The EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) supports public libraries to provide new and innovative information services and digital technology training in developing and transition economy countries, where millions of people still do not have access to computers or the internet. Over the past 10 years, EIFL-PLIP has worked with 900 public libraries in more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

This article, published in International Leads, a publication of the International Relations Round Table of the American Library Association (ALA), discusses the approaches and strategies used by EIFL-PLIP to foster innovative services. These include grant-making, research, advocacy, capacity building and working with national library services and associations to support the introduction of systems for sustainable continuous professional development.