South African Library Week

The SABC Media Libraries are celebrating South African Library Week.

The SABC Media Libraries consist of 5 very different sections and 39 versatile staff members: –

The Information Library is your usual library, but for a few exceptional features: this is the information hub to go to when you need anything, from a recipe or knitting instructions to specialised information on broadcasting-specific subjects. All important newspaper articles regarding the SABC, World Cup Soccer 2010 and major political events and happenings are scanned and electronically preserved. It also houses an Internet café and the staff can scan, copy or print any documents you might need for research or projects.

The Music Library is unique in that it deals mostly with clients from outside the SABC, hiring out classical music scores and orchestral instruments to orchestras, choirs and other musicians. Apart from taking care of some beautiful and unique music instruments like Steinway pianos, Lyon & Healy harps and two gorgeous Pollman double basses, it also contains a wealth of interesting information on music in South Africa from as far back as 1934, in the form of classical music programmes of symphony concerts and other cultural events.

The Record Library, a name which still dates from the time when records were proudly owned, played and displayed by any person who loved his music - when any true music lover saved for months to buy that perfect desired long-playing record, and when cd’s and cassettes were nothing more than science fiction. There is nothing outdated about this library at present, though. Now containing mostly cd’s and dvd’s, this is the playground for any DJ or music compiler worth his salt. It houses an astonishing collection of music ranging from hip-hop to jazz to pop to classics to maskandi, and everything in-between.

The Sound Restoration Unit digitally re-masters audio and transfers it to CD, thereby playing an important role in restoring and preserving music from the past – they can also copy your cd and design a label for your special recording.

Radio Archives is another information-rich link in the media libraries. Faithfully preserving and restoring programs in English, Afrikaans, Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Zulu - in fact all official languages – these dedicated fundi can find you sound clips and programs on diverse subjects like history, sports, dramas and other genres from as far back as 1926.

Do yourself a favour and come and spend a lunch hour (or any bit of free time) to browse through our collections, get to know the librarians and archivists and discover more about any subject which interests you. It will be time well spent!

PLEASE TAKE NOTE

YOU CAN RETURN ANY LIBRARY BOOKS THIS WEEK –

NO FINES – NO QUESTIONS ASKED