LIDA supports the strengthening of library and information services in developing countries and emerging economies by working in partnership with country stakeholders and development agencies. It has special expertise in the transformation of library services and dissemination of local content in the digital era.
Toward this goal, its team members have worked on projects and programmes funded by the Asian Development Bank, Department for Information Development (DFID) UK, European Development Fund, EU TACIS, EU TEMPUS, Mellon Foundation, Open Society Institute and the World Bank. In total, this work has supported the more effective deployment of over £25 million to libraries across the world. During 2006-7 MDR has provided consultancy services to the Global Libraries programme of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is also currently working with the eIFL Foundation on an EU TEMPUS project 'Syrelib' to increase the electronic competences and resources of higher education libraries in Syria.
The countries with which they have worked in this context include: Angola, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Lao PDR, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Ukraine and Uganda in addition to all of the New Member States of the European Union (including Bulgaria and Romania) and SouthEast Europe (including Albania and the new nations of the former Yugoslavia).
LIDA is especially well-placed to share experiences and best practices of usable and appropriate knowledge and expertise with developing countries. MDR's work in ICT research, development and implementation in EU-funded libraries projects and networks such as CALIMERA and PULMAN can be particularly relevant.