In a significant leap towards embracing the digital era and adapting to the changing needs of readers, the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative – the virtual library, Vtabu.
Driven by the dynamic environment brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the rapid integration of digital technology into everyday life, KNLS is revolutionizing access to knowledge and literature for Kenyans, according to Dr Charles Nzivo, the Chief Executive Officer at KNLS.
He noted that for decades, KNLS has been a cornerstone of education and leisure, offering physical hardcover books across its network of 64 outlets, physical and mobile libraries spread across 33 counties.
However, the global health crisis compelled a reevaluation of traditional strategies, leading KNLS to embark on a journey to create an online platform that would bring the world of literature and learning to readers’ fingertips.
“The pandemic presented challenges, but also opportunities,” remarked Dr Nzivo. “With the swift rise of digital services in various sectors, we saw the potential to redefine how Kenyans engage with knowledge and information.”
The virtual library, Vtabu, represents a remarkable departure from the conventional library experience. It enables users to access a diverse range of literary materials, from e-books and audiobooks to maps, music, and audiovisual content, regardless of location and time.
The portal’s offerings span various educational levels, catering to everyone from preschool children to university students.
Notably, the virtual library integrates seamlessly with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), providing educational resources to both learners and educators.
“We aimed to create a platform that accommodates the evolving needs of readers,” explained Dr Nzivo. “The virtual library isn’t just about convenience; it’s about democratizing access to knowledge.”
The Vtabu library is not limited to traditional texts alone. It serves as a hub for a diverse array of content creators, including authors, publishers, artists, entertainers, bloggers, vloggers, film producers, and music artists.
This innovative approach provides an avenue for creators to monetize their works by making them available on the Vtabu platform. With partnerships like the Talanta Hela program, content creators stand to earn royalties from their contributions.
The creation of the virtual library was a monumental undertaking that involved digitizing an extensive archive of materials, setting up cloud-based services, and training staff to manage the new system.
As of now, the platform offers access to over 200,000 e-books and an ongoing effort is in place to expand this collection further.
“The launch of Vtabu is more than just a technological feat,” emphasized Dr Nzivo. “It’s about empowering our society to keep learning, exploring, and growing, no matter the circumstances.”
With Vtabu, Kenyan readers can rekindle their love for reading while on the go, whether they’re commuting to work or relaxing at home. The virtual library is poised to reshape how Kenyans engage with knowledge and culture, fostering a vibrant learning ecosystem for generations to come.
To access the Vtabu virtual library and explore its vast collection of resources, visit Vtabu’s official website.
