Author: tschoeman

On 03 April 2024 Special Collections received a group of 14 visitors to view the documents from the James Walton Collection (MS 247) housed at Special collections, SU Library. Some of the documents are also available on SUNDigital  https://digital.lib.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.2/312

James Walton was born in Yorkshire in 1911 and died in Cape Town in 1999. He is well-known for his pioneering studies of the vernacular architecture of many countries in Africa, Europe and the Far East. He had authored more than 200 papers in journals, chapters and several books on vernacular architecture, including homesteads and villages, and mills in South Africa.

James Walton was honoured on various occasions for his outstanding work.  In 1992 he donated his valuable collection to the University of Stellenbosch for research purposes. To enable access to the documents the collection was indexed and catalogued in 1993. The complete collection consists of manuscripts, drawings, photographs, newsletters, lectures, portfolios, albums, plans, newspaper clippings, pamphlets and brochures.

The visitors included five family members of James Walton: His granddaughter, Jennifer Trewin, her husband (Pete) and their two daughters (Connie and Georgia) and George Todd (Son-in -law to James Walton) who are visiting South Africa from the UK.

Nine members from the Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa (VASSA) accompanied the James Walton Family. They visited the Special Collections in celebration of their 60^th anniversary this year and to also commemorate James Walton as the founding member of the organisation.

The purpose of the visit was:

• • for Research and publication opportunities
  • to view the different Vernacular Architecture collections available at Special Collections e.g. James Walton, Andre Pretorius and Johanna Marx collections.

The visit was organised by Antonia Malan and Pat Kramer. Members that attended were (Joy Woodward, Avis Fisher, Alex Dodge, Raph Malan, Anton Roux, Roshan Bhurtha and Elliz Maritz.

Staff of Special Collection welcomed the visitors by showcasing some of the James Walton authored books (housed in Africana), documents, manuscripts, drawings and slides kept in specially made boxes in the Manuscript section, Special Collections.

The Index & Catalogue of the collection was placed on display for them to showcase what is in the actual collection.

See below feedback from the visitors after the visit:

Dear all,

“A huge heartfelt thank you for making us all feel so welcome today. I know Grandad would be utterly delighted that we all gathered – he was happiest when folk about him were happy. To see his collection was quite something! Thank you for all you are doing to maintain it. Aren’t we lucky to have Stellenbosch University Library taking such good care.  Our love and thanks to you all”  George, Jen, Connie, Georgia and Pete

By Special Collections staff

Xabiso Xesi, SU Library

Xabiso Xesi joined the Library as the Manager: Research Data Services  on 01 February 2024. Before joining us, Xabiso served as a Digital Scholarship Specialist at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Libraries. However, he is no stranger to SU having previously worked as an Information Systems Coordinator at the University’s Division for Research Management. He brings extensive expertise in research data management, scholarly communication and information systems management which was gained during his time at the CPUT and SU. Armed with a Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management from Stellenbosch University and a BCom Honours in Information Systems, he is completing an MPhil in Digital Curation at the University of Cape Town. If Xabiso is not exploring new academic tools in his spare time, he is on Spotify enjoying South African jazz music and old-school deep house.

 

Sakhile Mngomezulu, SU Library

Sakhile Mngomezulu joined the Library as the Manager: Scholarly Communications and Open Access on 01 February 2024. Previously, he served as Senior Librarian: Institutional Repository and Systems Support at North-West University following a role as Librarian: Scholarly Communications at the same institution. Sakhile also worked as an Information Specialist at Varsity College IIE and at the Management College of Southern Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Information Studies degree from the University of Limpopo and a Master of Information Science Degree from the University of South Africa. He is presently enrolled for a Ph.D. in Information Science at the University of South Africa. In his spare time, Sakhile enjoys playing football and was a member of the North-West University staff soccer team.

 

The excited anticipation of the library orientation could be heard and felt throughout the University of Stellenbosch Library from 5 February 2024. The theme of the program, which lasted until 7 February was Let’s library together! Our dedicated staff, dressed in the University’s branded t-shirts, eagerly awaited to welcome and guide hundreds of newcomers on their journey through the vast sea of knowledge.

The students, representing various faculties, enthusiastically embraced the discovery journey. They were treated to a brief yet insightful tour of the library’s key spaces, including the innovative Makerspace, the Learning Commons, and quiet study areas.

After the tour, an engaging video was shown, showcasing the library’s numerous services and resources. But the excitement didn’t end there! On 5 February, the library tours came to life with the surprise appearance of the University’s mascot, Pokkel, who delighted students with freebies and led them in an enthusiastic Mexican wave in the library auditorium. Students enjoyed the opportunity to capture memories with Pokkel, immortalising this joyful occasion.

The enthusiasm among library staff for the year ahead is palpable. They are committed to guiding students on their academic journey and have invited students not only to meet their faculty librarians but also to participate in GetSmart@URLibrary from 12 to 16 February — a valuable opportunity to enhance their information literacy skills through one-on-one drop-in consultations with library staff. This initiative aims to empower students to effectively navigate the vast landscape of information and equip them with the tools necessary for academic success.

Amidst all the activities in the library, we warmly welcome all students. We are delighted that they embrace the library as their space and are committed to ensuring that their journey at Stellenbosch University is enriching and rewarding. As Albert Einstein allegedly said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library,” and we stand ready to be their compass on this journey of discovery.

So, as you navigate the corridors of academia, remember that the library is not just a physical space—it is a gateway to endless possibilities and opportunities. We invite you to explore, discover, and find your favourite spot in the library—a sanctuary where knowledge knows no bounds.

Welcome to Stellenbosch University Library—where every question finds an answer, and every student finds their path to success.

Theresa Schoeman

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.