1. From Distance Learning and ODL to
ODeL: Unisa Library’s journey to
transformation and innovation
07-11 October 2013
LIASA conference
Cape Town
Modiehi W Rammutloa
Unisa Library

2. Background
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Global trends: print to paperless
Emergence of Digital natives
User behaviour
Investigation of a business model (ODeL)
Libraries not isolated – ODeL compliant

3. ODeL Defined
• Open Distance e-Learning
Digitization of the Institution’s transactions
with students using integrated ICT
applications.
www.unisa.ac.za

4. Transformation defined
Prof N.S Makhanya, the Principal of the
University of South Africa.
•“Transformation is fundamental and purposeful
advancement towards specified goals: individual,
collective, cultural and institutional, aimed at high
performance, effectiveness and excellence”.

5. Innovation defined
wouterdeheij.wordpress.com

6. Transformation and innovation in
dialogue
www.thinkthru.info

7. Down memory lane
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1946 – Opened doors
1962 - DDC
1969 - computerized Library
1982 – ALIS
1984 – millionth book
1986 –User education
1988 – UNIS
2000 – 1st digitisation project

8. The manual way
Card catalogue

9. Archiving the old way
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10. Circulation desk

11. Behind the desk
• Madam Librarian
http://vi.sualize.us/palin_madam_librarian_united_states_portrait_illustration_woman_picture_23dv.htm

12. Unisa Library currently
• Transformation - Inspiration from need
and technology
• Dialogue at the Library – Annual Library
Technology week
• Different clientele - multi-tasking
• Service to where clients are
• Access versus ownership

13. Library services in an ODeL space
• Research space – access controlled, WiFi
connectivity
• Library commons – learning and
discussions
• Electronic (E-reserves) – prescribed and
recommended
• Question point “Ask a Librarian”communication tool
• Unisa Institutional Repository
http://uir.unisa.ac.za/

14. Services …
• Shelf ready books – improve throughput
time
• Digitization – preservation and access
• Encore - Discovery tool
• Electronic books (e-books)
• Research data management
• Libguides – subject specific websites
• Podcasts – User training guides

15. Taking a service to the clients
Mobile Library bus
 Database searches
 Catalogue searches
 Information literacy
training
 Circulation services
(issuing, renewals,
requests and returning
of books)
 Marketing of library
services
 General enquiries

16. “Do it yourself”
RFID self help machine
• Tagging of books
(security & ID)
• Client in charge
• Issue out
• Service in
Regional centres

17. Bookdrop machine
Book return
without entering
the Library
24/7 service
Regional
centres

18. Services to clients with special
needs
 Physical and virtual environment
 Conversion requests
 Audio-visual devices on loan:

19. We are connected

20. From e-learning to M-learning
 E-learning – total automation
 Internet based technology
 extended Library hours
 visit to the Library
 M-learning – learning on the move
 24/7
 mobisite developed
 Airpac catalogue on mobile devices

21. The “e” Challenges

22. Faces of “e”
Dailymail.co.uk
Yourmoneyjourney.com

23. Future trends in the Technology
arena: IFLA dialogue
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Stay relevant – “You snooze you lose”
Open access – threat or opportunity?
Data privacy and security
Exclusion and inclusion of users through
technology

24. Food for thought
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E-Librarian – are we ready?
E-Librarianship – curriculum ready
African solutions to African problems
Contact teaching and learning vesus
E-learning – Are the students ready?
• Physical Library space

25. Thank you
Modiehi Rammutloa
rammumw@unisa.ac.za
(012) 429 2242