Latvia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe developments and results of the Global Libraries Initiative project in Latvia, known as the “Father's Third Son” project, which started in 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an analysis of the results of the assessment of the impact of the “Father's Third Son” project so far among the public libraries of Latvia.

Findings

Public libraries in Latvia play an important role in reducing the digital divide. No one is left behind and the public library offers opportunities for everyone, with a library always in reach within 20 minutes. Survey data shows a high potential for public libraries to reduce social exclusion, especially in rural areas. The project team believes that after the full implementation of activities, every public library in Latvia will have competence, confidence, capacity and growing number of strong library supporters to advocate for sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper provides a wide range of improvement examples that can be easily transferred to other countries.

Citation

Paberza, K. (2012), "Latvia", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 44-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678041211228698