During a virtual meeting on 9 December 2020, the LIS had the opportunity to reflect on 2020 – an extraordinary and challenging year. The LIS is grateful that Prof Robert Balfour, DVC for Teaching and Learning could also join the event.

In his address, Prof Balfour remarked that our state of readiness is reflective of our state of functionality. Covid-19 made areas of vulnerability much more evident, but due to the LIS areas of strength, we excelled. The users were not able to visit the physical library, but the LIS was ready to step up, ready to serve and ready to change. He congratulated the staff for their ability to function collegially amidst great stress. We stuck together and we made it work.
Dr Moyo, Chief Director of the LIS had a word of thanks for the LIS staff. He mentioned that the LIS always had a focus on the physical and online library. With the onset of the pandemic, it was easy to migrate to online only. Statistics show that users made optimal use of the online resources and LibGuides during the lockdown. We are grateful for the staff who provided services during difficult circumstances. The LIS is also thankful for the support and ethics of care from the University Management.
Unfortunately, the LIS had to say goodbye to some colleagues during 2020.
Resignations
Two senior staff members from the library on Mafikeng Campus have resigned:
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Ms Manare Tshenye (Senior Manager Campus Operations) and |
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Mr Siviwe Bangani (Manager Information Services) |
and Faculty Librarians:
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Mr Katlego Chiya |
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Ms Boitumelo Masilo |
Retirement
Two staff members went on retirement:
Ms Maniza Ndwande after a service of 39 years |
Ms Anriëtte Pretorius, Senior Librarian at the Natural Sciences Branch Library, who has served the NWU LIS for 44 years |
New appointments during 2020
Welcome and congratulations to the following colleagues
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Mr Lizwi Njani (Business Analyst – Library Systems, Potchefstroom) |
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Ms Banele Khoza (Faculty Librarian, Potchefstroom) |
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Ms Maria Lesele (Faculty Librarian, Vanderbijlpark) |
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Mr Simon Molebeleli (Shelf Assistant, Potchefstroom) |
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Mr Tebogo Morajane (Temporary Faculty Librarian, Mafikeng) |
Dr Moyo concluded to thank the Library Systems Section for their hard work and support, with special mentioning of Mr Lucas van den Heever who reached out to all staff members to ensure connectivity and IT support where needed.
In the year ahead the necessary skills and resources are essential. Faculty Librarians will have to reach out to academic staff, making them aware of electronic resources – especially to from part of prescribed material.
Closing remarks were done by Ms Neli Kaunda, Director Shared Services. She announced that every LIS staff member is entitled to a voucher that can be obtained at the Brand Store on each campus.
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