PIC Croatia opens at the National University Library (NSK), March 10, 2004

The World Bank and the National and University Library (NSK) entered into a long term partnership in January 2004 to open PIC Croatia on the fourth floor of the NSK. This partnership will enable students, researchers and citizens to obtain timely and accurate information on development issues of their interest as well as specific World Bank project related documents, studies, analysis and other publications. Centrally located in the heart of Zagreb as part of the NSK, PIC Croatia will also serve as a focal point for discussion and a platform to share information and ideas on a wide range of development topics.

WHO CAN USE THE PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER?

Public Information Centers are open to the public. No fee is required to use the PIC. Users can access information from the Internet and thousands of World Bank publications and other development related materials.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?

The Public Information Center's services include:

• Online access to World Bank project documents, reports, and publications.
• Access to development and research sites on the Internet.
• Access to a special collection of CDs and videotapes on development.
• Access to development-related publications by international institutions, governments, and NGOs.
• Access to an extensive cataloguing system (Global JOLIS) that allows users to see the collection of around 60 World Bank PICs around the world.

WHAT REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Among the Reports and Documents available at the Public Information Center are:

• Project Information Documents (PIDs). These are documents that give brief summaries of evolving projects. They are updated and expanded as the project preparation proceeds.
• Project Appraisal Documents (PADs). These contain descriptions of a project and the plan for its implementation, including procurement procedures. They are made available to the public after presentation to the Board.
• Economic Sector Reports. These include macroeconomic analysis of Croatia's economy, analyses of major economic sectors and other reports on specific issues, such as poverty assessments, etc.
• Environmental Assessments (EAs). EAs are detailed studies required for projects likely to have significant impact on the environment. Such studies are available before the final appraisal of the viability of the project.
• Loan (or Development Credit) Agreements. These are records of loan amounts and terms and conditions on which the loan is made. They also record the borrower's general commitment to the project objectives. They are made available to the public after the loan agreement is signed and declared effective or ready for disbursement.
• Bidding and consultant documents. These provide guidelines for borrowers and their implementing agencies in the procurement of goods, works and consulting services.
• UN Development Business. A United Nations publication that publishes general procurement notices for goods, works, and services to be procured through international competitive bidding for each Bank-financed project.

WORLD BANK PUBLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS ONLINE

Many World Bank reports, publications, and other documents related to Croatia are available online  to read free of charge.


PURCHASING WORLD BANK PUBLICATIONS

World Bank reports and publications on Croatia are also available for purchase online.


WORLD BANK DEPOSITORY LIBRARIES IN CROATIA

Besides the NSK location, World Bank reports and publications are also available at two depository libraries in Croatia.

 List and location of depository libraries

Assistance at the PIC will be provided during opening hours by the NSK staff. The World Bank Public Affairs Assistant will be available on a permanent basis by email or by telephone (+ 385 (1) 2357 297). http://www.worldbank.hr/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/CROATIAEXTN/0,,menuPK:301288~pagePK:141132~piPK:64025829~theSitePK:301245,00.html