Month: April 2025

From 3 to 6 February 2025, the Library proudly hosted its annual library orientation as part of the broader Newcomers Welcome. This year’s theme, From Page to Pixel, captured the spirit of transformation in learning and research, welcoming students into a dynamic academic environment that bridges tradition and technology.

👣 2,705 Newcomers Take Their First Steps Into the Library

Over four days, the Library welcomed:

2,705 new students
95 international students
4 supportive parents

First-years from the Faculties of Economics and Management Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Theology, Education, Law, and AgriSciences took part in the programme. With the support of 28 enthusiastic Library staff members, 19 guided tours were conducted to the Library’s e-classroom and auditorium, where students learned about key services, digital tools, and how the Library can support them throughout their studies.

After watching the orientation video, some of the students spontaneously joined in a Mexican wave in the auditorium for TikTok — adding a touch of fun to the experience!

Surprise Visit from Pokkel
The excitement reached a peak on 4 February when Pokkel, SU’s official and famously mischievous mascot, surprised students during one of the orientation sessions. Known for his antics at Varsity Cup matches, Pokkel brought the house down with dancing, photos, and even a TikTok moment that delighted the crowd.

GetSmart@URLibrary: Master Your Information Search!
Following the tours, the Library launched GetSmart@URLibrary – Master Your Information Search!, a drop-in initiative designed to empower students with essential research and information literacy skills.

📅 10 – 14 February 2025
🕘 09:00 – 15:00
📍 Library foyer (after the turnstiles, near the printers)

Our expert librarians were on hand to assist students with:

✅ Finding reliable academic sources
✅ Refining search techniques
✅ Gaining confidence in using Library tools

No appointments were necessary — students could drop in at any time for personalised, hands-on support.

Thank You to Our Staff
The Library’s Senior Management Team expressed sincere thanks to all staff members who helped make the orientation a success. Your commitment and teamwork ensured that every student felt welcomed, supported, and inspired.

Here’s to a successful 2025!
The Library is proud to support students as they begin their academic journey — from page to pixel.

 

Theresa Schoeman

Retirements

Henriëtte Swart

Henriette Swart retired in December 2024 after an exceptional career spanning over 43 years at Stellenbosch University Library. She began her journey as a part-time library assistant at the Graduate School of Business Library in 1987, quickly rising to the position of Head of the USB Library in 1989. Under her leadership, the library became a vital part of academic life at Bellville Park Campus, growing in both capacity and service excellence. Her commitment to professional development extended beyond her own, fostering a culture of growth and innovation among her team.

In 2013, Henriette was promoted to Deputy Director and later as Director, taking responsibility for branch libraries and staff development, initiatives that enriched the library’s sense of community. Her tenure included milestones such as overseeing the 2002 relocation to a newly built library, participating in international study tours, and leading significant upgrades to the USB Library in 2017-2018. Henriette’s legacy is one of adaptability, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to supporting the academic mission of Stellenbosch University. Henriette leaves behind a rich legacy of service, collaboration, and innovation that will inspire her colleagues for years to come.

Alna Marais (right)

Alna Marais grew up on a farm in the Karoo, a region known for its rugged beauty and tranquil charm. Early in her career, she worked at the Carnegie Library and gained valuable experience through roles at various other institutions along the way. For the past 30 years, she has been a valued colleague at the Bellville Park Campus Library. Her responsibilities included overseeing counter services and managing Interlibrary Loans (IBL), roles she performed with dedication and professionalism. Her contributions to the library and the broader academic community have left a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement.

Sarie Wilbers

We lost a blend of expertise, commitment and care as Sarie Wilbers, Faculty Librarian: Education, retired in December 2024 after 36 years of dedicated service to the Stellenbosch University Library. Her professional journey began in December 1981 as a librarian at Kentron, followed as Information Officer.

On 1 July 1988, she joined the J S Gericke Library, Stellenbosch University as a Junior Librarian, providing support to the Humanities Faculty. In 2006, she was promoted to Faculty Librarian: Education, where her passion for client support and commitment to excellence became her trademark.

Her quiet strength, kindness, and exceptional competence left a lasting mark. Sarie’s unwavering dedication, professionalism, and client-focused approach leave a lasting legacy of inspiration for colleagues and students alike.

Annemarie Eagleton (right)

Annemarie started her career at Stellenbosch University on 3 May 1982 as a typist at the Theology Library. Since 2005 she became more involved in cataloguing and at the end of 2024 she retired as a skilled and experienced metadata librarian. She was part of the client services team at the Theology Library and responsible for services to off-campus students. Annemarie was committed to her work and gave new meaning to “walking the extra mile”. She refused to give up before a problem was solved or a student’s needs were met. Her work ethic, dedication and excellent client service made her an asset to the Theology Library and the Library Service in general. She was a valuable member of the Theology Library team and the many compliments she received from the theology community are a testament to the positive impact she had on the students.

New Appointment

Khonziwe Mpandle

Stellenbosch University Library is pleased to welcome Khonziwe Mpandle, who has been appointed as the Faculty Librarian for Economic and Management Sciences, effective 1 January 2025.
Khonziwe holds a B.BIBL degree from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her career began as a Senior Library Assistant in the Acquisitions Department at Provincial Library Services in Cape Town, where she built a strong foundation in library operations.

At UWC Library, Khonziwe gained extensive experience working in Acquisitions, Interlibrary Loans, and later as the EMS Faculty Librarian. These roles honed her expertise in library management and deepened her passion for collection development.

Khonziwe is particularly enthusiastic about curating collections that meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and researchers. She believes in the transformative power of thoughtful collection development to support academic success and lifelong learning. We look forward to Khonziwe’s contributions to the continued growth and success of Stellenbosch University Library. Welcome to the team!

 

Theresa Schoeman