The paper discusses 13 public library projects supported by the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP). The services aim to meet farmers’ information needs in developing and transition economy countries, by using information and communication technology (ICT). In some instances, these services provided farmers with their first experience of ICT.  Farmers benefited from learning new technology skills; increased opportunities to exchange knowledge with peers, and increased access to information.

The paper includes in-depth discussion of six public library services operating in different regional and economic contexts: two from the Balkan region (European Union candidate countries); two from the Baltic States (European Union transition economy countries), and two from East Africa (fast developing economies).

The paper was presented at the 80th IFLA World Library and Information Congress (Lyon, France 2014).