Lagos State Government to inaugurate digital library

The Lagos State Government is set to inaugurate its digital library project designed to provide unlimited access to knowledge for all, through the collection and collation of digital content.

The project will be accessible via internet connection on a range of devices which will comprise e-books on different topics; 1,600 videos covering English Language, Mathematics, sciences for all classes; 2,000 study aids in key subject areas from secondary school subject; vocational learning videos; creatively presented history lessons; 1,000 research papers from the state tertiary institutions covering a wide range of topics.

The Director of the State Library Board, Mr. Tajudeen Lawal, who briefed journalists recently, described information as key to progress and the bedrock of civilisation and development of any nation.

“You can’t know it all, no matter how smart you are, no matter how comprehensive your education, no matter how wide ranging your experience, there is simply no way to acquire all the wisdom you need to make it single-handedly. You need information, implementation, continued strategising and re-educating yourself in order to be current with new trends.”

The Director of the state Quality Assurance Office, Mrs. RonkeSoyombo, commended the Ambode-led administration for the initiative, saying that there is nothing as good as ensuring that the children have access to a library even while at home.

“Quite a lot of things have been lost to the library, when we talk of the library, it makes learning more fun. We will be looking at children between the ages of zero to six and see how we can use animation to create more fun and add value to their lives, as well as support the teachers to improve on their teaching outcomes.”

She expressed delight to be part of it, saying, “we should be able to compete with international standard.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said the first phase of the initiative tagged, ‘Educate Lagos’, will take off by January 2017, adding that the portal, aside the content, will have a study guide.

“We want to ensure that whoever you are, you can go to the portal and there will be a lesson teacher waiting. People can access research documents and videos. We are going to play on History including Lagos State and Yoruba which is very critical, with a view to promote knowledge of our history and rich cultural heritage. The portal will feature culture and language lessons presented creatively in form of comics, interactive games and other media. We will also allow coding in all our schools and create a platform for everybody in the state.”

While stressing that the digital library is not intended to replace physical libraries, Bank-Olemoh said it is meant to extend their reach, adding that online resources would be supported by a strong offline strategy to promote reading culture, encourage collaboration and create knowledge hubs.

“The digital library will be by Lagosians for Lagosians, with support from technical experts around the world to ensure the highest standards are achieved. Local content will be given priority as we seek to preserve and share knowledge.

“In the development of digital portal, we intend also to create jobs by employing local programmers, developers and content providers. The project will also provide an avenue for tech start-ups, writers, and content producers to reach a wider audience.”

Credit: ThisDay