Македонски  Click here to enter the local language website

Follow this link to view a video of INFOBUS in action

Location
- Štip, Macedonia

Population served
-  20,000

Implementer
- Goce Delcev Public Library

Primary funder
- Ministry of Culture

Other contributors
- Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation
- Foundation Open Society Institute-Macedonia
- Turkish Embassy in Skopje (books)
- The Vlav League (books)
- Goce Delcev Public Library (books, administration)
- Next Page Foundation, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Tolmin Public Library, Tolmin, Slovenia


Operational
- Since 2003

Users
- Students: Elementary, Secondary
- Teachers
- Adults
- Farmers and/or families of farmers
- Pensioners/Elderly
- Skilled workers
- Unskilled workers
- Unemployed: Men and Women
- Groups with special needs: Physical and sensory disabilities

Communities served
- Štip, Makedonka, Tri Cheshmi, Krivi Dol, Vrsakovo, Karbinci, Kozjak, Argulica, Tarinci, Kaluzlija, Parnalija, Junizlija, Dolni Balvan, Krupishte, ChardaklijaRadanje, Karaorman, Dolani, Lakavica, Selce

Languages
- Macedonian
- Turkish
- Serbian
- Vlav
- English
- French
- German
- Roma

Collection
- Books: 8 languages
- Periodicals: 3 language
- Newspapers: 3 languages
- Magazines: 2 languages
- Audio-visual media: Cultural programs
- Audio-visual media: Professional skills training
- VHS films/documentaries: 3 languages
- Computer programs
- Local government: Programs and Services: 3 languages
- Non-governmental organizations: Programs and Services: 3 languages
- Schools: Projects and Announcements: 4 languages


Activities
- Reader services
- Reference service
- Lending library
- Story-telling
- General education
- Family education
- Public health education and information resources
- Civic education resource point
- Local government resource point
- Multimedia resource centre
- Computer word processing and educational training
- User education
- Further development of cultural programs; “mobile classrooms”; public lectures; information communications technologies



ICT Status
- Books (print)
- Audio-visual media (cassette tapes, videos)
- Personal computers for keeping records and users
- Networked to main library
- (OPAC) Online Public Access Catalogue

Internet Connectivity Solution
- Dial up access currently in use                                                                        - Exploring GPRS mobile technology

APPROACH


The InfoBus-Macedonia crew went about its preparation methodically. A survey of the status of ethnic groups and information needs in the communities led to further interaction with local government, heads of schools, and community groups. The analysis enabled the InfoBus crew to schedule fortnightly visits to the main villages of Štip and Karbinci municipalities. Communication and collaboration with non-governmental organizations is ongoing to make full use of the information communication technology potential on board the vehicle.

 

The InfoBus-Macedonia crew organized press, audio, video and computer-based programs for use in InfoBus and for “Mobile classrooms”, where teachers may accompany InfoBus to offer lectures in public health and general education topics.

With educational and training programs for personal computers on board, InfoBus can serve to raise awareness of alcohol and drug abuse, unemployment, AIDS-HIV, family education, and agricultural and professional or business development. To replace the cultural deficit in the areas, children’s groups are keen to conduct theatre performances during regular stops.


BACKGROUND

Štip is located in eastern Macedonia in an area known for its textile industry and agricultural economy. The Goce Delcev/ Štip Public Library has played an integral role in the educational, scientific and cultural objectives of the cultural groups represented in the communities it serves. The library is a modern building with 200sqm of more than 140,000 monographs and one of the largest serial and periodical collections in Macedonia. All materials are processed according to ISBD (M) and ISBD (S) bibliographic standards. The library is currently re-establishing an automated section that may eventually position the library as a Digital Access Point through which users can access Internet, de-institutionalised information, long distance education, diversified content, training, and information support to citizens at all stages of their lives.

The country continues to experience a certain level of tension in the north, along with ongoing political transitions at the municipal level due to public administration reforms.
 

Last update: October 2005