Wi-Fi usage in public libraries tripled
Of the 11 libraries in Region F, four are in the South of Johannesburg: Southdale, South Hills, Rosettenville and Glenanda.
WIRELESS Fidelity (Wi-Fi) usage in the City of Johannesburg’s public libraries has tripled over the past few months as more and more residents continue to enjoy universal access to the internet in line with the City’s Smart City concept.
Of the 11 libraries in Region F, four are in the South of Johannesburg: Southdale, South Hills, Rosettenville and Glenanda.
Currently the community can access the internet in 66 libraries, via eWorld or Wi-Fi. The City’s Department of Community Development reveals that the internet-connected public libraries in Johannesburg saw an increase in the number of community members and visitors using the internet to 22 297 from 15 989 in the second quarter and 4 769 in the first quarter.
The figure represents a huge increase in the number of residents who used the internet in public libraries during the year under review. The total number of user hours almost doubled to 43 506 during this period. This figure is expected to increase substantially going forward because of the spike in Bring-Your-Device (BYD) usage. The devices used include tablets, smartphones and laptops.
In the report, the department’s Nobuntu Mpendulo said the City has made significant gains in its promotion of e-learning in various communities. Currently, e-World, the City’s e-learning platform, saw the number of registered users increasing to 6 693 from 3 070 in the second quarter of 2015.
The City uses the e-World platform (the City’s public workstations) to bring to users the e-learning project, which provides them with the opportunity to access virtual learning materials and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).
Currently there are 3 010 users registered on MOOC, from 1 390 registered in the second quarter, according to Mpendulo.
The City wants at least 25 000 Johannesburg residents to have access to e-learning by June 2016. Currently, a total of 22 297 users are accessing e-learning in various city facilities, and with the extension of connectivity to all libraries by the end of June 2016, this number will increase.
To secure the investments to ensure the delivery of Smart City initiatives, the City had to increase the level of physical security at e-learning sites after theft of hardware equipment was noted. The beefing up of the security measures will be finalised by June 30.
