Libraries in South Africa: study in contrasts

Dorette SnymanDorette SnymanCollection Developer: E-ResourcesCollection Developer: E-Resources

Unisa LibraryUnisa Librarysnymad@unisa.ac.za

Snapshot 20 year after democratic elections in 1994

http://www.nlsa.ac.za/nlsanews/2014/NLSA_Newsletter_Elec.pdf

Libraries1 national library (2 branches) 1,800

community libraries

23 higher education libraries

(university & research councils)

1,817 school libraries (only 8% of

schools)

79 governmental departmental

libraries

1 SA National Library for the Blind –

(est. 1919)

Training Librarians• Library schools:

– Comprehensive: Unisa, Limpopo, UniZulu, UWC– Postgraduate only: UCT,– Related studies: UP: Publishing technology, Info technology– 3 year basic degree (NQF level 7), PG (NQF 8)

• LIASA: national organisation with1,600 members• Professional accreditation in 2015: “Professional librarian”• Professional journal: SA Journal of Libr & Info Sc (oa)• Resort under: Dept. Arts & Culture• Other libraries within ministries of parent organisation:

– DHET, DBE, DTI, DST, Public Works, Provincial governments

• National Council for Library and Information Services – advising the minister

Growth & fundingCommunity library conditional grant (Dept. Arts and Culture)

R2,8 billion (2007-2014)• Building 53 new libraries

• Upgrading 229 libraries

• Appointment of 1,575 new staff members

• Internet access in public libraries in all 9 provinces

• Literacy and reading programmes to establish a reading culture

• Services for people with disabilities – reading facilities

Outreach to rural communities

Reading & literacy

http://www.mandeladay.com/

SponsorshipsSONY COLLECTS BOOKS FOR SOUTH AFRICA MOBILE LIBRARY PROJECT

http://breadlineafrica.org/opening-of-the-first-mandela-container-library-18-july-2011/

http://www.htxt.co.za/2014/04/16/digital-libraries-to-help-get-textbooks-to-rural-schools/

Via Afrika Digital Learning Centre

http://mzansilibrariesonline.ac.za/

R32m funding from Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation through its Global Libraries Programme – upgrading and provision of free of internet in community

libraries

Decline in the value of ZAR

Digital divide

http://www.itu.int/net4/itu-d/icteye/

Skills shortage - upskilling

http://www.internationalpublishers.org/market-insights/country-reports/297-ipa-country-report-publishing-in-south-africa

Bridging the dividehttp://www.snapplify.com/

How do you eat an elephant?Bite by bite?