Two Joburg Librarians have won an important challenge that could help libraries across the city, thanks to their clever idea for an app!
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 April 2024) — In exciting news for Joburg Libraries, two Joburg librarians have won the 2023-2024 Smart City Innovation Challenge thanks to their clever idea for a library-helpful app that will help to make sharing resources across libraries easier!
The Smart City Innovation Challenge was won by Joburg librarians Lindani Sikhakhane and Lindo Dlamini. Their submission of an app not only won them the Innovation in Operations category, but has brought forth a community-positive idea that has the chance to be funded.
According to Joburg Libraries, the app is premised around being a helpful resource that can assist libraries and their staff members in tracking ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools.
In the world of libraries, ICT tools include systems and platforms like laptops and tablets. These devices are often shared among libraries, but tracking them in the context of sharing and running different programmes can prove to be a tricky task without proper organisation!
The app then would assist in sharing these resources more seamlessly, especially in cases where there are not enough of these tools to go around.
Joburg Libraries congratulated Lindani and Lindo on all the hard work they put into their submission—from research to ideation.
“Joburg Libraries’ elearning office will work with the librarians, and the Smart City office supported by Wits Tshimologong Innovation Hub to develop the app depending on the availability of funding.”—Joburg Libraries.
We can’t wait to see how this idea develops and how it helps the heroes who keep our country’s libraries going strong!
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