Mayor Tau said a project like PAIL would bridge the digital divide.
“One has been keen on the project like this one. Not only does it bridge the digital divide, but it also promotes access to information. The digital age is ensuring that the information is available by the click of the finger,” said Clr Tau.
The implementation of PAIL is framed within the City’s Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy (Joburg 2040 GDS) which commits the City of Johannesburg to provide the public with free access to internet, electronic resources and make technology available at all the City’s libraries.
The oldest Library in Johannesburg for African people not so long ago went through major renovations, and has been converted into state of the art facility. The library was chosen as the pilot site to launch the project because of its rich history which started in 1949 when the library was built by trainees of the Vocational Centre and was opened in 1950.
The Executive Mayor said for previously disadvantaged communities, access to information via the latest technology means access to variety of opportunities.
“Having free access to internet, means it puts a child in Soweto at par with the child in New York,” he said.
The MMC for Community Development Chris Vondo said the City’s Smart City Strategy -bridges the digital divide by providing, technology and free access to electronic information technology to all communities. It also promotes e-Government initiatives which encourage meaningful participatory governance between the City and its citizens.
MMC Vondo said the first phase of PAIL would be completed this financial year first, at the following libraries; Jabavu Library, Protea North Library, Emndeni Library, Diepkloof Extension 1 Library, Pimville Library, Dobsonville Library, Meadowlands Library, and Mofolo Library.
The purpose of PAIL also dubbed the eWorld @ your Library, is to achieve the following: Online education (distance learning, online classes, eRegistration to tertiary institutions), Digital information resources (eBooks, eDatabases, eNewspapers, eReference books – Encyclopedia); eReference services – 24 hours, eBusiness initiatives (job opportunities, exposure for small business, eFiling, Internet Banking), access to email, Computer literacy skills, Remote access to the library (Library without walls – online catalogue of library resources), Access to global and national research, eGovernment initiatives (government documents, communication channel, platform for all City education and communication initiatives), social networking.
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Quelle/Source: Joburg, 22.11.2012
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