FACTSHEET DIGITAL READINESS@LIBRARIES

Background

The (NLB) has expanded its focus beyond the promotion of reading to encourage lifelong learning for the digital economy. In line with the national goal of building a Smart Nation and the lifelong objective of SkillsFuture, NLB has embarked on strategies to improve Digital Readiness (DR) among Singaporeans.

2 NLB will be developing a suite of DR services, reinforced by print and digital information services, to extend its reach to more than 300,000 Singaporeans over the next five years, of which 85% will be adults and seniors. Over 6,000 programmes will be delivered at NLB’s public libraries to meet this objective.

Targeted assistance for seniors

3 With specific focus on getting seniors to be digitally-ready, NLB has introduced the Seniors Tech and Read (S.T.A.R.) service, which was piloted at Public Library on 28 October 2017. The service has two components –a) Tech Assist which covers enquiries on the access and the use of NLB’s e-Resources, and b) Read Assist offers support to seniors in reading library materials.

4 From 2018 onwards, NLB will be offering TechShare, a tech showcase platform for seniors to try current and upcoming technology in a conducive environment. Seniors can experience these technologies in a “tech playground” setting to explore gadgets, such as robots, wearable, smart home technologies, and latest cashless machines and software to enhance lives. These showcases, which will start with a regional library tentatively in the third quarter of 2018, will be complemented with other digital readiness programmes.

5 NLB will continue to partner IMDA to deliver the Silver Infocomm Junction (SIJ) programmes at the libraries, which are senior-friendly infocomm learning hubs operated by voluntary welfare organisations, Community Clubs and non-profit organisations. These SIJs offer affordable infocomm training and a customised curriculum for seniors, covering over 20 topics.

6 There are two tracks of the SIJs’ training - a) iBEGIN for seniors to learn basic infocomm usage, and b) iLIVE, where they can learn advanced digital lifestyle skills. iBEGIN curriculum imparts basic infocomm skills such as how to use a computer, surf the Internet, create an email or instant messaging account, make video calls, as well as how to be safe online. The iLIVE curriculum is aimed at users who already have basic infocomm skills. Participants will learn how to transact online, edit digital photos, and share large files online.

For the community

7 NLB’s partnership with IMDA also involves Pixel Labs@NLB that enable communities to be digitally-ready. Currently, there are two Pixel Labs@NLB in and Tampines Regional Library where library users are provided a dedicated space with tools, equipment, and

hardware kits, enabling them to learn, create, invent, and share skills. In 2018, NLB will be introducing a new Pixel Labs@NLB at Woodlands Regional Library, to foster a stronger innovative culture among library users.

8 NLB has also partnered with Microsoft to cater to the varying needs and levels of competencies for the community at large. Microsoft will conduct public technology talks aimed at engaging the community and enabling users to become digitally ready. These sessions, held in our libraries are currently planned to be held once a quarter, and will cover tech related topics, and involve subject specialists from Microsoft Singapore.

For students and youth

9 To encourage tweens between the ages of 10 to 14 to read and use NLB’s resources, NLB introduced a series of experiential learning workshops in March 2017 named Tweenkerama. The workshops are based on S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) topics to allow teens to explore, experiment, think critically and creatively, problem-solve, collaborate and communicate. They provide teens with an immersive learning environment through various hands-on activities.

10 Together with Microsoft, NLB will also organise competitions and workshops for the young to be digitally ready. These include:

a. The National Digital Storytelling Competition will be open to secondary students in July 2018, where they can utilise the technologies at the Bukit Panjang Public Library’s “Stories Come Alive Room” to create stories with interactive and multimedia elements. Students will also leverage on Microsoft tools to help in the creation and development of stories. The winning stories will be used for storytelling content at the “Stories Come Alive Room”.

b. The NLB-Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Hackathon is a workshop for primary to tertiary students to come together to create innovative solutions based on NLB’s cases, and problem statements using Microsoft’s suite of Artificial Intelligence products and services, as well as data from NLB.

- END - Media Contacts: Name: Ms Elyssa Chua Designation: Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Contact No: 6718 3302/ 9118 1602

Name: Ms Nurain Zainal Designation: Executive, Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Contact No: 6718 3565/ 9178 4062

NLB’S KEY DIGITAL FEATURES

Digital features Description Front-end Digital Learning To encourage lifelong learning and better cater to the learning Zone needs of users in the digital age, users can find a wide array of digital content in the Digital Learning Zone, such as new eBook arrivals and curated content similar to screens in the lobby. eNewspaper Multimedia stations where users can browse digital and print stations newspapers, eMagazines and other NLB eResources. Integrated display Digital book displays which are positioned next to physical books, to enable a seamless browsing experience. These eBooks can be borrowed using the NLB Mobile app. NLB Mobile app NLB Mobile is a mobile application that provides convenient access to library content, information, services and transactions. It was first launched on 24 October 2016, and is available for free on iOS and Android mobile devices. An enhanced version will be launched on 23 October 2017 with new features such as improved search functions for eBooks, as well as access to eMagazines and eNewspapers. Virtual bookshelf Patrons can browse NLB’s eBook collection on selected genres, and borrow them on the spot using the NLB Mobile app. Back-end AutoSorter The AutoSorter is a computerised system to mechanically sort returned items into specific categories for easy shelving by staff and service partners. The machine uses data analytics to identify popular titles for staff to place at the ‘Just Returned’ shelves. Mobile bookdrop Deployed at Tampines Regional Library to enable patrons to conveniently return their books at one of the library’s two entrances. Books are automatically and simultaneously returned when dropped in into the robot. When the bin is full, the robot will follow a magnetic strip on the floor and travel to the sorting area. When it arrives, it will send a signal to the sorting room to alert staff to replace the bin. Reservation lockers The reservation lockers outside the library provide a round-the- clock service that allows visitors to collect reserved books at any time. Once the staff places the books in the respective lockers, the system informs borrowers via e-mail that they are ready for collection. Shelf-reading robot The robot runs when the library is closed to identify incorrectly shelved books. Based on the report generated, librarians will be able to quickly re-shelf them in the morning.