Several libraries in the city are embracing digital transformation, and Randburg Library is an excellent example. The library, which is in Region B on the corners of Bram Fischer Drive and Selkirk Avenue, Randburg, has a committed team of librarians to steer its digital transformation.
It has successfully implemented mobile literacy programmes and has various digital educational programmes.
Matete Lesele, the senior librarian, says the team has had to move from the traditional way of thinking about activities and programmes to realise the importance of the fourth industrial revolution. He says it’s something “we can’t run away from”.
Lesele’s interest was sparked after he was introduced to the City’s e-learning champions in 2017. Shortly thereafter, he was selected to complete a mobile literacy course.
“It opened our eyes to the possibilities of the kind of programmes we can implement that will push for digital literacy at the library. And that was the birth of what Randburg Library is today,” Lesele explains.
Randburg Library uses a variety of digital methods for educational purposes and to create convenience for members. New members no longer have to manually fill in forms when they sign up for membership. They now conveniently scan a QR code to apply.
Through a QR code, members can also access Overdrive services, an online library service for e-books and audiobooks, among other things. They can access this from the comfort of their homes.
When you walk into the library, you see a digital screen instead of a traditional display with informative information like library hours, awareness campaigns, and other relevant topics.
Randburg Library regularly contributes virtual content to the Joburg Libraries Facebook page. Some of the topics include information literacy, awareness about fake news, tips on tests, CV writing, and interview skills. The use of technology to display stories keeps storytelling fun for children.
Two proud projects are the photography and young e-champs programmes. The photography programme is a free, informal and fun programme intended for pupils to acquire the skills of taking professional photos. It also teaches them how to upload them to their personal blogs and use them for digital content creation.
The young E-champs computer class teaches learners the components of a computer’s hardware. “Some of these kids don’t have laptops or computers at home. They get to access them here,” Lesele adds.
He says it’s a five-step process to implement new projects: identify needs and see a gap, do research and structure the programme, source resources, and implement.
Randburg Library is not done yet. It will continue to stay innovative.
“Randburg Library spends a lot of time doing research, and we do that with the hope of imparting knowledge. We want to equip our members, especially children, for the future. We’re trying to bridge the digital divide,” Lesele adds.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
21/10/2022