"I haven`t read a book in my life," Posh Spice Victoria Beckham confessed last year to Spanish magazine Chic. Without a hint of shame she went on to say that she did love reading fashion magazines.
The former Spice Girl`s disdain for reading is possibly the reason her greatest contribution to the world is hubby David Beckham`s wardrobe.
"Books are there to help us aspire to the lives we want to lead. Great leaders such as Oliver Tambo and Winston Churchill are known to have devoured books throughout their lives," said Retha Visagie, Manager:Library, Information and Educational Development at the Ekurhuleni Library & Information Services.
However, recognising that times are changing, Ms Visagie explained that the Ekurhuleni Library & Information Services approached mobile solutions company Mira Networks to help the library communicate with members using the latest cellular technology.
"The fact that there are almost 25 million cellphone users in SA who enjoy using SMS added to the fact that our postal system is expensive and unreliable means that smart bulk text messaging applications offer a compelling and cost effective solution," said Sean Conde, CEO of Mira Networks.
From 1 March 2006, library users in Ekurhuleni who register for the service will be able to receive information via SMS regarding the availability of reserved books, bestsellers received, renewals, notification of overdue books, educational programs, skills development programs and workshops. All of these services will be provided to members free of charge.
Mira Network`s WebSMS smart messaging solution is flexible and avoided the "spray and pray" approach of most bulk SMS applications by enabling effective segmentation of a mobile database.
WebSMS is available as a white-labeled desktop application with the ability to transmit targeted bulk SMS messages to customers of all three networks at prices lower than commercial SMS rates. White labeling refers to a service or application branded in the name of an organization and provided anonymously for the clients of that organization by a third party.
Members at the following library service points will be able to make use of the service: Bracken, Boksburg, Dinwiddie, Elsburg, Germiston, Katlehong, Alberton, Leondale, Zonkizizwe, Bedfordview, Birchleigh, Birchleigh-North, Edenvale, Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Primrose and Thokoza.
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