Opening of the Mafikeng Library Research Commons.

The Research Commons at the Mafikeng library was officially opened on 7 December 2017.

The unveiling of the plaque by Dr Mathew Moyo and Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa (on behalf of Prof Dan Kgwadi)

In his speech, the LIS Chief Director, Dr Mathew Moyo described the research commons as a dedicated scholarly place for use by students at postgraduate level and researches. He stated that the first research commons was established in the early 90’s in America.  South Africa followed in 2008 at UCT, Wits and UKZN, followed by UP, Rhodes and Stellenbosch in 2010.  NWU opened its first research commons in 2014 at the Potchefstroom library, followed shortly by the Vaal library.

Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa, DVC of Mafikeng Campus saluted the NWU LIS team for this milestone.  She welcomed this space as researchers need a secluded area for research.  This commons will add to the quality of research.  She challenged the LIS staff to see this as an opportunity to proceed with postgraduate studies.

LIS staff members attending the opening of the Research Commons

The deputy chairperson of the SSC gave a motivating and compelling speech in which he highlighted the transformational direction that the library is taking. He stated that he believed the number of researchers in the institutions will increase and through its output, new frontiers will be reached.

The research commons comprises of a senior and junior commons. The senior commons gives access to masters and doctoral students, as well as researchers; whilst the junior commons caters for the honours students.

The senior research commons has 64 workstations, a kitchenette, as well as two discussion rooms.  The junior research section has 34 workstations as well as a discussion room.

The facility also has a boardroom which may be booked subject to availability.

All the workstations are wheelchair accessible.

A postgraduate student at work in the Research Commons