Dr J Henning

Deputy Executive Director

Library Services

hennijc@unisa.ac.za

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