Dr J Henning
Deputy Executive Director
Library Services
23 July 2013
OPEN LEARINING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
CONTEXT
• UNISA vision: “Towards the African University in the service of humanity”– Library strategies / challenges
• Open Distance Library Services– International standards for distance education
libraries (access / HR / Finance)
OPENNESS AT UNISA
• Strategies for access to services and resources
• Facilitate access to services and resources – supported by Management
• ODL library services – well established
• Online services and resources, branches, mobile services, mobile libraries
Keep calmand ask aLibrarian
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
• Support ODL model of teaching – Learner-centredness – Lifelong learning – Flexibility of learning facilitation provisioning – Removal of barriers to access – Recognition of prior learning – Provision of relevant learner support – Construction of learning programmes
WHAT ARE WE DOING (2)?
• Unisa business model and optimization of structures– e Strategy
• Integration of library services in MyUnisa• Large collections of e-journals, e-books &
online databases• Open portal
– Institutional repository – performing very well
• Workshops / training
WHAT ARE WE DOING? (3)
• Services on mobile devices
• Mobile libraries
• Information and digital literacy
• 24/7 library - Question Point,
• Social media / communication– SMS, Skype, Face Book, Pinterest, Blue
Button, podcasts, etc.
Services to clients with disabilities
• Services for clients with disabilities– Easy reader / Plustek bookreader, etc
• Services in all branches
• Training for staff to deliver these services.
BARRIERS
• Open Access and sharing challenges– Ensuring equal services
• Access / accessibility
• Challenges for learners
• Need to collaborate / group work (not unique to SA)
• Range / profile of learners
GOVERNMENT – ENHANCE OPEN LEARNING
• Negotiations for access to internet for students in SA
• Negotiations – affordable mobile devices for students
• Support for e-strategies