NLSA/Gates Foundation Global Libraries' Project Launch
The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) received R32 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Libraries. The grant is for a two year pilot project of strengthening public libraries in South Africa through provision of new technologies, training in ICT as well as opportunity to identify new services to enhance access to information.
This R32 million grant is a precursor to the country grant which will benefit all public libraries in South Africa. The pilot and planning grant will involve 27 libraries, three per province. From the grant each library will receive 20 computers, 10 e-readers, 10 tablets, two printers, one document scanner, free software from Microsoft SA (Pty) Ltd as well as licences.
The fund has been awarded in partnership with government to strengthen and enhance current public library services by:
- Expanding technology for information access in public libraries
- Introducing new library services for community development
- Re-skilling and upskilling of staff in information technology and leadership training
- Enhancing existing resources and creating new library spaces
The launch will also be the NLSA's celebration of the South African Library Week from 17 to 22 March 2014 which was launched on 15 March 2014. Theme: celebrating libraries in 20 years of Democracy: Check in @ your library.
The grant beneficiaries include all the provinces in South Africa, the National Library of South Africa and the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).
The 27 libraries to benefit from this pilot and planning grant are:
- Gauteng: Sharpeville, Wedela and Suurman
- North West: Rusternburg, Delarayville and Reivilo
- Mpumalanga: Siyabuswa, Secunda and Emjindini
- Western Cape: CJ Langenhoven, D'Almeida and Paarl
- Limpopo: Ga-Phaahla, Mogalakwena and Thulamela
- Eastern Cape: Mdantsane, Queenstown and Mount Fletcher
- Free State: Zamdela, Mangaung and Edenville
- Northern Cape: Rietfontein, Mapoteng and Galeshewe
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mtubatuba, Osizweni and Kwandwalane
This grant supplements the Conditional Grant of the Community Library Services Grant initiated by the Department of Arts and Culture in 2007 which is aimed at but not limited to:
- Building more libraries and upgrading library buildings
- Buying, equipping and delivering mobile libraries and container libraries
- Expanding and improving ICT connectivity
- Developing and implementing a new provincial ICT system
The launch will be as follows:
Date: 18 March 2013
Time: 09h00 - 10h00 (Press Conference)
10h00 - 12h00 (Official Launch)
Venue: National Library of South Africa, Pretoria
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation representatives will form part of the launch together with the US Embassy representatives. Other partners include the Department of Arts and Culture, LIASA and Heads of Provincial Libraries amongst others.
Enquiries:
Muponisi Nkuna
Deputy Manager: Corporate & International Relations
Tel: 012 401 9711
Cell: 083 471 0061
Fax: 012 326 7642
E-mail: muponisi.nkuna@nlsa.ac.za
