Embassy of the United States

Embassy Information

Embassy Events

DIGITAL VIDEO CONFERENCE ON THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S (ALA) SISTER LIBRARIES PROGRAM
October 2, 2006

The U.S. Embassy hosted a digital video conference via the Internet on the ALA Sister Libraries Program, on October 2. Mr. Hector Marino, Coordinator of Computer and Technical Services and Deputy Director of the Des Plaines Illinois Public Library, talked about the institutional exchange benefits for participant libraries. The audience that participated from the Embassy in Buenos Aires was joined by colleagues from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua y Uruguay, who watched the video conference through Internet.

This event was co-sponsored by the Argentine Librarians Association.

Sister Libaries information:
Sarah Ann Long implemented this program during her administration as President of the American Library Association (1999–2000). There are many reasons to build a partnership with a library in another country.  These include:

• Promote awareness of the library and its international "reach."
• Exchange information between libraries.
• Improve access to published information in both countries.
• Raise awareness of issues and needs facing libraries in various countries.
• Share techniques and technologies to help solve problems.