Background Information on American Corners

(Updated: August 2009)

The American Corners concept originally developed and successfully implemented by Public Diplomacy staff in Russia and they provide a multi-functional programming platform that tells America’s story to larger audiences.

What is American Corner?
American corner is a partnership between the U.S. government and host country.  A U.S. Embassy and a host-country institution sponsor it.  An American Corner serves as an information outpost similar to a public library reform service.

American Corners in Ethiopia
Currently, the Public Affairs Section has 4 functional American Corner Libraries in Ethiopia.  They are located in Harar, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa and Jimma regional towns. 

• The Harar American Corner was officially opened in December 2004 and it is hosted by the Harar College of Teachers Education (formerly known as the Harar Teachers Training Institute - TTI). 

• The Bahir Dar American Corner was established in April 2005 and it is hosted by Aba Mengesha Geneme Public Library and Information Resource Center managed by the Jerusalem Children and Community Development Organization (JeCCDO).  Background information on JeCCDO can be found from their website: http://www.jeccdoethiopia.org/Home.html

• The Dire Dawa American Corner was established in May 2007 and it is hosted by the Dire Dawa Public Library under the supervision of the Dire Dawa Culture and Tourism Bureau.

• The Jimma American Corner was established in October 2008 and its grand opening got coverage on America.gov  http://www.america.gov/st/foraid-english/2008/October/20081027182543cpataruk0.3349224.html?CP.rss=true  This AC is hosted by the Jimma City Public Library under the immediate supervision of the Jimma City Tourism and Culture Office. 

American Corners: Bringing America’s Message to the World
American Corners are dedicated information spaces hosted by different partner institutions in libraries with public access worldwide.  They help introduce visitors to the true story of the United States.  By providing a multifunctional platform for public diplomacy programs and offering access to print, multimedia, and other materials, the American Corners help maintain open dialogue, counteract negative preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding.  They represent the nation’s long –standing commitment to spread the ideas and values of American democracy and civil society.

The Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) collaborates with Department of State regional bureaus, embassies, and other diplomatic posts, to provide support and direction for developing American Corners worldwide.  IIP’s expertise shapes these information outposts and helps embassies develop programs that educate people about the United States.

Building a Network of Communication
Currently, there are 413 American Corners: 164 in Europe and Eurasia, 59 in East Asia, 75 in Africa, 43 in South and Central Asia, 50 in the Middle East, and 22 in Latin America.  Enthusiasm for American Corners continues to grow as more visitors are exposed to their benefits.

Opening a Window to America
Often located outside of capital cities, American Corners introduce an American presence to residents with limited exposure to American culture and ideals.

Most American Corners offer collections of books, magazines, music, and on-and-off line databases with information from and about the United States.  Most offer access to computers and television, and many have Digital Video Conference capabilities, thus affording embassies a unique opportunity of “bring” American speakers to remote locations.

Promoting American Voices
The heart of an American Corner is its commitment to provide public diplomacy programs that engage various local audiences: visiting speakers discuss U.S. global policies; exchange students share their experiences in the United States; Digital Video Conferences cover sensitive but important issues such as HIV/AIDS and human trafficking.  IIP-created poster shows and other exhibits illustrate the diversity of American society.

Forging Lasting Relationships
American Corners are partnerships with local institutions – the private sector; public libraries, universities, chambers of commerce, NGOs that foster ties between Americans and local professionals working together to inform newly influential audiences about the United States.

Through its field-based corps of Information Resource Officers and its Office of Information Resources, IIP provides the professional expertise to evaluate host institutions, identify appropriate information resources, and train both embassy and American Corner staff.  IIP publications, electronic products, and speakers are central to the American Corners’ continued success as a proven dynamic public diplomacy resource.