The Computers for Libraries program was initiated by Industry Canada as a companion program to an existing Computers for Schools program. Industry Canada entered into negotiations with the Heritage and Libraries Branch to administer the program, and the Branch released a Computers for Libraries Ontario program, including criteria and an application form, to all Ontario public and First Nations libraries in May 1995. Computers for Libraries provides surplus computers, printers, software and other information technology equipment to Ontario public and First Nations libraries. Other libraries are not eligible under the program.
Surplus computers are from federal and provincial government and private sector sources.
The program would not be possible without the invaluable work of Telephone Pioneers volunteers. Telephone Pioneers are retired or active telecommunications sector workers. They pick up surplus computers, check and refurbish them at warehouse locations, and make them available to public libraries by arranging shipments or pick-ups. Shipments are made possible through telecommunications and other companies that have volunteered their shipping services. Industry Canada has mandated that public libraries are to receive at least Pentium surplus computers in recognition of the public access role public libraries provide.