The main difficulty encountered was - what do I choose for the focus of my assessment? My own context covered two main areas, potentially teaching university students library and information management courses totally online or presenting adult learning programs in a public library setting. To qualify the project had be library related and must involve learning. I read the course notes to help establish which area would be relevant to my context: humanitarian, entrepreneurialism, organisational growth and expansion or global citizenship and cultural exchange. I believe the one that mostly fits my context is global citizenship and cultural exchange.
I had concerns that some projects might be considered patronising, so had to give careful consideration to the end result and the desired result of any project. In a local context public libraries are about empowering people and improving lives through provision and access of information and resources, rather than providing money. This would be reflected in the global context. In deference to public library policies the project must also subscribe to the principles of public library service, in particular the statement 'the role of public libraries is essential in developing an educated society through programs that improve literacy and information literacy including lifelong learning opportunities. Public libraries contribute to economic prosperity by helping people improve their skills and life chances'. (Australia Library and Information Association).
I researched several projects and gained inspiration from these ideas that were already in place. The Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award is an initiative that 'recognizes the innovative efforts of public libraries or similar organizations outside the United States to connect people to information through free access to computers and the Internet'. In 2007 the Northern Territory Library received the award for their innovative approach in bringing internet and computers to Indigenous Communities. Details of the project available at http://artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au/northern-territory-library/programs-and-projects/our_story_version_2_project. Librarians Without Borders is an organization that works in collaboration with Rice University for the Libraries Across Africa project (LAA) to 'build libraries that provide customised digital and print content, with services localized to the community's needs.' (http://lwb-online.org/?page_id=2268).
An artist's concept of LAA libraries.
(Image: Libraries Without Borders)
Forming Ideas
After the research some ideas I considered:
1. Consider a project similar to Library Without Borders but with one chosen remote community in Africa that have mobile access, one that may not have a library but does have a willingness to develop one. The concept would be similar to a 'Sister City' arrangement where a public library in Australia would provide access to online resources through membership of the library. By virtue of membership of the local library they would have access to more information then they might otherwise. In exchange the remote community would provide local information in the form of photographs, videos of cultural activities etc that could be used to provide in-depth coverage on the culture and history of the remote community (subject to culturally sensitive issues) . This could be used for research and school projects and with permission added to the local library website as authentic up to date research material. For the delivery of programs and online resources language barriers (if any) would need to be considered with the use of translation tools or access to e-books and e-audios in other languages. Information literacy and learning programs could be produced with the ability to be accessed via mobile devices. Skype facilities could also be put in place at a central meeting place.
2. Development of basic internet programs and information literacy programs to remote areas in Australia similar to programs already run by the library but adapted purposefully for mobile device use, ie the 'lite version'. Skyping of author talks held at the main library to other branch libraries, smaller libraries who might not have the benefit of noted authors attending.
3. Developing a university library & information course specifically developed for librarians in a remote area of a developing country. This would could be done in collaboration with public libraries in Australia who could be used as simulated models (work processes could be videotaped) and for networking and mentoring; MOOC providers for the basic instructional units (to reduce costs); but other units would be developed and presented by the university. The course materials and tasks would be totally contextual and developed to to meet their specific needs. The course would be shorter, compact but totally relevant. It would also be deliverable and accessible in mobile format.
These ideas were only in the early thought stages and further investigations might find them not to be viable options but I guess we have to start somewhere.
References
http://www.itomic.com.au/case/better-beginnings
http://www.better-beginnings.com.au/.
http://www.itomic.com.au/case/better-beginnings/
http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=141461
http://artsandmuseums.nt.gov.au/northern-territory-library/programs-and-projects/our_story_version_2_project
http://www.alia.org.au/about-alia/policies-standards-and-guidelines/statement-public-library-services.
http://lwb-online.org/?page_id=2268
http://lwb-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/OxfordStreetMockLibrary2.png)
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