The Izmirlian Foundation Continuous Supporting YSU Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library

Fostering an enabling environment for improved information literacy, learning and social cohesion by rehabilitating and furnishing Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library reading hall of Exact Sciences

Recognizing the role and impact of academic institutions in supporting development agendas of countries in transition as well as the paramount importance of public access to information, communication and research infrastructure, the Izmirlian Foundation in cooperation with Yerevan State University (YSU) is scaling up the project on “Transforming YSU Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library Infrastructure” aiming to upgrade Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library facilities serving a large community of students and researchers, in line with international standards.

Among the first large-scale initiatives implemented by the Izmirlian Foundation in Armenia was the support to the Yerevan State University Library in its technical and content enhancement. In 1996 the Foundation played a crucial role in the reconstruction and technical upgrade of the library building, which was later named in memory of Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian. In 2018, Izmirlian Foundation supported the reconstruction of the main lobby of Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library. In 2019, the Izmirlian Foundation in cooperation with Yerevan State University supported the capital renovation of the Philology reading hall of the library transforming it into a quality-learning environment as per international standards and making it accessible for people with disabilities. The library has around 16,000 readers and the renovation of the reading hall has significantly increased the flow of students currently hosting from 300 to 400 people on a daily basis.

With this latest initiative, the Izmirlian Foundation in cooperation with Yerevan State University aims at fostering an enabling environment for improved information literacy, learning and social cohesion by rehabilitating and furnishing Sarkis and Marie Izmirlian Library reading hall of Exact Sciences.

Project direct beneficiaries include students, professors, researchers of YSU faculty of Exact Sciences, and YSU other students as well as students from other universities/institutes.

The Izmirlian Foundation has been implementing numerous charitable and development projects in education, healthcare, social, innovation and tourism sectors in Armenia and Artsakh since 1990 with the aim of supporting the socio-economic development of Armenia and Artsakh. The Izmirlian Foundation remains committed to continuing to implement varied philanthropic projects moving forward in line with Armenia’s ongoing challenges and developments.