About 60 public libraries of Moldova will be transformed into knowledge centers and equipped with 2-4 computers and Internet access within the pilot program Global Libraries in Moldova that was launched on May 23, Info-Prim Neo reports. The project is an initiative of the International Research and Exchange Council (IREX) implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, and the e-Government Center. Within the pilot program over two years, there will be assessed the possibilities of facilitating the population’s access to information technology. Public consultations will be held on how an online library can be used. There will be organized training seminars for librarians and created five Regional Formation Centers that will train over 60 librarians so that the potential of the new technological resources could be used to the maximum for the community’s benefit. In order to support the objectives of the program, the company Microsoft, which is a partner of the Global Libraries Initiative at world level, will donate software to the value of about US$300,000 to public libraries of Moldova. “We live in a world where knowledge determines performance. That’s why we must ensure access to knowledge. In this respect, we need a concerted effort and support. I’m sure that after these two years, we will not only ascertain the results, but will also be prepared to continue this project,” Prime Minister Vlad Filat said in the launch. “The Moldovan citizens will have free access to computers and Internet at local public libraries and will be offered assistance by the librarians who will be trained,” said Evan Tracz, director of the Global Libraries program in Moldova. The libraries that will receive equipment and other details to organize the program will be selected in the near future. The program is implemented with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development.