The Abia State Digital Library, commissioned on Friday the 23rd 2015, by His Excellency, Governor T.A Orji, (Ochendo) in company of the incoming Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and HE Peter Obi is a landmark project that will serve as a gateway to usher Abia state into an era of digital excellence.

The Library boasts of an STM1 capacity High Speed Internet delivered via optic fiber cable network and backed up using microwave link to ensure an ‘always available’ status. The service which is distributed internally using a WIFI system has enough capacity and coverage to serve residents and institutions within a 5km radius.

The Library has 24 hours electricity supply with 2 standby generators and online inverters system capable of powering the entire library complex for over 9 hours.

It boast of an always available digital Library server with over 30 million digital resources available to all users over an intranet. The resources can be updated online or locally using available catalogues and links to international library resources via the internet link. Users can also access other internet resources.

The library facility can comfortably seat 100 users simultaneously, each provided with a PC, access to all digital resources and the internet. Entry is free after issuance of a direct data capture (DDC) library card that allows holders access to all available resources within a comfortable and fully air-conditioned environment. Digital printers and copiers are part of the library facilities as well as capacity for video conferencing to enable communication with experts across the globe. It also has well equipped conference facilities and resources to host international examinations like TOEFL, GRE etc.

All physical library materials are protected using RFID technology and IP based CCTV system.

An emergency call centre is housed within the library complex equipped with IP phones, 20 seats call takers operating on 8 hours rotation cycle with short digit call in number as well as proprietary call management software. This call centre serves as a contact point to all citizens of Abia in case of any emergency (Health, Road, Fire etc.) as well as enquiries.

Located within the Library complex also are fully equipped conference and training rooms, key of which is the IDEA ROOM which is a hall dedicated to the incubation, grooming and growth of ideas (business and technological) and training of young technology enthusiasts. The systems in this room are the most current and best technology available globally.

The library, equipped with state of the art technology, is poised to provide direct employment opportunities to Abians while grooming the next generation of Technology experts as we aim to catch them young. Special consideration has been given to children under 12 years as a section of the Library is specifically tailored for use by that age group.

The digital resources at the Library can be extended to higher institutions in Abia State like Abiapoly and ABSU using a wireless link to the schools. That will enable the schools upload all thesis and research work copied into digital recording systems to the Library for global review and availability.

As a project, the library is a launching pad for many great minds and innovation in Abia. The foundation for the emergence of Africa’s “silicon valley” has been laid by the LEGACY Governor. His Excellency, Governor T.A Orji by embarking on this project has taken it upon himself to launch Abia into a digital era at ultra-sound speed.

Source: Spy Ghana