Individual Programmes
All recipients of the Carnegie Corporation grants to public libraries in Africa under this programme met in Glasgow in August and presented progress reports. Links for these reports can be found under each entry.
BOTSWANA
Four model libraries are being extended and improved. Stock will be evaluated following the review of the collection development policy, and multimedia materials will be added to stock. A human resources development plan will see staff trained in service delivery and public relations. Where appropriate the library buildings will be extended, or mobile library services used. INASP contracted Book Aid International to facilitate workshops on Monitoring and Evaluation
and on Advocacy and Lobbying
with the Botswana National Library Service in May and June 2002.
KENYA
The headquarters library in Nairobi and four branch libraries have been identified as model libraries, and will be automated and improved to attract users. Staff training is a priority and a workshop on strategic management is planned, as well as ones on Monitoring and Evaluation and on Advocacy and Lobbying similar to those held in Botswana. Training in ICTs will be provided by INASP, and KNLS is currently identifying a consultant to examine their existing technology and make recommendations for automating the service.
SOUTH AFRICA – Provincial Systems
Free State Provincial Library and Information Services
Free State Provincial Library and Information Services are using their grant to expand services, develop an electronic infrastructure and improve collections for children and adults. Under the title "Libraries for all!" the project plans to result in improved literacy levels and the unobstructed flow of community information; the development of creative and entrepreneurial skills; and the growth of a culture of reading and life-long learning. These results will be achieved through expanding and strengthening the library infrastructure; providing staff training and development and increasing staff capacity, including appointing a literacy coordinator; and by expanding and revitalising service delivery. Revitalisation of service delivery will focus on special user groups, providing holiday programmes for children and students; offering literacy training and support; and developing easy reading sections in the libraries. Outreach programmes will focus on health, culture and self-employment opportunities. Access to government information will be enhanced by the provision of an official publications depository, extending the collection on Citizenship Education and Human Rights, and presenting programmes in these areas.
Mpumalanga Provincial Library and Information Services
Mpumalanga Provincial Library and Information Services recently held a highly-publicised official launch of their programme "Building Electronic Bridges". The event was attended by representatives of Carnegie Corporation as well as municipal, regional and national South African dignitaries, and drew attention to the work which the libraries have already done. Building Electronic Bridges will supply computers to 89 public libraries and 25 library depots in Mpumalanga and 21 computer workstations, printers and modems for a mobile library and 20 electronic book boxes in rural areas of the Western Region of Mpumalanga where there are no libraries. As well as providing these items, staff will be trained in their use, and the catalogue of all branch libraries within the system will be transferred to a machine readable form during the next two years.
Northern Cape Provincial Library and Information Services
Northern Cape Provincial Library and Information Services have focussed on activities designed to increase literacy and preserve writing and reading of material in indigenous languages. They will also use the grant to enhance technology, with the accompanying staff training. A reading culture and habit will be encouraged through the provision of quality educational, recreational and informational materials accompanied by reading programmes which create an awareness of the importance of reading. Previously disadvantaged communities and underdeveloped areas will be served using mobile book boxes. Oral story telling, the recording of those stories and the provision of quality materials in the indigenous languages of the province should result in the development, promotion and preservation of indigenous languages. The library service will work with other stakeholders involved in adult basic education to attempt to reduce illiteracy and provide relevant materials in support of adult education. Across all these areas, information provision and dissemination will be advanced and upgraded through the use of appropriate information technology.
SOUTH AFRICA – Municipal Systems
Ethekwini Municipal Libraries recognises three sectors of its community: those who are semi literate and illiterate; those who are able to read, come to the branch, and can be assisted; and those who are more "advanced" in that they can find basic information for themselves, want information technology and what it has to offer and want to develop themselves. The project to revitalise and give a "holistic" public library service for the Durban Unicity area has two parts to it, addressing the two extremes of their usership — improving literacy and providing for technological developments to take technology forward for the KwaZulu Natal region. To improve literacy levels, tutors have been trained and are now running literacy and related courses. Technological development aims to build a community information network that encompasses the whole of Durban, that will teach as many people as possible how to gain the maximum benefit from their democratic structures, including how to use the internet or how to find work. The library wants to help schoolchildren to do better at their schoolwork and learn about the benefits of the internet; and to help adults empower themselves through giving them the information they need for daily tasks. This will be done largely by building on existing infrastructure.
City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services
The City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services has put the grant towards a programme entitled "Want to read". The goal of the project is to ensure that those children of Johannesburg who are at a disadvantage because of historical inequities and current socio-economic circumstances are not deprived of the opportunity to learn to read fluently, to enjoy reading and thus prepare themselves for meaningful participation in society. Collection development criteria have been reviewed at a workshop of knowledgeable and experienced staff. The workshop produced a list of core books on which orders can be based. Staff training has been organised, with project staff attending regular and frequent talks on matters relating to reading development and book selection.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Library Services
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Library Services have similar project goals to the City of Johannesburg and will focus on increasing services to children and the underserved, and offering continuing professional development for staff in order to enhance the library services. Staff development underlies the success of the library service, so staff are encouraged and assisted to attend relevant conferences, workshops and formal education courses. Workshops for library staff on topics like storytelling will be conducted by local specialists. Promotion of children's services will involve a campaign addressed to three groups - the children themselves (particularly younger children), teachers and parents or caregivers. Contacts will be made with pre-schools and primary schools, and programmes for all three target groups will be held in the library.
SOUTH AFRICA – Professional Associations
Library and Information Association of South Africa
LIASA received a grant from the Carnegie Corporation to establish the LIASA National Office in Pretoria and appoint permanent staff. The LIASA National Office has been involved in the management and finances of LIASA, and also in developing strategic plans for the association and launching a marketing and membership drive to raise the profile of LIASA. They work to form collaborative relations and partnerships with other organizations, and were responsible for hosting SCECSAL 2002.
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