Priority Needs Report

Here is an outline of our latest needs for the UNTL Library Project.

Training & Support

Funds for ongoing training and support are needed for 2-3 years, particularly for IT systems development for both the online library system and the new multimedia centre.

Shelving & Seating

Funds are urgently needed for transporting donated book shelving, and for constructing built-in shelves and loans counter (providing much needed employment for local workshops).

Perimeter benches are needed for student study seating and computer benches for the multimedia room Another set of 4 castors to build a second book trolley is also needed.

Equipment

UPS's

Eight UPS's are urgently needed to protect the existing Library network equipment from Dili's frequent power failures, which threaten to damage PCs and corrupt online catalogue and circulation data.

Barcode readers

Three to four (USB port compatible) are needed to get the online circulation system operational.

Photocopier

Staff have requested a photocopier (with supplies of toner cartridges). The Library does not yet have a photocopier, nor does the University.

Book detection security system

UNTL Library staff have made an urgent request for a book detection security system and operational supplies. Core staff work in shifts to prevent the theft of their invaluable new resources, when they are desperately needed elsewhere. The lack of other book resources in East Timor means their collection is at even greater risk. To transform university education in East Timor from a culture of 'chalk and talk' to one of study, analysis and research, it is most important that students have direct access to books.

IT and support equipment

As well as the urgent need for UPSs, an airconditioner is needed to establish a server room for library and Multimedia Centre operations. Funds are needed to create a classroom within the Multimedia Centre.

Audiovisual equipment

The University does not have a video or monitor available for teaching staff, so many important videotapes cannot be watched. Equipment is needed to record these onto CD to protect them from the tropical heat.

Other Operational Supplies

A full list of IT & AV and other needs is outlined in What we need Most.

A vacuum or two (hose-type, bagless, with upholstery attachment) would be invaluable to keep down dust levels. Sweeping stirs up too much dust and is hot work as fans have to be turned off whilst sweeping!

Operational Resources

The East Timorese library team is in urgent need of spine labels, label protectors, date due slips, bookends and other most basic resources. Pens and glue supplies continue to run out and pencils and erasers are worn down until there is nothing left. Rewritable CD blanks are needed for backing up the catalogue and for video transfer. Floppy discs are always needed.