The IRC is a U.S. government owned physical space that provides open-access to information through computers, Internet, books, newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. It is the administrative link between the embassy and the two American Corners in Swaziland.
Access to Embassy Public Spaces
All Embassy visitors and their personal belongings must pass through security screening before entering into the building. For reasons of safety and security, visitors may not bring the following items into the Embassy:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets (such as iPads)
- Smart watches
- Cameras
- Recording devices
- Calculators
- Compact discs (CDs) and DVDs
- Digital audio players (such as iPods)
- Flash drives
- Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Laptops
This list is not exhaustive. U.S. Embassy security officials reserve the right to deny entry of items determined to be unsafe or a threat to security.
Access to IRC
A national identity card or a valid IRC membership card is required to access the IRC. Use the Consular entrance of the Embassy which is located along the main road. The IRC is open to all people residing in Swaziland and no appointment is required.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday – Thursday | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 – 12:30 |
| Weekends | Closed |
| U.S. and Swazi Holidays | Closed |
Membership
Membership is open to the public from the age of 16 years. Membership gives access to all the services and a membership card is issued to each member upon application. To become a member, a membership application form available in the IRC and it must be completed and submitted in-person. Membership is valid for a period of one year from the date it is issued. Upon expiry, a member is expected to renew it by completing a new membership application form.
Services
All services are available to members free of charge. However, members are required to register at the service counter prior to using any service.
Internet
Ten workstations are used to provide access to the Internet to members for a period of 30 minutes per member per day. This period may be extended provided there is no member waiting in line to use the service. The workstations may be used for research, email, social media, typing assignments, apply for jobs, scholarships and admission to tertiary institutions.
Printing
A member is allowed to print a maximum of ten (10) pages per day in full color or black and white. This page limit may not be extended under any circumstances. Members may download and email themselves an unlimited number of documents that are longer than ten pages.
Photocopying
Members are allowed to photocopy a maximum of ten (10) pages from books, magazines and magazines that are provided by the IRC.
Circulation
A member can borrow a maximum of two books for a period of two weeks. A loan period may be extended once for a period of another two weeks, provided there is no member who is waiting to use the book.
Online Public Access
The public (including non-members) can search for resources that are available in the IRC and the two American Corners at once through the online public access via this link: OPAC
Core Programs
Information about the United States
The three American Spaces are gateways for Swazi audiences to learn about American society, culture and values.
eLibraryUSA
eLibrayUSA is a collection of online resources that gives members access to information that can be found in American public libraries. It offers a broad range of resources useful in learning English, American history and culture, health, science, business, and more.
English language learning: The three American Spaces provide a collection of English language teaching and learning resources. In addition, Trace Effects DVDs and printed copies of English Teaching Forum which is a journal for professional English language teachers. Articles are free to download at http://americanenglish.state.gov
EducationUSA Advising
The IRC has a space where a qualified adviser provides students with accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on applying to US colleges and universities. Students have access to resources to help them prepare for SAT, GRE and GMAT. More information can be found at the EducationUSA website and Your Five steps to US Study. The EducationUSA advisor can be contacted on Tuesday afternoons from 14:30 until 16:45 hrs. Book an appointment at educationusa@state.gov or 217 9000
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
- The American Spaces provide free internet access to YALI
- Internet training
Information Literacy trainings: provide individuals with an integrated set of competencies that enable them to recognize when information is needed, locate, critically evaluate, effectively use the needed information, and acknowledge the resources used.
Digital Literacy
Coding and Robotics Clubs are aimed at introducing participants to computer programming concepts and other science related fields in a relaxed environment.
MOOC Camps: provide enrichment activities to individuals or groups that participate in selected free web-based distance learning programs known as MOOCS (Massive Open Online Course) that are provided by U.S. universities. Please note that MOOCs do not always offer academic credits, but they provide education that may enable certification, employment or further studies.