Retirements
Niel Hendriksz, Stellenbosch University Library (SU Library)
Niel Hendriksz was appointed as assistant librarian in 1979 where he worked in the Carnegie Library. He was promoted to librarian in 1988. Niel retired in December 2023 after 44 years of excellent service to the clients of Stellenbosch University Library (SU Library). Niel’s view on client service, is a welcome return to solid human values. Niel also had an uncanny way of always finding the source the client was looking for. Niel possessed a rare and admirable quality that went beyond mere “getting the job done”. Niel made it a personal mission to prioritise the needs of clients by making them feel welcome in the SU Library. With an unwavering commitment to putting clients first, he has left a large footprint on the SU Library’s landscape. Niel’s client service was almost a way of life and should be standard procedure for any aspiring librarian. “Going the extra mile” was Niel’s motto. Always professional, but with a smile and humorous quip close by.
By Pieter du Plessis
Marié Theron, SU Library
Marié attained her Honours degree, B.Bibl., from Stellenbosch University (SU) in 1981. Following the completion of her Honours, she dedicated her professional career to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) until 2001. Subsequently, she transitioned to Pretoria University, contributing her expertise from 2001 to 2014. In June 2014, a significant milestone marked Marie’s return to Stellenbosch University Library, representing a momentous reunion with her alma mater. In December 2023, Marié has chosen to embark on a well-deserved retirement, thereby completing a full circle by concluding her distinguished career where it all began, at Stellenbosch University. This journey encapsulates a rich tapestry of academic and professional experiences, reflective of her enduring commitment to higher education and research. Marié’s ability to deliver excellent information services has not only met but exceeded the expectations of our users. Her knowledge, professionalism, and friendly approach have undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of our library services. In a fast-paced environment like ours, her attention to detail and responsiveness have played a crucial role and positively impacted the academic experience of our university community. Her passion for excellence and commitment to our users made her a valuable asset.
By Theresa Schoeman & Hendra Pretorius
New appointments
Lise-Marié Hattingh, SU Library
Lise-Marié Hattingh was appointed as Assistant Librarian in the Acquisitions Division at Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service in January 2024. She obtained a BCom degree in Financial Accounting at UCT, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and more recently a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies. She has more than 5 years’ academic library experience, which she gained in her previous position as a Principal Library Assistant at UCT Libraries.
Galiema Parker, SU Library
Galiema Parker joined the Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service on 1 October 2023 as a Junior Librarian: Acquisitions. She has over 23 years’ work experience in higher education and has worked at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Cape Town (UCT). Galiema has a background in human resources, academic administration, and public library service, as well as more than 4 years’ academic library experience, which she gained in her previous position as a Principal Library Assistant: Acquisitions at UCT Libraries. Galiema graduated with a Master’s in Library and Information Studies from the Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship at UCT in December 2023.
Theresa Schoeman, SU Library
Theresa Schoeman joined Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service on 1 October 2023, as the Head of Marketing and Communication. With more than 13 years’ experience in an Academic Library, Theresa, previously a Marketing and Communication Specialist at the UCT Libraries, brings expertise in digital marketing, photography, strategic planning, social media, and graphic design. Holding a B Tech Degree in Library and Information Studies and multiple marketing qualifications, Theresa is a dynamic addition to the SU Library team.