On Saturday, 15 March 2025, the Stellenbosch University Library and the Medicine & Health Sciences Library proudly opened their doors to prospective students and their families as part of the University’s annual In-Person Open Day. With the sun shining and excitement in the air, over 1,300 visitors stepped into our spaces to explore what the Library has to offer — and they were truly impressed.
From the moment guests arrived, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “Wow,” was one of the most common reactions. Many described the SU Library as the biggest and most beautiful library they’d ever seen.
Visitors were especially drawn to the modern and spacious Research Commons, while the Makerspace sparked curiosity and creativity. One mom excitedly encouraged her child to return and 3D print a vase for Mother’s Day. Others were intrigued by our special collections and delighted to see how vibrant and well-used the library is — even on a Saturday.
Across campus, the Medicine & Health Sciences Library also welcomed visitors, with many commenting on its calm, inviting environment. With 410 visitors, this branch showed consistent interest and gave guests a glimpse into its beautiful study spaces and supportive academic resources.
We were also touched by the number of alumni who returned to show their children “where it all started,” reminiscing about their time as students and marveling at how much the Library has grown.
A dedicated team of staff from both libraries ensured that every tour was informative, welcoming and memorable. Special thanks go to our volunteers for their energy and enthusiasm throughout the day.
The takeaway? Stellenbosch University Library continues to leave a lasting impression — and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.
SU Library buzzed with excitement as visitors explored our vibrant spaces
Visitors to the Medicine & Health Sciences Library were warmly welcomed into a calm and modern space
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.
The Library orientation poster captures this year’s theme — From Page to Pixel — welcoming the Class of 2025 to a world of knowledge and innovation.
👣 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
Newcomers queue outside the Stellenbosch University Library, eagerly awaiting their turn for the 2025 library orientation experience
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.
Law students receive an overview of library services and resources from Law Librarians Pieter du Plessis and Sanda Nyoka during their orientation session
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.
Pokkel, SU’s beloved mascot, brings smiles and energy as he joins students for photos, dances, and unforgettable orientation fun!
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.
Letlao Seloma, Research Support Librarian, engages with students in the Learning Commons, introducing them to the Library’s spaces and services.
Here’s to a successful 2025!
The Library is proud to support students as they begin their academic journey — from page to pixel.
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!
After nearly four decades of service, the Bellville Park Campus Library (USBL) will officially close its doors as a branch library at the end of 2024. This decision, made by Library Management in collaboration with the Bellville Park Campus (BPC) Committee, marks the end of an era and opens a new chapter for library services at the Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and School of Public Leadership (SPL).
USBL’s journey began in 1986, when the Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) relocated to BPC. Initially known as USBI, the library started with a modest collection of printed materials and a dedicated team of two staff members. Through the years, the small “satellite” library became a proper branch library, moving from the second floor of the main SBS building to a new facility on the ground level in 2002, employing five staff members.
Bellville Park Campus Library
Henriëtte Swart: Director Branch Libraries who joined USBL in 1987, recalls the library’s evolution fondly:
“It was a highlight when we opened the new USBL facility in 2002. The library became a hub for the full-time MBA students and the broader Bellville Park Campus community. Over the years, we received countless expressions of appreciation from students and faculty, and USBL was often highlighted in accreditation reports as a key contributor to academic success.”
In 2018, USBL was upgraded as part of the BPC renewal project. Work on the facility included new signage, a redesigned reception/information desk, two offices for the faculty librarians and a new staff room as well as mobile bookshelves to allow flexible use of the available space and comfortable seating options and study pods facilitate research, study and collaboration.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic the physical library saw a significant decline in foot traffic. Before COVID, however, library services had become increasingly virtual. With this mind, discussions about the library’s future had to be made. In October 2023, Library Management presented three scenarios to USBL management: maintaining the status quo (2023-2024 ), closing USBL (by the end of or after 2024), or continuation of a library and information service on BPC (after 2024). Following extensive consultation and analysis, the decision was made to close the physical library by the end of 2024 while maintaining a virtual professional library service.
Looking Ahead
Although the physical library will close, the academic community of Bellville Park Campus will continue to receive comprehensive library support. From January 2025, a small collection of 400 frequently used physical books will be retained on campus for borrowing. Additionally, SBS staff will assist with operational tasks such as document delivery, circulation, and interbranch requests.
More importantly, the virtual library service will remain robust, ensuring seamless access to electronic resources, including databases, e-books, and e-journals. Faculty Librarian for Economic and Management Sciences, Judy Williams, based in the SU Library, will continue to provide virtual research support, training, and consultations, occasionally visiting the campus as needed.
Judy Williams highlights the enduring connection between the library and the campus community:
“The USBL staff were an integral part of the Bellville Park Campus community, attending academic meetings and social events. We hope to maintain this special relationship, even if it’s remote.”
Final thoughts
As USBL prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and community. From its early days as a small library with limited resources to its role as a vital academic support system, USBL has been a cornerstone of the Bellville Park Campus for nearly four decades.
While the physical space will no longer be available, the library’s commitment to supporting the academic and research needs of the campus remains unwavering. This transition represents not an end, but a transformation—one that embraces new ways of delivering knowledge and fostering academic success.
For those who have walked its aisles, studied in its quiet corners, or benefited from its resources, USBL will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Karel van der Molen, a long-time user of USBL, reflects: “USBL was more than just a library; it was a place for intellectual growth and personal connections. The staff’s dedication and the library’s human touch made it a cornerstone of the academic experience at Bellville Park Campus.”
Staff of the Bellville Park campus library: Alna Marais, Judy Williams, Lizanne Botha, Henriëtte Swart, Nombulelo Magwebu-Mrali (2021)
The Library and Information Service extends its gratitude to everyone who participated in the recent Space Use Patterns and Diversity survey, which closed on 4 October 2024. With 886 responses—71% from undergraduate students—the survey provided valuable insights into library use patterns, preferred spaces and times and perceptions of diversity and inclusivity within the library. This feedback will play a crucial role in guiding future improvements to library spaces, hours and services.
Approximately 27% of respondents reported visiting the library daily, primarily to study. Over 69% of participants expressed satisfaction with the current physical library spaces and more than 79% felt that the library is inclusive and accommodating of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Library team is now analysing nearly 3 000 valuable comments provided by survey participants.
Satisfaction with library spaces
To thank participants, the Library offered the chance to win one of three vouchers worth R1,500 each for use at a computer technology store. Congratulations to the lucky draw winners: Miss Zenande Siqwana, Ms Owam Nqamra, and Miss Anele Taumbe! At a prize-giving on 30 October at Stellenbosch University Library, Misses Siqwana and Taumbe received their vouchers, while Ms Nqamra was presented with hers at the Medicine and Health Sciences Library.
Meet the Winners
Miss Zenande Siqwana, a second-year BA Humanities student from the Free State, shared her appreciation for the SU Library, where she studies daily with a clear focus on her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. A passionate reader, she values the library’s supportive environment for both her academic and personal growth.
Miss Zenande Siqwana received her prize from Mrs Marleen Hendriksz, Senior Librarian: Arts and Social Sciences
Miss Anele Taumbe, a first-year AgriSciences student from Umlazi, Durban, is aiming for a career in oenology and viticulture. For her, the SU Library is not only a quiet study spot but also a place to foster new friendships. Her recent library read inspired her by deepening her knowledge of food pairing with wines—an essential skill for her future career. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing as a way to unwind.
Miss Anele Taumbe received her prize from Mrs Elizabeth Moll-Willard, Senior Librarian: AgriSciences
Ms Owam Nqamra, a first-year Nursing student, received her voucher at the Medicine and Health Sciences Library on 8 November.
Ms Owam Nqamra received her prize from MrYusuf Ras, Head: Medicine and Health Sciences Library
The Library appreciates all who participated in the survey and contributed to making the library a better place for everyone. For those who missed out this time, stay tuned for more opportunities to share feedback as we continue our commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.
From left: Mrs Marleen Hendriksz, Ms Ellen Tise, Miss Zenande Siqwana, Miss Anele Taumbe and Mrs Elizabeth Moll-Willard
On 24 October 2024, Stellenbosch University (SU) Library celebrated International Open Access Week with a hybrid event focusing on the theme “Community Over Commercialisation.” Held in the SU Library Auditorium and streamed online, the event featured a panel discussion facilitated by the SU Library’s Director of Research Services, Dr. Siviwe Bangani. The panel included insights from influential voices in Open Science, both locally and internationally.
On SU’s Open Access Commitment
Opening the Discussion, Ms Ellen R. Tise, Senior Director: Library and Information Services, highlighted the university’s longstanding commitment to Open Access, from signing the Berlin Declaration in 2010, hosting Africa’s first Berlin Open Access Conference in 2012, and the Open Repositories conference in 2023. She spoke about the financial challenges, such as high subscription fees and fluctuations in local currency, that limit access for South African institutions. Tise also underscored the inequalities caused by “double dipping,” where publicly funded research becomes costly for the researchers themselves. She stressed that Open Access is essential for ensuring that African scholarship reaches a global audience.
Connecting Scholarship with Society
Prof. Marena Manley from SU’s Food Science department discussed how Open Access extends research impact beyond academia to benefit society. “It’s not just for other researchers; Open Access reaches the public,” she noted. Prof. Manley also emphasised quality control in Open Access publications, advocating for “open reviews” that involve public engagement to ensure research remains relevant and accessible. She highlighted the value of peer review and community feedback in maintaining high standards, comparable to those of traditional journals.
Reclaiming Scholarship: Challenging the Commercialisation of Knowledge
Dr. Reggie Raju, Director: Research & Learning, University of Cape Town (UCT), spoke on the dominance of commercial publishers, arguing that scholarship should be a public good rather than a profit-driven commodity. He referenced initiatives like Diamond Open Access (DOA) as viable paths for reclaiming academic publishing from commercial interests. DOA is an open access publishing model where research is made freely available to readers and authors pay no Article Processing Charges (APCs) to publish. This model is often supported by institutions (including through Institutional repositories) or sponsors. DOA promotes equitable access to knowledge by removing financial barriers for both authors and readers. Dr. Raju also mentioned a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. against major publishers for allegedly blocking Open Access alternatives, which he sees as a critical step in restoring accessibility.
Furthermore, Raju was asked about the challenges unique to Global South researchers, who often feel pressured to align with Global North priorities. He described how “research pilgrimage” affects local relevance and noted the prohibitive costs of APCs for many South African researchers. He encouraged collaborations that would enable Global South academics to publish without high costs.
Policy and Inclusivity
In response to a question on policy’s role in mitigating commercial influence, Jeroen Sondervan, Programme Leader Open Scholarly Communication, Open Science NL at the Dutch Research Council (NWO) highlighted transformative agreements and policy reforms as essential. He advocated for Diamond Open Access to promote inclusive publishing, suggesting that funding for Open Access infrastructure could reduce reliance on traditional metrics such as citations and h-index. To this, Dr. Raju added that policy change should include revisiting institutional reward systems to recognise Open Access contributions.
From Local to Global Impact: Open Access and the SDGs
Reflecting on Open Access’s broader role, Ms Tise linked it to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting its importance in education, health, poverty alleviation, and climate change. She noted how Open Access enabled rapid dissemination of COVID-19 research, emphasising that unrestricted access to information empowers communities to address societal challenges. However, she cautioned against the trend of rising publisher fees, which threaten accessibility.
Tise pointed out the need for ongoing education about Open Access models, which are constantly evolving. While libraries provide updates, she acknowledged that many researchers still struggle to navigate the options. She urged for simpler, more standardised Open Access agreements and encouraged researchers to look beyond traditional, high-prestige journals, noting initiatives like Diamond Open Access that promote free-to-publish and free-to-read models.
A Call to Action
The panel concluded with a shared commitment to foster Open Access policies that prioritise equity and community impact. As SU continues its advocacy, the event highlighted the transformative potential of Open Access to make research more inclusive, accessible, and beneficial for society.
“Celebrating our International Open Access Week 2024 event at Stellenbosch University: Top Left: Mr. Jeroen Sondervan; Top Right: Ms. Mimi Seyffert-Wirth, Ms. Ellen R. Tise, Prof. Marena Manley, Dr. Siviwe Bangani; Bottom Left: Online attendees; Bottom Right: Dr. Reggie Raju
On 1 October 2024, Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service hosted a panel discussion titled “Democracy through the Lens of Primary Documents at Special Collections” as part of the Woordfees programme. Held in the Library Auditorium, this event was also part of the Library’s 14th Manuscripts Centre Lecture, featured in the Woordfees “Discourse Talks” series. The discussion, which ran from 12:00 to 13:00, brought together a diverse group of panellists to reflect on the importance of primary resources in researching and contextualizing South Africa’s political history. The focus was on collections related to South Africa’s journey to democracy from the 1980s onward, highlighting how these materials continue to inspire new research and provide deeper insights into the country’s political transformation.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Ellen Tise, Senior Director: Stellenbosch University Library and Information Services, emphasised the critical role that primary sources play in preserving the history of democracy in South Africa. She explained how the Manuscripts Section, established in 1969, initially focused on Afrikaans literature but has since expanded to over 480 manuscript collections, now covering subjects such as South African artists, press figures, and political history. This reflects the Library’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its collections and providing a comprehensive view of South Africa’s history.
Ms. Ellen Tise, Senior Director: Stellenbosch University Library and Information Services
Ms. Mimi Seyffert-Wirth, Director: Scholarly Communication and Marketing, followed with an overview of the South African political history collections housed in Special Collections, underscoring their importance in understanding the nation’s complex past. She highlighted key materials that document significant political moments leading to democracy.
In celebration of 30 years of democracy, the SU Library also presented an exhibition titled “1994–2024: Democracy in South Africa – A History Told by Unique Library Collections,” on display near the Learning Commons. The exhibition showcases rare and historically significant items from Special Collections, including:
A handwritten excerpt from “A Prayer for the ANC” by Beyers Naudé (1994)
A letter from Nelson Mandela discussing the renegotiation of South Africa’s foreign debt in the 1980s, which contributed to his eventual release
Documents from the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert collection, including his resignation from Parliament and his views on apartheid reform
Materials from the IDASA collection focused on voter education efforts before the 1994 elections
Ms. Mimi Seyffert-Wirth, Director: Scholarly Communication and Marketing
The panel discussion was led by Dr. Marietjie Oelofsen, who had given the students an assignment to write articles based on the IDASA archive material they had used. These articles will be published in a magazine that the Honours class is compiling themselves. At the event, Dr. Oelofsen invited the students to share their experiences working with the primary sources. Both Sherie Vollenhoven and Nkululeko Ndlovu, BA Honours journalism students, mentioned that they enjoyed engaging with the physical materials, particularly newspapers and magazines. They highlighted how these resources uncovered narratives about South Africa’s political journey to democracy from 1980 onward.
Key questions posed to the panel included:
What resources were particularly useful in your studies and publications, and how do they place past events in context?
Which materials surprised or inspired you during your research?
Each panellist offered personal reflections on the unexpected discoveries they made through primary resources, which deepened their understanding of South Africa’s political and social development.
From left to right: Journalism students Nkululeko Ndlovu, Sherie Vollenhoven, and Dr. Marietjie Oelofsen (Stellenbosch University Museum).
The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which the audience engaged the panellists with insightful questions. Afterward, Marieta Buys, Head: Special Collections, invited attendees to view the exhibition featuring recently acquired collections that offer deeper insights into South Africa’s democratic journey.
The Manuscript Lecture Series, which began in 2009, continues to promote the Library’s rich collections and encourages both public and scholarly engagement with significant historical materials. This year’s event celebrated not only the Library’s role in preserving South Africa’s history but also the enduring research value of its manuscript collections.
From left to right: Journalism students Nkululeko Ndlovu, Sherie Vollenhoven, Dr. Marietjie Oelofsen (Stellenbosch University Museum) and Marieta Buys, Head: Special Collections
As I stood before the display cabinets in Special Collections, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant selection of books that seemed to whisper stories from the past. Each title represented a different piece of the intricate puzzle that makes up our national heritage – capturing the essence of cultures across Africa and beyond.
Heritage Month offers South Africans a moment to reflect on and celebrate the cultural diversity that defines our nation. It is a time to honour the histories, traditions, and contributions of the various communities that have shaped the country’s identity.
In celebration of this important month, Pakama Ncume, Junior Librarian in Special Collections, curated a captivating display of books from the Africana Collection. These books were thoughtfully selected to highlight a range of cultures, including African, Indian, and Coloured communities.
In celebration of Heritage Month, Special Collections showcased a selection of diverse books highlighting the rich cultural heritage and history of our community.
According to Pakama, the selection was made with the intent to offer a glimpse into the wealth of cultural knowledge contained within the collection. “The idea was to provide a teaser—something that would spark interest and encourage people to learn more about the different cultures that form the fabric of our nation,” she said.
Below are some of the titles and authors featured in the display, each one offering a unique perspective on the rich and diverse heritage of South Africa.
List of exhibited books – Heritage month
African Elegance by Alice Mertens and Joan A. Broster.
AmaNdebele by Peter Magubane and Sandra Klopper.
Coloured: How Classification Became Culture by Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Ebony Chutel.
Cultures of South Africa: A Celebration by Peter Joyce, Roger De la Harpe and Pat De la Harpe.
Ditema: Some Decorated Sotho Buildings by Pieter Jolly.
Many Lives:150 Years of Being Indian in South Africa by Goolam H. Vahed, Ashwin Desai and Thembisa Waetjen.
Vanishing Cultures of South Africa: Changing Customs in a Changing World by Peter Magubane.
The Zulu: Traditional Customs and Culture by John Hone, Jeannie Mather, Karen Fair and Andrea Florens.
In addition to the books on display, Special Collections also houses a rich collection of manuscripts and rare books that explore the diverse heritage of South Africa. Here are a few noteworthy examples from these collections:
This is a collection of data collected by Mr Brian Maguire and his wife, Dr Judy Maguire between 1954 and 1975 in close collaboration San communities (!Kung, Haillom, lXoo, and Naro) in the Kalahari. It is a digital collection and consist of manuscripts; typescripts; sketches; diagrams; photographic prints; black and white negatives; colour slides; field notebooks and plant collection registers. The information is available for research purposes on the Library’s Digital Heritage Repository, SUNDigital Collections at https://digital.lib.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.2/15524.
The H.J. Bahr collection consists of documents regarding mission work in Southern Africa of the Berlin Mission Society, collected by Herbert Julius Bahr. The collection contains correspondence with theologians and scientists; illustrations of Bushman paintings in the Drakensberg; poems and water-colours by Bahr.
The collection consists of correspondence; lists of publications; clippings; photos; sketches; personalia and the original botanical illustrations prepared for printing between 1912 and 1932 in Rudolf Marloth’s Flora of South Africa. The 176 plates have been digitized (available on SUNDigital) and was done by botanical artists such as Ethel May Dixie (1876-1973), Esther Smith (1878-1954), Florence Amy Thwaits and Peter McManus, with handwritten notes and instructions for the printers by Marloth.
This collection focus on vernacular architecture in South Africa and consist of documents with contributions by James Walton and other authors on African ethnology, vernacular architecture and conservation/ preservation. It includes books; encyclopaedias; periodicals; pamphlets; newsletters; lectures; portfolios; albums; slides; photos; sketches; plans; newspaper clippings; reports; surveys; maps; charts; plans; etc.
Andre Pretorius collection which consists of material collected by André Pretorius (1935-2006), author, photographer and conservationist. The material pertains mainly to the areas in the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape. The collection contains photographs; newspaper clippings; articles; brochures and correspondence.
This collection consists of South African heritage material, mainly SAHRA (old NMC) as well as UK material. There is a large section of material pertaining to mills (South Africa, UK and the Netherlands). Pamphlets; brochures; newsletters; lecture notes; portfolios; albums; photos; sketches; plans; newspaper clippings; conservation/preservation of buildings; reports; surveys and miscellaneous information; maps; charts and plans form a large part of the collection.
This collection consists of correspondence; lectures; photographs; articles; clippings; manuscripts of “Stellenbosch three centuries” and “Die grondeienaars van Stellenbosch” https://digital.lib.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.2/5911
This display served as a reminder of the many layers of heritage that we are fortunate to share and celebrate as a nation. It stood as an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the cultures that continue to enrich our society.
Mimi Seyffert-Wirth, Director of Scholarly Communication and Marketing recently attended the Erasmus Training Week at the University of Liège Library in Belgium from 10 to 14 June 2024. The theme, “Opening up our Heritage: Challenges and Opportunities in Digitising and Promoting Cultural and Research Collections,” focused entirely on the digitization of heritage collections, making it a highly specialized but fascinating week.
22 participants participated in the programme, a small group which made networking with each other very convenient. There was also ample opportunity for discussion after presentations and all participants are expected to send a draft article related to their presentation through to the organisers before end October. These will be published in 2025.
Many presentations covered specialized, niche projects, which were very interesting. Others focused on larger projects such as national aggregators for digital heritage and the redesigning of massive digital heritage databases. In terms of information technology tools and software, it was interesting to note that all participants are employing either DSpace, OMEKA S or Alma, or a combination of these.
The group was thoroughly European, with participants from countries like Greece, Latvia, the Scandinavian nations, and extending as far west as Spain and Portugal.The train station’s architecture is truly breathtaking, with its ceiling design serving as an inspiration for the Uliège logo, as reflected here.Impressions of Liège: It’s summer here, and the city’s vibrant charm is on full display.
Uliège City Campus
The first few days we spent on the Sart Tilman campus outside the city. It looks like a park, and it is situated in a nature reserve.
Uliège City Campus: Blend of old and new in the picture on your left where the old building next to the modern one is reflected in the glass at the entrance.
Key Takeaways
Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Projects from Leuven and Strasbourg universities showed how involving the public in digitization, such as documenting regional chapels, can bring in high-quality contributions. Using tools like OMEKA S, the public’s input proved invaluable—something we could explore to enrich our own collections at Stellenbosch.
Volunteers in Action Many institutions, like Leiden University, are using volunteers to help with digitization. It’s an idea worth considering, particularly for large-scale projects that could benefit from extra hands.
Collaborating Across Sectors National projects from Latvia, Switzerland, and Finland demonstrated the value of libraries, museums, and archives working together on digital heritage. Regional collaboration and the inclusion of local languages were key to their success, and their ability to secure government funding was impressive.
Open Access and Copyright Challenges Discussions around open access revealed that while some institutions are keen on sharing heritage freely, others are more resistant. Some are even exploring commercialization as a way to fund conservation efforts—sparking lively debates about the ethics of monetizing heritage.
AI in Heritage Projects AI is being used in exciting ways, such as helping Leiden University match 7,000 photographic negatives to prints. This could be a game-changer for managing large, complex collections.
Library Delights:
Some items from their special collections.
Special ‘beds’ for the books for a good night’s rest.
Scanners:
Cultural Delights:
The baptismal font at St Bartholomew’s Church, Liège made between 1107 and 1118 and a must see. Inside of a cathedral. Integrating the old and the new, which they have no qualms with.
Boulets Liegeois at Tchchante et Nanesse. 15th century building.
Lessons and Next Steps
The University of Liège Library is similar in size to Stellenbosch, making their innovative restructuring into six service areas a model to consider. They’ve also seen success with a strict Green Open Access policy, achieving an impressive 89% compliance from their researchers.
Mimi returned with plenty of ideas to explore, including using citizen science to enhance collections like the Bells of the Western Cape and to enrich the Maguire digital collection as well as experimenting with AI for managing digital archives.
Why Attend StEP?
The StEP programme offers a fantastic opportunity to learn from international peers, gain fresh perspectives, and build professional networks. It’s an experience that more staff members should definitely take advantage of for their own development.
Conclusion
The Erasmus Training Week was not only informative but truly inspiring. With new insights into digital heritage and a wealth of ideas to bring back to Stellenbosch, the experience highlighted just how vital it is to stay engaged with global developments in the field .
