We've already entered the fourth month of the year, which means it's been four months since our successful 2016 Christmas promotion! During the holiday season, the Foundation received a whopping €25,000 in donations for TSiBA Education in South Africa through a number of fundraising drives. 100% of the proceeds went to improving TSiBA Education's university libraries, facilitating training for employees, and two full scholarships for Eden Campus students.
TSiBA Education has provided us with an update on the progress of work, which focuses on the following three objectives:
- Installing a cloud-based library management system, including an option to scan hardware, and purchasing the necessary furniture;
- Providing training to existing students on the new system, and providing scholarships to two Eden Campus students;
- Hiring a second librarian for the Eden Campus, providing training to librarians and staff on the new system, and sponsoring two staff members to participate in the Hanzehog School Summer School 2017.
After contacting several Western Cape universities, TSiBA Education may be able to share an advanced library management systems program with one of the region's universities. This would create the opportunity for TSiBA Education to use a quality library management system in an affordable way.
During the recent orientation week for students, a presentation was given about the use of the university library. In the following weeks, a number of workshops were organized for students to participate in, informing them about how to use the system. In addition, both students and employees regularly receive one-on-one training.
Wilhelmina Zaal is the newest member of the team of librarians. In addition, interviews have been held to find an assistant librarian for the Capetown Campus library; this gives the Chief Librarian more freedom to liaise with the Eden Campus.