The City’s Directorate of Libraries, which oversees all municipal libraries has clinched the 2020 Public Library Innovation Award for its #Covid-19 Facebook digital video series.

The award was granted by an international non-profit organisation, Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL), which works with libraries to enable access to knowledge for education, learning, research and sustainable community development. The EIFL supports libraries in developing countries in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America.

 

Joburg libraries were recognised for their contribution to providing remote digital library services during the Covid-19 lockdown, which restricted public movement, including library visits.

The City’s digital video series featured reading development, the use of cellphone applications at home as well as access to online content for e-learning and for personal development.

“This award is dedicated to all our library users who access our services from home or through library visits. You are our priority, you matter,” says Cllr Margaret Arnolds, the MMC for Community Development.

The MMC says librarians who answered the call to be creative, think outside the box and contribute ideas, content and digital multimedia technology are the real heroes.

“A special acknowledgement goes to the e-Learning Manager who championed this initiative. A big thanks to all senior management who encouraged library staff to participate in the video series and the Facebook admin for coordinating the submission, editing and managing the video series,” she explains.

The EIFL accolade recognises the City’s innovative use of digital technology to improve people’s lives. It also acknowledges the work of all library staff who responded to the call for online services during the hard lockdown.

Cllr Arnolds commends all City librarians who used their personal resources, including computers, smart devices and Internet connectivity to enable remote digital learning during last year’s hard lockdown.

“This shows dedication to serving Joburg communities,” she adds.

She says the recognition of the City’s digital exploits bodes well for the overarching municipal strategy to transform the organisation into a smart, digital City.

“Our strategy is to encourage tech innovations and new ways of providing library services post-Covid-19,” she notes.