Electronic Information for Libraries

The Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) is a non-profit organisation that works with libraries around the world to enable people to access and use information for education, learning, research, and sustainable community development, though digital technologies. The EIFL network includes library consortia in 47 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe, representing more than 3000 libraries.

To achieve its aim, EIFL undertakes a series of activities in the following areas: building capacity by organising training events, developing tools and resources, and providing up-to-date information of issues that affect access to knowledge; advocating for access to knowledge nationally and internationally; encouraging knowledge sharing through peer-to-peer learning, best practice case studies, and annual conferences; and initiating pilot projects for innovative library services. 

Some of the programme currently run by the organisation include: the Licensing Programme (which negotiates affordable access to commercial e-resources), the Copyright and Libraries Programme (which advocates for national and international copyright law reform), the Open Access Programme (dedicated to removing barriers to knowledge by advocating for the adoption of open access policies and by buidling the capacity to launch and sustain open access repositories and journals), and the Public Library Innovation Programme (enables public libraries to implement innovative ideas that involve the use of technology to improve people’s lives).