KZN Department of Education
E-Library Transformation with Snapplify
Key Challenges
Lack of School Libraries
A significant number of schools in KZN lacked physical libraries, limiting access to reading materials.
Access to Books
Many learners had limited access to a variety of books, especially curated educational content and storybooks.
Non-functional Libraries
Some schools had libraries, but they were not fully functional, leading to underutilisation of available resources.
Need for Modern Reading Engagement
Schools needed a way to encourage the younger generation to engage with reading materials in a digital format, given the technological shift.
Improvements and Successes
The KZN Department of Education has seen significant improvements since adopting Snapplify, including:
- Increased Accessibility:
- Learners can now access the e-library from any device connected to the internet, enabling them to read from anywhere at any time.
- Comprehensive Library Collection:
- Snapplify provided a rich, curated collection of reading materials, including free storybooks and past exam papers, ensuring all students had access to diverse educational resources.
- User-friendly Interface:
- The platform was designed to be intuitive, making it easy for learners to navigate and check out books with ease.
- Full Library Functionality:
- Schools that previously did not have functional libraries now benefit from a fully operational digital library, effectively bridging the gap in resource availability.
“Learners find the platform very user-friendly as they are able to navigate through the platform, find, and check out books with great ease.”
Implementation
Digital Library Rollout
Snapplify provided a digital library solution accessible to 6,193 schools across KZN, reaching thousands of students instantly.
Device Agnostic Access
Snapplify’s e-library works on any internet-enabled device, making it accessible to students regardless of the type of device they use.
Curated Content
The platform offered curated content, including storybooks and exam papers, tailored to the needs of the learners.
24/7 Access
Snapplify implemented a cloud-based library system that students could access anytime, ensuring continuous learning outside the classroom.
Partnership with Sapphire
The decision to choose Snapplify
KZN DoE chose Snapplify because it offered a unique, scalable solution to address the critical challenge of limited library access. Snapplify’s e-library presented an innovative way for the young generation to engage with books through technology, making it easier for learners to read more frequently. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive digital collection aligned perfectly with the department’s goals of fostering a culture of reading and improving educational outcomes across the province.
About The KZN Department of Education
The KZN Department of Education (DoE) oversees a vast network of 6,193 primary and secondary schools across the KwaZulu-Natal province. Serving approximately 37,407 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12, KZN DoE is dedicated to improving the accessibility of educational resources. Recognizing the importance of fostering a reading culture among learners, they sought a solution to address the lack of fully functional libraries across many schools.