The City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Services is putting in place a number of interventions to ensure that they can provide as many services as possible during loadshedding. In addition, new technology is being implemented in more city libraries.
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The City is deploying UPS units to protect its IT infrastructure. These units will keep the network operational during power outages. By the end of the fiscal year 2023/24, 68 libraries will have these power supplies, providing Wi-Fi access during power outages.
‘One of our goals is to provide access to educational and recreational resources and keeping our patrons connected ensures we achieve that goal. It is not only about an uninterrupted power supply, but also helping our learners continue their research and providing patrons with access to opportunities. Libraries are able to reach patrons beyond their physical locations and we’re able to connect to residents easier and on more platforms,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross.
In accordance with these goals, libraries have revised borrowing privileges.
The borrowing privileges have been modified to improve access to information.
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The loan period for all formats, including books, CDs, and DVDs (excluding high-demand study materials) has been reduced from one month to two weeks.
Furthermore, the loan period for DVDs has been increased from two days to two weeks.
This change enables users to enjoy their DVDs in a more relaxed manner, free of the pressure of incurring fines or the effort of returning items within a short time frame.
The number of items that patrons can borrow has also been adjusted to ensure equal access to resources at all times.
This change allows materials to circulate more quickly, ensuring that more patrons have access to the resources they need on time.
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Additional initiatives include:
- Access to the Library Management Software System. Each library has received a laptop that allows staff to check in and out library materials via the library system during power outages, either offline or online where UPS units are installed.
- Libraries’ Wi-Fi footprint has steadily expanded, with 90 out of 102 facilities now offering patrons access to online services. By 2024/25, all 102 facilities will provide Wi-Fi access.
- E-Tablets are being set up and distributed to libraries. Currently, 32 libraries have received sets of five. These devices are preloaded with educational applications and e-books, which help students develop critical literacy and digital literacy skills that are required in today’s world. Libraries use these tablets in their digital literacy and reading programmes all year.
‘Libraries provide access to a wide variety of information and resources. We’re enabling patrons to not only stay connected at all time, but helping our younger patrons become skilled in the digital and technology spaces,’ added Van der Ross.
Also read:
City libraries will revert to their original borrowing policies as of 1 February
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