WikiLinguila/Rencontre pour un partenariat avec le Réseau Mikanda
Minutes of the MIKANDA Network Meeting - February 17, 2025
The meeting was held at the Karibuni Library, moderated by Jerôme Mutombo, coordinator of the MIKANDA network and head of the media library at the French Institute of Kinshasa (IFK). The main points discussed are as follows:
1. Participant Introductions
[edit]The meeting began at 10:30 a.m. with the presentation of the participating institutions:
- Ministry of Higher Education and University (ESU): represented by Cedesurk.
- NGO Synergie Femme: focusing on gender issues.
- MIEZI Editions.
- Children's Libraries.
- Ludo Education.
- Ouragan FM: representing print and online press.
- WikiLinguila: presenting language digitization activities.
The necessity of planning each institution's activities and maintaining monthly meetings on the last Monday of each month was emphasized. Meetings will preferably be held during working hours at a selected partner institution.
2. Library Statistics
[edit]Each structure presented its methods for collecting reading, attendance, and book order statistics. The PNB library management software was identified as a key tool. However, it has been inoperative at Cedesurk for several months and is underutilized in other institutions due to technical and financial constraints.
3. Audiobooks and Orality
[edit]Oral recordings were presented as an innovative contribution to promoting local languages. Mr. Kabeya, who works in this field, shared his experience and related activities.
4. Digital Libraries
[edit]An overview of the status of digital libraries by institution was presented. Cedesurk shared the challenges faced since 2022, including a lack of expertise within the new team in place.
Conclusion
[edit]The meeting concluded with a meal, a group photo, and a visit to the book exhibition on local languages. Participants expressed their willingness to strengthen collaboration within the MIKANDA network to address shared challenges.
