goal - developing an online platform to introduce and standardize a program reflecting the main trends in library development in all local libraries. The online platform has a dual purpose to attract public attention to the library issue. The project aimed to teach our librarians the best ways to stay up-to-date on the latest library trends," Director of the National Central Library B. Ichinkhorloo said.