The City of Johannesburg (COJ) has unveiled an online platform to bring free digital content and information about library facilities and services to community members’ fingertips.
This, says the COJ, is in line with the overall digital transformation strategy of the Johannesburg Library and Information Services.
In a statement, the city says the website is part of its e-learning programmes intended for youth skills development, adding it will be updated and expanded on an ongoing basis with more content.
“Although libraries are not training centres, they play a major role in supporting the lifelong learning and personal development of all communities,” says the COJ. “This is through collaborations and partnerships with NGOs, academic institutions, corporations and internal City of Johannesburg units.
“By providing access to carefully selected online courses and other e-resources and digital content, libraries enable the public to participate in the digital economy, and to develop basic, intermediate and advanced digital skills.”
The online platform offers access to e-resources such as e-books, journal articles and audio books, with the city noting these will be updated as and when the library service acquires more.
To provide access to free digital learning and course content, the COJ’s library services partnered with Microsoft SA, Google SA and IBM.
Microsoft SA, through the Harambee Thint’iMillion project, offers free Microsoft Office courses for beginners that require basic to intermediate digital skills. Users can complete the courses and obtain a digital certificate of completion.
IBM offers users a digital skills programme focused on fourth industrial revolution concepts, including coding, artificial intelligence, data science and other related topics.
“Users earn digital badges after completion of any course. IBM courses allow users to select their level of competency from a beginner level to innovators, which is where users learn to design technology. The platform also links users to platforms with job opportunities.”
According to the city, Google SA offers online courses under its Google Digital Skills for Africa programme that focuses on digital marketing and comes with a certification after completion.
It says: “There are more courses to select from that assist in starting an online business, or learning to use technology in business.
“The website also offers library staff and other partners the opportunity to contribute articles for the blog page. It will provide access to useful documents and showcase videos of library services.”
The COJ has encouraged the public to access the website and explore the digital content, using their smart devices and computers. “Libraries are also now open to provide guidance and support, including free WiFi, in accessing this platform,” it states.
Share