Month: June 2018

In both 2016 and 2017 the Library embarked on huge journal evaluation projects, in consultation with faculties.

In addition to the cancellation of lesser-used journals, the comprehensive Wiley journal package was cancelled for 2018, in favour of subscriptions to a smaller number of Wiley journals. The Library now provides full-text Wiley articles from non-subscribed journals through interlibrary loans, which takes between 24 and 48 hours. The Library retains 1997-2017 backfile access to the most important non-subscribed Wiley journals, and 2010-2017 backfile access to other Wiley journals.

How to access Wiley journals to which the Library subscribes on a title-by-title basis since January 2018

A list of such titles can be found here. Full-text access to the electronic backfiles of these titles remains available.

Full-text access to Wiley journals up to 2017

The Library retains access to the 1997-2017 content of some non-subscribed Wiley journals, and to the 2010-2017 content of other Wiley journals. A list of such titles can be found here. Options to access these:

• Library database list – W – Wiley Online Library
• Specific journal titles: Library’s A-Z list of e-journals

Requesting full-text articles through interlibrary loans

All Wiley journal articles remain discoverable up to abstract level. Should you require the full text of a non-accessible article (i.e. published since January 2018), you may request it through interlibrary loans. This service takes between 24 and 48 hours. Please note that the cost of interlibrary loans is carried by the Library, and not by academic departments.

Any further enquiries can be directed to: Naomi Visser (nrv@sun.ac.za, tel. 021 808 4433)

Mark Frier

What is research data management?

It is like a shadow in the darkness, a mystery lingering in academic minds. The words themselves have been whispered in the corridors all across campus: What is research data management?

To adapt what legendary investor Philip Fisher wrote in relation to the hullabaloo about dividends in his famous investment classic Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits:

There is a considerable degree of twisted thinking and general acceptance of half truths about a number of aspects of research data management. However, whenever the significance and importance of research data management is considered, the confusion of the typical researcher becomes little short of monumental.

In summary, research data management can be described as a process which consists of two components:

1. firstly, planning for the manner in which research data will be managed during and after the research process; and
2. secondly, controlling the collection, processing, analysis, sharing, dissemination, curation and reuse of research data.

So what is the hullabaloo about research data management?

In the past decade the management of research data has taken on a more prominent role in tertiary education institutions around the world. This has been primarily due to the increasingly data-centric nature of academic research. At the same time academic institutions have been influenced by the Open Access movement which advocates for the unrestricted access and use of published research. A convergence of these two developments has culminated in a call for the unrestricted access and use of research data. The move itself is being supported by research funding agencies. In recent years, some of Stellenbosch University’s research funders have required the implementation of adequate research data management practices to facilitate the open access of research data. Such practices should comply with best practices such as:

1. research data should be managed through the creation and submission of data management plans; and
2. research data should be findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.

 What are the implications?

The recent developments relating to Open Access and Open Science have necessitated the creation of a research data management system at the university to facilitate adequate research data management practices. As a leading research institution, Stellenbosch University will address this issue by adopting appropriate data management practices. Thus over the foreseeable future, students and staff can expect a number of developments related to the creation of our university’s research data management system.

Watch this space for future developments!

 Samuel Simango

ssimango@sun.ac.za

The Library’s digital heritage repository, SUNDigital Collections, which currently hosts 12 861 individual items in 30 collections, recently underwent an essential system upgrade. This upgrade resulted in a new look and feel for the repository, as well as enhanced features for easier navigation. These features include opening images and documents in separate windows and a multi-level hierarchical structure, which allows for more granular indexing of larger collections.

A few new collections were also added to SUNDigital Collections this year, most notably a collection of plates with original botanical illustrations and handwritten notes from the Rudolf Marloth Collection. In keeping with the spirit of the University’s centenary year, the Victoria College and Stellenbosch University photograph collection has been augmented with the addition of several new images, including photographs picturing student life through the years.

The collection of journalist August de Villiers (Gus) Cluver, who was a student at Stellenbosch University between 1932 and 1935, has also recently been digitised and uploaded to SUNDigital Collections. Cluver was a student cheerleader and editor of the liberal “Pro Libertate” student publication of which the fragile original is kept in the Africana section of Special Collections. A next step to complete the digital collection would be to digitise these scarce original copies.

In addition to the substantial growth SUNDigital Collections has shown since its inception in 2013, it appears as if the repository is also being widely accessed and used. Recent usage statistics show approximately 1300 visits and 890 downloads in the month up to the 29 May, including international visits from the USA, UK, Russia, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Canada. The most popular downloads are from collections featuring examples of South African vernacular architecture, such as the André Pretorius collection.

Mimi Seyffert-Wirth

“The new library doesn’t only look modern but feels like a space full of success stories waiting to happen”! This was a testimony from a student which was read out during the Official Opening of the newly refurbished Medicine and Health Sciences Library, at the Tygerberg Campus, on 22 May.

Originally furnished in 1974, the Medicine and Health Sciences Library was in need of a revamp. Planning for the new library of almost 3000 m², began in 2013.  In 2017/2018, a total refurbishment was undertaken.  The refurbishment formed part of the SU Campus Renewal Plan. The new library is aligned with one of the themes of the University’s new Strategic Framework, namely, networked and collaborative teaching and learning.

Construction started in February 2017. Most of the library’s books and journals were placed in storage for a year. During this time, the library occupied a temporary space in the basement of the faculty. The temporary space allowed staff to continue providing a service although limited books and space were available to students.

The refurbished library now has much to offer its users in support of networked and collaborative teaching and learning. There are 68 Windows computers with up-to-date software on a high-speed network. The computers are dispersed throughout the library, with eight in the Lounge area. Medical and Health Sciences students also make use of their own devices and the library has therefore ensured adequate, seamless Wi-Fi connectivity.

The new state-of-the-art Digital Commons and E-classroom allows students a space that is conducive to academic learning, both in a group and as an individual.  The 38 Windows computers and projector, are earmarked as a training facility where library staff can train students and staff in the use of the library and its resources.

Also available are six study booths fitted with comfortable benches and electrical points for e-devices. Twenty-one individual study tables, towards the back of the library, offer quiet individual reflective learning spaces with comfortable seating. All are equipped with power docks.

The library has nine seminar rooms of various sizes, each fitted with appropriate equipment for use by groups, either for discussions, meetings, group learning or collaborative sessions.  Appropriate equipment ranges from electrical points to screens and whiteboards, all of which promote student collaboration and discussion and enhance student engagement in learning.

The Research Commons is a dedicated space that actively supports research, and is exclusively for postgraduate students, researchers, academics and administrative staff.

The novel Video Conferencing Room is a specialised area with video conference facilities. It is available for use by researchers and specialised groups.

The yellowwood tree in the courtyard conceptualizes the philosophy of a library being symbolically and physically the heartbeat of a university. It symbolizes the seed of knowledge and creative thinking that is planted in the library, and precipitates growth of the campus community.

The Medicine and Health Sciences Library of the Library and Information Service, Stellenbosch University, is now positioned to contribute and serve modern health professionals to the benefit of the greater South African society.

Yusuf Ras

Editing: Bronwyn Bruton