Case Study - Zimbabwe

Edward Ndlovu Memorial Library - Zimbabwe

The support of the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Library is our first large scale project and an important trial for later roll-outs of larger and more complex projects.

In order to make this project manageable the amount of devices is limited to two and the books are pre-loaded before shipping in the first phase of the project. Through an internet connection more books can be loaded from the internet, both free and paid, whenever it is required. Each device can hold about 1000 books at any given time, and the pre-loaded books are in English.

The plan is later to expand the project to include more devices and also involve local publishers to digitalise books in other languages than English.

To charge an e-reader we use solar panels in remote areas without sufficient power supply.  A fully charged device can last for up to two weeks, or 5 000 page turns. This means that you can read about 15-20 books without re-charging.

The financial cost for the trial project is not substantial. Each device cost about  $190 and the pre-loaded books will be provided for free. Solar panels cost about $ 150.

The project is fully financed by Livrel Publishing and Livrel24 , and the local contribution is to implement and then run the project in  libraries and surrounding communities, and also to provide feedback in the shape of a report, and evaluation of the feasibility for expanding the project.

The Device

The E-readers to be used in the trial project have a 5’ screen, English menus, and easy navigation. The e-reader is mechanically fairly simple which prevents it from being damaged easily. The screen uses e-ink technology which means that it has no background lighting, and this enables reading in bright sunlight and that it is comfortable for the eyes to read on for longer periods. This e-ereader is used by many libraries in Sweden.