Libraries are normally quiet, but since the lockdowns imposed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, they are eerily still, with no sounds of pages turning from the normal students and voracious readers who normally visit.
Apart from standard library services (lending of books, study space, reference enquiries), other services that have been impacted include reading development programmes, holiday programmes and outreach activities.
In an attempt to fill the void created by the absence of such services, the City of Johannesburg’s Library Information Services (LIS) staff member Ferhaad Vally as well as other colleagues have been actively posting content on the Joburg Libraries Facebook page since April 2020.
Some of the content which Ferhaad has produced includes the following:
– ‘Ask a librarian’ series of videos posted every Friday. Some of the topics include ‘How to compile a bibliography’, ‘How to use a dictionary’ and ‘how to find information in a book.’ The aim of these videos is to fill the gap left by the curtailment of reading development and information literacy programmes such as the Battle of the Books and Science Scuffle, which have been offered to library users annually.
– Video presentations on notable authors and their works. For example, the ‘Gems of Africa’ and ‘Treasures of India’ presentations introduced viewers to notable African and Indian authors. This content is aimed at ensuring that readers are kept informed of good reading material and where possible referred to online copies of such material.
– Craft video presentations such as ‘How to make a paper star’ and ‘How to make a corner bookmark.’ These videos are aimed at demonstrating various craft activities to kids in particular. This has traditionally been a hallmark of library holiday programmes and has as such been curbed due to the pandemic.
– Monthly videos celebrating the theme for the month, for example the ‘Mandela Day celebration’ and ‘Women’s Day’ awareness videos. In this series of videos, Ferhaad has continued to engage with schools via electronic and telephonic interaction and sought to maintain their participation and support in library related services of which they have always been key role players. Several schools have submitted videos of some of their learners talking about ‘Lessons learnt from Madiba’ or ‘female role models.’
Ferhaad has edited and compiled these videos into short documentary-type films. He has been relishing his newfound skills such as video production and editing. In addition, it has given him the opportunity to continue to serve and engage (albeit virtually) with schools, learners and the general public. Ferhaad intends to continue these initiatives even when libraries reopen to the public.
All of the above content as well as other postings by other staff members can be followed on the Joburg libraries Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JoburgLibraries or @JoburgLibraries on Twitter.