Unlocking knowledge

Unlocking knowledge: NWU librarian dives into Copyright on City of Ekurhuleni Libraries Radio Connect Show.

As part of World Book and Copyright Day, which will be celebrated on Tuesday 23 April 2024, the City of Ekurhuleni Library and Information Services invited Mr Maropene Tommy Ramabina, Manager: Information Services at the North-West University Library and Information Service, Vanderbijlpark campus to participate in the Libraries Connect Radio Show on Wednesday 10 April 2024. Every Wednesday, the City of Ekurhuleni Libraries hosts an online show for the library staff and any other interested parties. This radio show, Libraries Connect Show, usually has guest interviews, informs about events and programmes in the libraries, celebrates special events, engages in microlearning, and any other segments that might be of interest to the staff for that specific week. The topic of the week (7-13 April) was Copyright.

Mr Ramabina, who recently completed his Master’s in Library and Information Science with the University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN), where he researched the awareness of copyright laws in academic libraries, was invited to engage in a conversation about his experience and expertise in copyright law in South Africa. “April is the month, where we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day and is therefore an ideal opportunity to engage on the subject of copyright and what libraries can do to comply, but still deliver a service“, Ms Annamarie Goosen, Innovation Specialist at the City of Ekurhuleni LIS echoed. The issues covered were, among other things, what copyright is, how South African Copyright Law differ from other countries’ Copyright Laws, registration and duration of copyright law, public domain, fair use in libraries, Copyright Amendment Bill, etc. “Every tangible work produced (book, eBook, journal article, video, music, caselaw, legislation, computer program etc has an owner/author and libraries must always consider that when using the product“, Mr Ramabina emphasised.

Participating in a library connect show addressing copyright issues in libraries and communities is of paramount importance in today’s digital age. Libraries serve as vital hubs for information dissemination, offering resources that are often subject to copyright laws. Understanding these laws is crucial to ensure fair use, compliance, and protection of intellectual property rights. By engaging in discussions and initiatives focused on copyright issues, libraries can educate both staff and users about their rights and responsibilities, fostering a culture of respect for intellectual property. Furthermore, such participation facilitates the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions between libraries, ultimately benefiting the entire community. Through collaborative efforts and informed dialogue, libraries can navigate the complex landscape of copyright with confidence, enabling them to continue serving as defenders of knowledge and free access to information.

World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote books and reading. Each year, on the 23rd of April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognise the magical power of books, a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. On this occasion, UNESCO and international organisations representing the three major sectors of the book industry – publishers, booksellers, and libraries celebrate the day to encourage everyone to access books, the most beautiful invention for sharing ideas beyond the boundaries of humanity space and time as well as the most powerful forces of poverty eradication and peace building.

Mr Ramabina is currently reading “The Thabo Bester Story” published in 2023. What are you reading?

Blog contributor: Mr Maropene Ramabina

South African Library Week 2024

South African Library Week: Beyond the prizes, the true treasure lies in the knowledge gained and the memories created during this unforgettable experience

South African Library Week serves as an annual celebration, wherein libraries across the country commemorate their profound impact on local communities. In 2024, the theme, “Libraries Fostering Social Cohesion” resonates deeply, highlighting the pivotal role libraries play in bringing communities together and fostering unity.

On the 19th of March 2024, the NWU libraries across three campuses in collaboration with the MTN Group hosted a hub of exciting activities as students embarked on an extraordinary quest in celebration of Library Week 2024. As part of the week-long celebration, the libraries hosted an Easter egg hunt event, where the students had an opportunity to hunt for hidden chocolate treasures within various library spaces, furthermore, an Information Literacy Hunt event was organised, with the primary purpose of equipping students with skills for lifelong learning, through a series of clues designed to facilitate the retrieval of information and library resources stationed in different locations within the library spaces, and engaged students in a thrilling pursuit of knowledge, tasks, and, of course, enticing prizes.

The success of the Library Week information literacy hunt was further supported by the active involvement of staff members from various library entities (Information and Learning Services, Research and Open Scholarship, and Shared Services), and the presence of our beloved campus mascot, “HeY Eagi,” who added an extra layer of excitement and good fellowship to the proceedings. These dedicated staff members played a pivotal role in facilitating the event by providing clues to participating students and guiding them through the various stages of the competition. Their enthusiastic participation not only added to the excitement of the event but also promoted collaboration within the library community.

The tasks and challenges that were incorporated within the information literacy hunt, were carefully curated to encompass a diverse range of information literacy skills, including information seeking and retrieval and information use to get to the next clue. The incorporation of real-world scenarios and practical applications ensured that participants gained valuable insight on how to use the library catalogue, how to locate the books on the shelves and how and where to check out the books.

Furthermore, the celebrations for the week were enhanced through outreach activities, where both Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark Campus libraries reached out to their communities to share their expertise and donated books.

Mahikeng Campus staff members advocated for libraries through a presentation at Library 600 at Ramatlabama Village in partnership with North-West Library, Information and Archives Services. Amongst the various stakeholders who shared their experiences of how libraries have contributed to their empowerment were local authors, pupils from local schools, Dr Lefenya Motshegare (Director of Community Services), UNISA Library, and the Ward Councillor. Furthermore, two colleagues, Ms Maphefo Maake and Mr Kgasane Seemela gave two radio interviews at NWU FM and Mahikeng FM as part of celebrating South African Library Week.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated NWU LIS staff members whose unwavering commitment and enthusiastic participation made each Library Week event a resounding success. Your passion for serving our community shines brightly, and we deeply appreciate your invaluable contributions.

Blog contributors: Miss Xolile Vilakazi, Lindi Mahlangu, Tshimbiluni Mamedzi, Kgashane Seemela & Maphefo Maake.

Library Week 2024

Eggsplore the Knowledge Nest: Information Literacy Hunt- Crack open curiosity and hatch a world of wisdom

• Join us on a journey of discovery and cultivate your information literacy skills.
• Knowledge is power – empower yourself with the tools to navigate the sea of information. Dive in, explore, and let curiosity be your compass.

Date: 19 March 2024
Time: 11: 00

Giveaways are up for grabs!

Click here to register and to read more about our programme for the week.

#InformationLiteracy #ExploreLearnGrow #nwulibraries #LibraryWeek

Reflecting on the Impact: International Open Access Week Colloquium 2023, North-West University

The North-West University International Open Access Week Colloquium on October 24, 2023, was a momentous event that brought together scholars, researchers, and open access advocates from around the world. With the theme “Community over Commercialisation,” the colloquium encouraged a candid conversation about the best interests of the public and the academic community in open scholarship. Now that the event has concluded, let us reflect on the highlights and the impact of this 16th annual gathering.

The Essence of Open Access Week

International Open Access Week, now in its sixteenth year, continues to be a global event that champions openness in research and scholarship. It serves as an opportunity for open access advocates to connect with research communities, inform them about the potential benefits of open access, and inspire greater involvement in making open access a standard practice in academia and research. This year’s theme, “Community over Commercialisation,” was thoughtfully chosen to provoke conversations about the values that guide open scholarship. The North-West University LIS partnered with the Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education and held a hybrid colloquium on October 2023 at Vanderbijlpark in commemoration of open access week.

One of the distinctive features of the 2023 Colloquium was its hybrid format, with virtual (61) and in person (78) attendance. Attendees had the option to participate in person at the Samancor Auditorium on Vanderbijlpark Campus or virtually through Microsoft Teams. This approach was a testament to the commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that knowledge-sharing knows no geographic bounds.

Notable Programme Highlights

The colloquium featured a rich programme with engaging sessions led by Prof. Gustav, Director UPSET Research Area; Faculty of Humanities, NWU:

Dr. Moyo, the Chief Director of Library and Information Service at NWU, set the stage for the event by welcoming and acknowledging the presence of distinguished guests and speakers, highlighting the significance of their contributions in raising awareness about open access and its impact on the research community, and further discussing in brief NWU LIS Open Access initiatives and emphasising the importance of open access in the academic community. Dr. Mabunda, Associate Director of Research and Learning Services at WITS, discussed Research Data Management, the FAIR principles, and delved into the significance of open research data, shedding light on its transformative potential and how libraries can operationalise openness in scholarly communication.

Prof. Kwatubana, Associate Professor at NWU’s School of Professional Studies in Education, emphasised the benefits of open access for the academic community, and how as an academic she benefited from LIS open access initiatives such as transformative agreements. Prof. Laubscher, UNESCO Chair on Multimodal Learning and OER at NWU, discussed the role of open educational resources in assessment and learning. Highlighting how both OER and open access contribute to the vision of a more inclusive and equitable education landscape, where information is not restricted by financial constraints or geographical boundaries. These movements emphasise the power of shared knowledge to drive positive societal change and foster a more collaborative and interconnected global learning community.

Prof. Ngoepe, Executive Director of Library and Information Services at UNISA, explored the synergy between digital and human capabilities in open science. He shed some light on the different types of open access and their legal implications, and most importantly the researcher benefits that comes with open access publishing, including, among others, research visibility and citation distribution, and again how metaverse technology and digital transformation can help in supporting open access movement. Prof. Ngoepe further emphasised the importance of libraries as custodians of the information to take an active role in open science by availing their Institutional Repositories for open access publishing. Dr. Chizwina, Director of Information and Learning Services at NWU, concluded the colloquium, summarising the key takeaways, emphasizing the essence of libraries aligning themselves with the changing publishing landscapes and finally the overall impact of the Open Access event.

A Call to Action

The 2023 International Open Access Week Colloquium was a resounding success, with attendees participating in discussions that extended beyond the sessions. It provided a platform for open access advocates to reaffirm their commitment to open scholarship and its role in serving the best interests of the public and the academic community.

As we reflect on the colloquium’s impact, it is clear that open access is not just a concept; it is a movement that empowers individuals and institutions to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and prioritise transparency. The candid conversations about “Community over Commercialisation” underscored the essence of open scholarship, emphasising that the community should always be at the heart of academic pursuits.

In closing, the International Open Access Week Colloquium 2023 has left a renewed sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to making open access a new transformative norm in scholarship and research. In looking towards the future, the NWU LIS will continue to prioritise community, inclusivity, and the advancement of knowledge for the betterment of society.

By Malose Langa; Lindiwe Mabuya; Cynthia Mpofu Mpofu

Join Us for Open Access Week 2023 at North-West University!

Dear NWU University Community,

We are excited to invite you to the North-West University, Library and Information Service Open Access Week 2023, where we will celebrate the power of open access to advance research, innovation, and collaboration.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday 24 October 2023
• Time: 11:00 to 13:00
• Venue: Samancor Auditorium, Building A11 – Vanderbijlpark Campus
• Theme: Open for Collaboration: community over commercialisation

Open Access Week is an annual global event that aims to promote and raise awareness about open access as a means to remove barriers to accessing scholarly information. This year, we have planned a series of engaging activities, discussions, and workshops to highlight the benefits of open access and how it can foster collaboration among researchers, students, and the broader academic community.

This event is open to all members of the North-West University community, including faculty, researchers, students, and staff, as well as external partners interested in the world of open access.

Please RSVP by Sunday 22 October 2023 to secure your spot at this exciting event. To register and view the complete schedule of events, please visit HERE.

We look forward to your participation in Open Access Week 2023 at North-West University, Library and Information Service where we will explore the endless possibilities that open access offers to the world of research and academia.

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us in the library.

Let’s come together to celebrate openness, collaboration, and the power of knowledge dissemination through open access!

Warm regards,

Mr. Malose Langa
Manager: Research and Learning Services

National Book Week: 5- 11 September 2023

Apart from its academic focus and vast array of academic books, the Education Library includes a small collection of children’s books and youth fiction. This lesser-known collection has been developed over many years for the benefit of Education students who teach the necessary reading skills and literacy to school children in the different phases.

In the light of recent reports on the poor reading ability of South African children, a selection of books from this collection was put on display during National Book Week 11-16 September 2023. The aim was to make parents working within the academic environment aware of these books and to motivate their own children to read.

Due to overwhelming interest in these Afrikaans, English and African languages books, the display was extended. Staff visiting the library expressed their excitement with the fact there is a collection of these books available on campus and some students were motivated to read for pleasure for the first time.

The Education Library staff enjoyed this extra focus and the opportunity to market the library and all its books.

Contributor: Martha Van der Walt, Senior Librarian

NWU Celebrates Literacy Day 2023

Embracing Languages, Literacy, and Diversity at NWU!

The NWU Language Directorate (LD) celebrated Literacy Day on the three campuses and invited other departments to join the team of displayers celebrating Literary Day. The NWU LIS also participated in the celebrations.

@Vanderbijlpark campus

Tuesday 29 August 2023

On Tuesday, 29 August 2023, something truly magical happened at the NWU Library in Vanderbijlpark. In celebration of Literacy Day, our library entrance became a vibrant heaven of knowledge and culture.

Dedicated staff members curated a dazzling display that championed literacy in all 11 of South Africa’s official languages. This beautiful rainbow exhibit showcased books from across the country, each representing a unique facet of our diverse society. Alongside these literary treasures, cultural artefacts brought our country’s rich heritage to life.

The collaboration didn’t stop there! The NWU Language Department played a crucial role by joining the cause and adding an extra sprinkle of excitement. Students were treated to awesome giveaways, which made the day even more memorable. After all, language is the vessel that carries the beacon of knowledge forward!

As if that weren’t enough, the NWU Language Directorate organised a book launch for the “Laat my praat” brochure, which promotes the equal use of NWU’s four official languages. Library staff were present to promote the various language books available at the library on the NWU Vaal campus. It was a pleasant and instructive evening that reminded us of our duty at the university.

Undergraduates, postgraduate students, and university professors were in attendance.

Dr. Seshoka, the Director of the Language Directorate at NWU, also attended and underlined the importance of “collaboratively marketing books.”

Through language, we not only communicate but also navigate the complexities of our world, sharing insights and wisdom that define true literacy. Celebrating our differences and educating our campus community about the profound value of literacy is a responsibility we hold close to our hearts as NWU Libraries.

Let us cherish the gift of languages, literacy, and the boundless worlds it opens for us. ??? #NWULibrary

@Mahikeng Campus

Wednesday 30 August 2023

It was wonderful to see the participation of the NWU LIS team in the Literary Day event during language awareness week! our engagement in promoting multilingualism and literacy is commendable. Displaying books that reflect multilingualism was great for showcasing the diverse linguistic and cultural richness of our library’s collection.

Attending the event and responding to questions from students and staff not only provides valuable assistance but also fosters a sense of community involvement. It is fantastic that our efforts were appreciated, highlighting the significance of the work we are doing to support literacy and language awareness.

Moreover, taking the opportunity to connect with Setswana literature authors is a proactive approach to expanding the library’s resources. By acquiring valuable Setswana literature, we are contributing to the preservation and dissemination of our language and culture.

We will continue to do great work to promote language awareness, multilingualism, and literacy within our community! our efforts contribute to a more enriched and inclusive learning environment.

@Potchefstroom campus

Thursday, 31 August 2023

Thursday, 31 August, was Potchefstroom Campus’ turn to participate in the Language Directorate’s ‘Language Week’ initiative. How fun it was to select books from the shelves on multilingualism, which was the main theme of this year’s language week. Together with the Language Directorate, we set up a display of books and multilingual dictionaries. For sure, this again created an awareness of the wonderful sources we have available in the library. The students passing by, on their way to the cafeteria, popped by and browsed the books, and asked questions about the NWU’s language policy.

It was great to have some informal chats with the students and colleagues from the Language Directorate.

I would like to thank the Language Directorate for including us in this wonderful initiative.

Contributors:  Xolile Vilakazi, Tebane Khoza, Siyabonga Sithole, Nthabiseng Maseko, Phethani Budeli, Mavis Nani, Anneke Coetzee, and Erika Rood.

South African Librarians Day Celebrations in the North West Province

As part of the continued South African Librarians Day celebrations, the NWU LIS collaborated with the LIASA NW Branch by hosting several events in July 2023. The first was a virtual seminar where Ms Dina Mashiyane interviewed the former NW Librarian of the Year (LOY) winner, Dr Siviwe Bangani, a former employee of the NWU LIS. The theme of the seminar was Librarian of the Year, telling powerful stories. The interview was about Dr. Bangani’s journey to winning the NWU LOY in 2018 and his key accomplishments with the award, how he spent the award on community projects, which is his passion. Ms Maggie Melk-Sindwa introduced our guest speaker from LIASA, National Secretary, Ms Mokgadi Rebecca Senyolo, who gave a presentation about the history of LIASA from the beginning to present. Mr. Martin Nokoane, Chairperson of LIASA NW welcomed members and gave them brief activities / events of the branch in 2023.

The NWU LIS, which will be hosting the Artificial Intelligence: Third IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa from 5-7 September 2023 had visitors from the IFLA IT Section who came for preconference inspection. The IFLA delegate, Ms. May Chang, met with the AI organising committee and also met with the NWU LIS directorate and staff. The team also organised a visit to the University of Pretoria on 26 July 2023. A hybrid seminar was hosted by the NWU LIS and LIASA North-West Branch at Besembos, at the Ferdinand Postma Library, Potchefstroom campus, where in attendance were NWU LIS Staff, LIASA NW branch members, IFLA members, and LIASA members in honour of South African Librarians Day. The seminar consisted of engaging presentations on the future of librarianship and AI’s impact, as well as informative updates on LIASA and a brief overview of IFLA. The event recorded 93 people in attendance. This seminar started with an opening and welcome address by the Chief Director of NWU LIS, Dr. Matt Moyo. In his opening remarks, the Chief Director challenged librarians to reflect on the contributions they are making to society and the country’s vision 2030.

Ms. May Chang: Mentor IT Section and Committee Member AI SIG from The University of Cincinnati (UC), United States of America, presented on the future Librarianship. She gave an overview of AI, which uses ‘computers and machines to mimic the problem solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind’. She surprised many by saying that the future of librarianship is in South Africa already after what she is witnessing at NWU LIS and UP LIS during her visit. She was amazed at the technologies, facilities, and plans from these institutions. In her presentation, she covered the AI domains: machine learning looking at data analysis, identifying facts, relationships, and assertions, and it was also used to detect, analyse, and predict. Another domain is natural language processing, which offers voice recognition and analyses a text at scale and speed. The last domain is machine perception, which offers face recognition and includes human-like AI-created avatars and intelligent robots: these are drones and autonomous drones. She also spoke on generative AI that generates new data or content rather than simply analysing and making decisions based on existing data. Examples are the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) and DALL-E (generates images/art from text description). Lastly, she spoke about UC collaborations with the community. AI significantly impacts libraries, and librarians should keep up with these trends.

An overview of AI was outlined and how it has allowed humans to focus on higher-level tasks that machines cannot do, such as applying reason and understanding impact. Some of the AI applications in libraries that were stated are:

Smart building, smart storage/ shelving/checkout, IoT

• Automate (level 1) indexing, subject headings, metadata.
• Search, discovery: enhancements at UI
• Chatbots, AI assistants: accessibility,
• Image, sound, media recognition: digital collections, APIs

AI and Libraries
The Smart Context of Libraries was discussed with mention of Immersive Tech (A/VR), Metaverse Digital Twin, and how it has resulted in a Smart Library and beyond.

• Smart content with hybrid value: Agile, flexible, adaptable
• Importance of Collaborations, Partnerships
• Digital equity and literacy

The role of the IFLA IT Section and AI SIG was also discussed in the context of:

• 23 resources on AI in 2023′, AI SIG
• ‘AI and Libraries’, IT Section publication
• IT Section collaborative AI conferences in
• Germany, Ireland, Singapore, The Netherlands,
• South Africa in Potchefstroom, the North West Province

All participants were encouraged to register and attend the upcoming symposium in September.

At this seminar, Martin Nokoane, Chairperson of LIASA NW, provided crucial updates on the North-West Branch. He extensively discussed the branch’s membership, structure, and current activities. One significant event highlighted was the interview with Dr Siviwe Bangani and the celebration of South African Librarian’s Day.

Ms Mokgadi Senyolo, the Secretary of LIASA EXCO 2021-2023, (who was appearing for the 2^nd time on the programme/ event organised by LIASA NW and NWU LIS) provided an in-depth overview of the history of LIASA. She left no stone unturned as she dived into the organisation’s name process, conferences, and how its name was selected. She also revealed the origins of South African Librarians’ Day, celebrated on July 10.

The Assistant Director – Acquisition at the University of Free State and Chair of The IFLA Regional Council, Ms Nthabiseng Kotsokoane, gave a comprehensive overview of IFLA’s structure, functions, and membership. In particular, individuals affiliated with LIASA are automatically considered members of IFLA.

At the end of the seminar, Mr. Martin Nokoane expressed his gratitude by giving a vote of thanks. He thanked the NWU LIS chief director, the guest speakers, and all the attendees who participated in the event.

The fourth IFLA IT section symposium will be held in Chile, Qatar, in 2024.

Contributors: Lungile Dlamini, Neli Tshabalala, Ntobeko Sikhakhane, Martin Nokoane, Maropene Ramabina, Malose Langa.

International Nelson Mandela Day Commemoration

@Mahikeng Campus

Mandela Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrating democracy and the pursuit of a fair society. In remembering Mandela’s values, the NWU Mafikeng LIS team supported pre-schoolers at Boikamoso Day Care Center by donating non-perishable food and creating a food garden. Accompanying the library staff were colleagues from NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing and a representative from UNICEF. The NWU Mascot Eagle was also there to entertain the kids and donate groceries.

Colleagues and the NWU Mascot got their hands dirty by planting vegetable seedlings and handing groceries to the crèche. The NWU and Boikamoso Day Care staff members danced together with the kids in appreciation of the day.

Love, excitement, and determination fuelled the efforts. The difference made in the children’s and preschool staff’s lives is extremely inspiring. Let us continue to honour Mandela’s legacy by raising awareness about climate change, food security, and unity. Working together, we can make the world a better place.

“Make everyday a Mandela Day” Ban Ki Moon.
#ItIsInYourHands

Contributors: Phethani Budeli, Mavis Nani, Sebo Sebolai, Emilio Stuurman, Crown Botlhoko, Tumisho Mooketsi, & Maphefo Maake

@ Vanderbijlpark Campus

As part of Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, Deputy Vice-chancellor: Planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus Operation, Prof Linda Du Plessis suggested that NWU support the “Hanging a Jacket in a tree” initiative. The initiative encourages NWU Staff and students to donate and hang old jackets on the Steel Acacia tree in front of the library at VC Campus. The SCC will collect all jackets and donate them to a needy organisation.

The NWU VC Library staff converged at the Steel Acacia tree on Tuesday, 18 July 2023 @09h00 am to hang the jackets donated by library staff. The NWU LIS team also played a video on the electronic screens displaying powerful and favourite quotations from Nelson Mandela. This was done to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela and to reflect on his values and principles, which are to positively impact the community.

Well done, VC Library staff. The theme of this year’s Mandela Day is “It Is In Your Hands, and the future is truly in our hands, but also in our hands together. It can only be in our hands if it is within our reach” – Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

Empowering Minds: NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus LIS Extends a Helping Hand to Phiritona Public Library and Sediba-Thuto Secondary School on Mandela Day

As part of the esteemed 67 minutes for Mandela Day initiative, the North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark campus Library and Information Services (LIS) embarked on a heartening mission to positively impact the community. The team, consisting of colleagues from the Loan Service and Information Services, paid visits to Phiritona Public Library and Sediba-Thuto Secondary School, generously donating books to nurture the love for reading and learning.

At Phiritona Public Library, the warm reception from Mr. Tshabalala, the librarian, exuded gratitude for the NWU LIS’s visit. It’s worth noting that Mr. Tshabalala is a former intern of the Vanderbijlpark campus LIS, having undergone a valuable internship experience in 2019. The meaningful connection between the NWU LIS and Mr. Tshabalala further strengthened the spirit of collaboration and dedication to knowledge dissemination.

Similarly, the teachers at Sediba-Thuto Secondary School eagerly embraced the NWU LIS team’s arrival, thrilled to receive the generous book donation for their school library. The LIS team actively assisted in setting up the library, fostering a sense of camaraderie and building lasting relationships. The team pledged continuous support in revitalising the school library, aligning with the school’s vision for creating a flourishing learning space.

Furthermore, it was heart-warming to learn that the Phiritona community, which the libraries serve, significantly includes many NWU students during recess. The strong bond between the university and the community highlights the shared commitment to education and knowledge enrichment.

In conclusion, the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus LIS demonstrated the essence of giving back to society by donating books and providing much-needed support to Phiritona Public Library and Sediba-Thuto Secondary School. Through these endeavours, the NWU LIS continues to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela by empowering minds and spreading the light of knowledge to uplift communities and foster a brighter future.

#Make Everyday a Mandela Day
#ItIsInYourHands

Contributors: Tebane Khoza, Nthabiseng Maseko, Siyabonga Sithole, Matela Buthelezi, Malose Langa.

Library Week Celebration

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) is celebrating South African Library Week (SALW) with the theme Libraries: telling powerful stories from 20-26 March 2023.

On the Vanderbijlpark Campus, NWU library staff joined the Library Week celebration by spending time with Emfuleni Vanderbijlpark public library. The friendly staff at the Emfuleni public library welcomed us warmly, as did their warm, inviting library spaces. On this journey, we donated books mostly non-fiction, to add to their non-fiction collection; we also received Emfuleni libraries lanyards for each staff member from our hosts. We both shared our stories with one another, whether successful or otherwise, with the hope of drawing inspiration and learning from one another and improving our services to users going forward.

Contributor:
Malose Langa: Manager Loan Services Vanderbijlpark