Why Central America?

Using a global measure, Guatemala and Honduras have Human Development Indices* that compared with other nations of Latin America, show both countries at the lowest levels of development in the region.

Despite the presence of national and/or municipal library networks, the lack of priority placed on them is reflected by the limited investment and sparse legislation allotted to their development.

Yet, we see a trend among Central American governments to acknowledge the importance of opening access to public information and of transparency of information systems. This presents an opportunity for institutions working in the field of public libraries.

Of all the libraries in Honduras, 41% belong to the Riecken Network. In Guatemala, the Riecken Network represents 11% of all public libraries.