Collaboration and partnerships in redesigning library spaces: the use of eLearning classrooms as multipurpose facilities and as mobile classrooms in the City of Johannesburg libraries

Abstract

The 12 eLearning classrooms are located in 12 libraries from all 8 regions in the City of Johannesburg (COJ) and were introduced in 2015-16 to be used only for online courses from selected universities; however, the library core services and needs were not accommodated in these facilities. In 2017 the Municipal administration discontinued funding the management of these facilities, therefore COJ libraries had to find ways of ensuring that these facilities continue being utilised. The worldwide challenge faced by public libraries in providing sufficient internet, and the budget constraints faced by libraries, have made it difficult to provide only online services in the COJ eLearning classrooms and much harder to upgrade ICT tools for all libraries. The solution for COJ libraries has been to expand the services offered in these classrooms to be more than online courses and to also assist libraries that do not have computers for digital skills and other organised eLearning programs such as coding or digital content creation, through the concept of mobile eLearning classrooms. The eLearning unit redesigned the use of these classrooms, and introduced different programs, turning them into spaces where the communities can enjoy various services both offline and online. Library services also identified NGO’s and ICT companies to collaborate with, Google being the biggest corporation to have agreed to support eLearning in COJ libraries. This program, nominated for the United Nations’ 2019 World Information Summits Prize, addresses various SDG’s such as ending poverty, by offering digital skills for job hunting, inclusivity and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all by providing access to all communities even in under-resourced libraries.