Reimagining libraries in Africa in the ‘new’ normal
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African libraries face challenges like poor infrastructure, funding issues, and unequal access to information. They are addressing these issues through agility, collaboration, virtualization, and adapting physical spaces. Libraries are working with stakeholders on initiatives like shared e-resources, open educational resources, training programs, and mutually beneficial partnerships. Going forward, African library leaders will advocate for social justice and greater appreciation of libraries through practices that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
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Reimagining libraries in Africa in the ‘new’ normal
- 1. Reimagining libraries in Africa in the ‘new’ context DR ANDISWA MFENGU University of Cape Town, South Africa From Pandemic to Endemic: Global Experiences and Perspectives on the OCLC New Model Library
- 2. OCLC New Model Library • Whose reality counts? • Whose voices are most likely to be heard? • Application in other contexts
- 3. Libraries in Africa • Priorities and realities • Recognize our socioeconomic realities • Power cuts, unstable internet connectivity, infrastructure issues, funding issues • Inequalities, systemic and epistemic injustices - libraries act as equalizers - DEIA • Ubuntu (I am because you are) - it embraces the idea that humans cannot exist in isolation
- 4. Actions by African libraries in response to changing circumstances and expectations Agility • Shared e-resources (consortium), e- reference • Growth in the use of social media - marketing • Open educational resources (OERs) • Open access – policies, library publishing • Ongoing training – information literacy and other literacies
- 5. African libraries working with stakeholders to lead change Collaboration • Continental platform – library publishing • Access - internet connection, device loans • OERs – researchers, academics • Books – African Storybook’s, Library Aid • Mutually beneficial partnerships – interests, values, agendas
- 7. African libraries expanding online library experiences Virtualization Digitalization Upskilling and reskilling staff – digital, technology, copyright and other related skills areas Infrastructure upgrades, better connectivity, provision of devices Virtual is not default but optional
- 8. New ways to engage within the physical library Space • Demand for more seating space and less books • Conducive library spaces – for diverse user needs • Demand for spaces with good internet connection and undisturbed power (electricity) supply
- 9. Positioning African libraries for social justice Future directions • Library leaders – advocacy and show evidence of the impact of libraries • Information literacy – greater appreciation • Policy review and practices to align (DEIA) • Partnerships
Editor's Notes
- #4: African ideology which embraces the idea that humans cannot exist in isolation. We depend on connection, community, and caring — simply, we cannot be without each other.– speaks to harmony and cooperation
- #6: Publishers – social justice
- #7: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation funded the library publishing workshopÌý
- #8: ICT and other literacy
- #9: ICT and other literacy
- #10: ICT and other literacy