Page 11 - Library Annual Report 2019

• In the Gauteng region, a workshop was held in November in Florida, Johannesburg. Forty-six public librarians from City of Ekurhuleni, the City of Johannesburg and Mogale Mogale City attended the workshops. • In KwaZulu-Natal, a workshop was held at Msunduzi Bessie Head Library as part of partnership support for public libraries. A total of 21 librarians from the public library attended.
A research project was also conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Public Library Partnerships signed between 2016-2018. The results of the study will be further reviewed to provide Library Management with evidence-based information to guide future partnership agreements during 2020.
3.1.2. Increasing access through Correctional Services partnerships
During 2019, four new agreements were concluded with Correctional Services facilities to enhance access and improve support for Unisa students based in Correctional Services facilities:
• Johannesburg Female Centre
• Kgosi Mampuru Female Correctional Centre
• Boksburg Correctional Services • Groenpunt Correctional Centre
Through these service level agreements, Unisa students within Correctional Services facilities will bene t from a faster requesting process that prioritises them and quickly delivers the books needed for learning. These books are delivered via courier to the students’ Education Of cials which removes all barriers imposed by their incarceration.
3.1.3. Expanding Unisa Library services in the Eastern Cape
After few years of planning and hard work the new Unisa Branch library in Port Elizabeth opened for business in April 2019. This new library is part of the Unisa Libraries’ objective of enhancing access to library resources, which includes providing new and enhanced facilities in support of teaching and learning. Approximately 5 000 students from the Nelson Mandela Bay region will now have access to books, study facilities and electronic resources via this Library. The Library is managed by Mr Zingisile Mantewu who has been transferred as a Branch Librarian from the East London of ce.
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