CoJ’s libraries extend operating hours in a new partnership with Unisa
In this collaboration with Unisa, COJLIS will be able to open up opportunities for City libraries to access Unisa resources and expand its services to benefit all communities.
University of South Africa’s Library has partnered with the Community Development’s Library and Information Services in order to provide support to Unisa students within the City of Johannesburg.
MMC for Community Development, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba announced this new partnership at the official launch ceremony held at Emndeni Public Library. Sifumba says this will contribute greatly to our vision of building an inclusive society with enhanced quality of life that provides meaningful redress through pro-poor development.
“Meaningful redress can only be achieved through deliberate action, and meaningful partnerships – transformation and redress cannot be solely achieved by government, but through partnerships with different institutions to ensure a robust and comprehensive service offering to our residents – especially those who have been on the outskirts of efficient services in past years.
“The City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services’ aim is to provide equal access to the information resources for all residents of the City and to assist students by providing an environment conducive to learning with a strong emphasis on students and learners from previously forgotten communities,” she said.
It is important to note that operating hours have been extended at 11 libraries to provide more people full access to a safe place to learn, study, read or prepare to enter the job market.
According to Sifumba, the extension of these operating hours have seen libraries open on Saturdays from 1 pm to 5 pm. She mentioned that it took some time to ensure compliance with the relevant labour laws, but is happy that the 11 libraries are open from Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm.
The collaboration will assist students in gaining easy access to the Unisa resources and will reduce their travelling costs as they will not need to travel long distances to Unisa libraries.
Through this collaboration, COJLIS will deliver better services to all students, learners and researches than it could alone.
The collaboration will be piloted at the following four libraries with the highest number of registered Unisa students:
• Diepkloof Library Zone 1
• Emdeni Library
• Jabavu Library
• Orange Farm Library
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