1. Dr J Henning Deputy Executive Director Library Services hennijc@unisa.ac.za 23 July 2013 OPEN LEARINING IN HIGHER EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA

2. 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)

3. 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 calm and ask a Librarian

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. GOVERNMENT – ENHANCE OPEN LEARNING Negotiations for access to internet for students in SA Negotiations – affordable mobile devices for students Support for e-strategies