EIFL has been working in Kyrgyzstan since 1999. We supported the creation of the Kyrgyzstan Library Information Consortium (KLIC), and through this partnership, libraries in Kyrgyzstan have gained access to a wide range of scholarly e-resources for their users. EIFL agreements with publishers also allow authors in Kyrgyzstan to publish in open access in hybrid or fully open access journals at waived or discounted Article Processing Charges (APCs). They also benefit from EIFL programmes on open access, copyright and innovation in public libraries.
EIFL has helped to raise awareness about open access through workshops and support for advocacy. We provided assistance for copyright law reform that resulted in changes for the benefit of libraries and educational institutions. We supported ratification by Kyrgyzstan in 2017 of the Marrakesh Treaty for persons with print disabilities, its implementation into copyright law, and we initiated the first cross-border transfer of an accessible format book to Kyrgyzstan (from Canada) under the Marrakesh Treaty.
EIFL also engaged with public libraries in Kyrgyzstan, supporting an innovative project to enable them to meet health information needs in their communities.