Library Research News

We are thrilled to inform you that Kirchner van Deventer has been appointed as the Manager: Research Data Services

Kirchner began his new position at the Library as the Manager of Research Data Services on 1 July 2025. Kirchner formerly held the position of Manager: Carnegie Research Commons where he provided support to postgraduate students and university staff.

Researchers can consult with Kirchner on research data matters such as creating DMP plans, preserving research data, research data policies, tools for sharing research data and data citation.

He can be contacted at kvd@sun.ac.za. His phone number is 021 808 9489.

Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service hosted its third #BeOpenAccessSmartWebinar on 19 June 2025, titled “Beyond Transformative Agreements – Reflections from an Open Access Working Group.” The session featured renowned guest speaker Professor Astrid Söderbergh Widding, former President of Stockholm University 2013-2025, Chair of the Board of the Nobel Foundation and Chair of the Beyond Transformative Agreements Working Group in Sweden.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms Ellen Tise, who welcomed attendees from 23 countries. Prof. Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, highlighted the global growth of “Read and Publish” agreements but noted their financial strain on institutions in the Global South. She encouraged continued use of such agreements as interim solutions, while calling for alternative and equitable open access models.

Prof. Widding presented a comprehensive overview of Sweden’s approach to Open Science. She explained how the Bibsam Consortium, consisting of 95 Swedish institutions, manages over 30 transformative agreements. Sweden’s national goal is to transition to a full Open Science system by 2026, with guidelines developed by the National Library and the Swedish Association of Higher Education Institutions.

She described four potential routes for moving beyond transformative agreements: (1) cancelling existing agreements with commercial publishers, (2) exploring alternative publishing platforms, (3) implementing lump-sum funding in place of APCs, and (4) adopting rights retention strategies to keep copyright within the academic community. While rights retention has gained traction in the UK and Norway, Sweden is still exploring its feasibility.

A pivotal decision shared during the webinar was the Bibsam Consortium’s plan to cease negotiating agreements for hybrid journals from 2026. Instead, future negotiations will focus solely on fully open access journals. Prof. Widding emphasized the importance of developing robust infrastructure for Diamond Open Access as a sustainable publishing model—one that is free for both readers and authors.

She firmly stated that the academic community must reclaim ownership of the scholarly publishing system and reduce reliance on commercial publishers. Transparency in cost models and collective academic behaviour are crucial levers for change.

The session called on global institutions—especially in the Global South—to imagine a fairer future for knowledge sharing, where access is not dictated by commercial interests, but by academic collaboration.

The next webinar in the series is scheduled for 17 September 2025.

Authors: Sakhile Mngomezulu and Theresa Schoeman

Please contact Sakhile for any enquiries on Open Access publishing.

If you are newly employed at Stellenbosch University, or a postgraduate student from another institution, or simply unsure about the services and facilities on offer by Library and Information Service, then we highly recommend that you attend our upcoming Library induction for postgraduate students and academic staff. This three-hour webinar will give you an overview of all available library services and also a special focus on the Research Support services that is available to you.

The webinar is scheduled for 24 July from 10:00 to 13:00 and you can use the links below to register

Students register here

Staff register here

Below is a breakdown of what will be presented:

During the first session an overview of the Library Website is given, how to search for information via the different databases as well as where to find help. The second session goes into more depth about all the different research services that the Library is offering and is presented by the specific librarians responsible for the different divisions.

Session 1:

Participants will learn to:

• navigate the Library Website effectively
• find their way around in the Stellenbosch University Library
• find information with the Library’s search engine
• check where to find and how to use interdisciplinary academic databases such as EBSCOhost as well as electronic journals and e-books
• check the library hours, terms for access and membership privileges entail
• find conducive spaces to work and study
• check out or renew books and request books that are not in the library
• reach their faculty librarians as well as other tools for assistance
• use essential research skills such as avoiding plagiarism, complying with copyright, referencing techniques and using Endnote as a reference manager

Session 2:

In this session, participants will learn:

• about the available advanced research support services available
• about the Research Commons services
• how to create your unique author identity with ORCID and how to connect it with your Stellenbosch University identity
• how to find assistance on where to publish
• where to find author/article/departmental citation data (bibliometrics) and how to request assistance
• what Open Access is and which services the Library support
• where Supervisors should submit a thesis or dissertation on behalf of their students
• how to find examples of previously completed theses and dissertations within SUNScholar (institutional repository)
• what Research Data Management is and a short introduction to SUNScholarData and the tool for data management planning (SunDMP)
• where to find assistance on data analysis and data visualisation (on campus and in the Library)
• about the Makerspace, its facilities, and services on offer

We have had access to the latest version of Clarivate’s EndNote since May this year and it has some exciting new features, including an AI powered summary tool, citing directly from PDFs, improved searchability and a journal finder in the Cite-while-you-write add-on. For more on how to install EndNote and other useful information, have a look at our EndNote Library Guide.

AI Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway analyses the PDFs in your EndNote library and gives a concise summary of the key aspects of the article. It can aid in research discovery by extracting key insights and takeaways from individual papers.

Cite from PDF

You can now highlight a piece of text from a PDF to directly insert it into a document, correctly formatted and cited per the style you are using. Below is a short video demonstrating how it works.

The new Cite-while-you write Add-in

EndNote has a new add-on for desktop and online word processors that allows you to browse your EndNote library within the word processor. Unlike the toolbar extension that is automatically installed when you install EndNote, the add-in needs to be added manually. You will need to find the Add-ins option in your preferred word processor. In MS Word, it is usually in the Home tab:

Once installed, you will find it under the References tab and the first time you click on it, you will be prompted to sign in with your EndNote credentials. Once logged in, you will have access to your EndNote library. From there, you can manage your citations, edit them and select your chosen referencing style. However, only styles that have been uploaded to EndNote’s online database. The SU Harvard style is available and should be found if you search for Stellenbosch. The add-in also works well alongside the EndNote tab in Word/Pages desktop applications, so you will always be able to convert the document to a custom style once you have finished using it online. Please note these features are not available for LaTeX.

Find a Journal

The Find a Journal feature is also available via the add-in. Once you have your manuscript drafted, you can use this feature to find appropriate journals that your article may be eligible for. You just need to add your title and abstract to the relevant fields and it will identify potential journals for you, indicating the relevant impact factors as well. It does not specify whether the journals are accredited or peer reviewed, so you will need to consult with your faculty librarian to find out these details. Below is a short demonstration of how it works.

 

There are other features available and improvements to the Find Reference Updates and Find Full-Text functions. Also, when you use the Web of Science and PubMed search features within EndNote, you can access additional information about the references, including finding related articles.

 

If you would like to find out more about these features, or about EndNote in general, do not hesitate to contact us.

The manuscript section in Special Collections hosts material for answering different research questions.  Topics include: Afrikaans literature and language, Architecture and vernacular architecture, Arts, Cultural history, Education, Missionary and religion, Music, Press and journalism, Societies, Organisations and institutions, South African history, South African politics and government, South African social and economic history, South African War, Stellenbosch University / Victoria College. (Consult the SUNDigital, Finding aid page for more information.

In this blog post, the focus is on the town of Stellenbosch. The types of documents available in these collections are meeting minutes, agendas, correspondence from organisations involved in identifying and maintaining heritage buildings (e.g SAHRA (South African Heritage Resources Agency), the Simon van der Stel Foundation, the National Monuments Council, Van Riebeeck Society), and writings on South African history. These are crucial for researchers interested in the following topics:

1. Heritage Conservation: The identification, maintenance, and preservation of historical buildings and sites in and around Stellenbosch.
2. Local History: Detailed insights into the social, cultural, and economic history of Stellenbosch, which could include information on significant events, figures, and everyday life in the town.
3. Educational History: The history of Stellenbosch University, given Prof. Thom’s significant connection to the institution.
4. Cultural and Architectural Heritage: The vernacular architecture and cultural significance of buildings and structures in Stellenbosch.

H B Thom collection (MS 191)

One of the significant collections mentioned is the H.B. Thom collection (MS 191), which spans over 50 meters of documents. This collection is particularly valuable for its insights into the historical and cultural landscape of Stellenbosch, given Prof. Thom’s extensive affiliation with Stellenbosch University. His roles as a student, lecturer, and eventually Rector of the university provide a unique perspective on the town’s history.

Other significant collections to mention include: Francois Smuts -, Joanna Marx -, James Walton – and Andre Pretorius Collections.

Francois Smuts Collection (MS  229)

Prof Smuts was born on a farm in the Stellenbosch district,  matriculated from Paul Roos Gymnasium, and studied at the universities of Stellenbosch. He was lecturing Latin at Stellenbosch University since 1938. Professor from 1951 – 1981.

This collection contains information on Stellenbosch and correspondence and research from organisations like the Simon van der Stel Foundation, National Monuments Council and the manuscript and research on the book : “Stellenbosch Drie Eeue” and “Die Grondeienaars van Stellenbosch, 1693 – 1860”.

Joanna Marx Collection (MS 422)

This collection consists of South African heritage material, mainly SAHRA (South African Heritage Resources Agency).

“SAHRA is an agency of the Department of  Sport, Arts and Culture tasked with an overall legislative mandate to identify, assess, manage, protect, and promote heritage resources in South Africa.”

A large section, of the Marx Collection, consists of material pertaining to the mills (for example the Mostert Mill in Cape Town). There are pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, lecture notes, portfolios, albums, photos, sketches, plans, newspaper clippings, conservation/preservation of buildings, reports, surveys and other miscellaneous information.

James Walton– and André Pretorius collections

These collections on vernacular architecture in South Africa contain books and pamphlets, including homesteads and villages of South Africa, African villages, Cape dovecots, fowl-runs, watermills, windmills and horse mills of South Africa.

You can also consult the Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa and articles about these valuable collections.

The curation and preservation of these collections can be interpreted as a direct support to the aims of Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 11.4) by safeguarding cultural heritage, enabling research, and promoting awareness of Stellenbosch’s intangible heritage. To gain more detailed information or to access specific documents within these collections, consulting resources like SUNDigital and the finding aid pages, as suggested, would be beneficial steps.

Contact Marieta Buys for more information or assistance.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” With these words in mind, we invite you to explore the leisure reading bookshelf at the SU Library.

Located just inside the library entrance, this collection was established in 2012 to offer students and researchers a way to take a break from the pressures of academic life. But relaxation isn’t the only benefit. Dewan (2010) highlights multiple studies showing a strong connection between reading, cognitive development, verbal skills, academic achievement, higher-order reasoning, and critical thinking.

The books in this collection come from the library’s regular literature shelves, donations from staff and the public, and purchases made through the Library’s general book fund. The books can be identified by the letters LR in front of the shelf number. As illustrated in the image below, you can use the advanced search option in the library’s catalogue to find a list of the 1 040 titles in the collection. You will find books by authors such as Deon Meyer (Afrikaans and English versions), Jo Nesbo, Ken Follett, Marita van der Vyver and Rudie van Rensburg, and popular comic books, poetry, and many more.

With the winter holidays approaching, feel free to visit the SU Library and pick up a few titles to help you relax and recharge after a busy first semester.

Reference:

Dewan, Pauline. 2010. Why your academic library needs a popular reading collection now more than ever. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 17(1), 44–64. DOI: 10.1080/10691310903584775

Author: Naomi Visser

Stellenbosch University’s Library and Information Service hosted its annual Library Research Week from May 12th to 16th. Under the overarching theme, “Let’s partner for research impact,” the week-long event delved into the intricacies of the research lifecycle, offering a diverse array of sessions designed to empower and inspire academics. Observations highlight a week brimming with intellectual exchange, practical insights, and a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

The week commenced on a high note on Monday, 12 May, with Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, officially opening the event. Professor Moyo underscored the critical role of Library Research Week in strengthening the University’s research ecosystem. Following Professor Moyo’s opening, the audience was given a powerful guest lecture by the esteemed Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, the 2024 Templeton Prize winner and Research Chair for Historical Trauma and Transformation. Professor Gobodo-Madikizela offered a penetrating reflection on the concept of encounters as vital sites of knowledge production. Sharing personal anecdotes of both positive and negative experiences, she illustrated how these everyday interactions have profoundly shaped her research and worldview. She concluded her impactful address with a poignant statement: “The failure to recognise humanity at all – is evil. As embodied beings, we are exposed to others. And while this allows for connection and desire, it also raises the potential for cruelty. It is within this space that our work, our research, and our humanity must reside.”

Tuesday, 13 May featured four insightful sessions on decoloniality as a research method, the impact of copyright and trademark use throughout the research process, literature reviews and systematic reviews.

Wednesday, 15 May, had five sessions dedicated to the transformative power of AI and other technological advancements. The interest in these sessions was prevalent through the high number of registrations and attendance. The webinars included presentations from Wiley, Elsevier and WWIS and also from two SU experts. The generative AI-centred webinars differentiated between traditional and generative AI, showcasing tools like Google Gemini and Copilot, and stressing ethical considerations such as copyright and disclosure.  The day also featured a session on the potential benefits and applications of using generative AI opportunities in research.

Thursday, 16 May focused on four sessions offering practical strategies and services available to SU staff, researchers and students, including the benefits of open access publishing, SU opportunities for global academic engagement, enhancing research impact and developing a data management plan using SunDMP.  The week closed off on Friday, 16 May, focusing on webinars that support researcher and societal wellbeing.

The Library Research Week working group, led by Dr Siviwe Bangani, wants to thank everyone who attended. A huge thank you also to all of the presenters, especially to Professor Moyo and Professor Gobodo-Madikizela for opening what was another successful week.

Some of the recordings are restricted to SU staff and students. If you would like to view these, you may email Kirchner van Deventer for access. The majority of the recordings, including the Launch, can be viewed on the library’s YouTube channel.

Author: Kirchner van Deventer

Below is more information about the content and attendance of the event. Please click on the image to read.
(Infographic created by Marié Roux)

Start with planning

Every research project conducted under Stellenbosch University’s (SU) auspices that involves the collection and use of research data should have a data management plan (DMP). Ideally, the creation of a DMP should commence at the inception of any research project. While it may not be feasible to address all aspects initially, beginning the planning process enables researchers to address some key questions centred around adequate management of research data. SU’s Library and Information Service uses a series of workshop training events to encourage researchers to regard a DMP as a living document, not merely a requirement for securing funding. A DMP should often be revisited, edited, and updated as needed throughout the research lifecycle.

Consider the DMP tool and template

SU researchers need to consider tools that are openly available to them to facilitate the process of creating a DMP.  The Library developed a DMP tool, SunDMP, with a template (powered by FAIR Wizard) that enables SU researchers to create the plan from scratch.

Identify any proprietary, personal or sensitive data

The Library and Information Service provides a variety of services to researchers from various subject disciplines. It is for this reason that it is imperative for researchers to identify any proprietary, personal and sensitive data in the DMP prior to data collection. This pre-emptive measure can provide legal justification for withholding such data from public access if needed.

Establish a schedule for adjustments

As previously mentioned, the DMP should not be a static document but rather subject to regular review and updates. SU researchers are encouraged to establish a schedule for incorporating new information, revising old information, and possibly editing the DMP. These scheduled reviews should coincide with key project events such as funding approval, developments in data types, research project reviews, and publication milestones.

Prioritising data management planning optimises data management practices, enhances data accessibility and reusability, and advances scientific knowledge.

Please contact Sizwe Ngcobo if you need any assistance.

Research Data Management Library Guide

Date: 19 June 2025

Time: 12:00-13:00 SAST ​​

Speaker: Professor Astrid Söderbergh Widding

Register here for the webinar

“Read and Publish Agreements”, commonly referred to as Transformational Agreements (TAs) in South Africa, continue to play a significant role in shifting traditional subscription-based publishing models toward open access. These agreements often cover Article Processing Charges (APCs), enabling open availability of scholarly content that would otherwise be locked behind paywalls.

Join us as we explore what lies ahead in the evolving open access landscape—beyond the boundaries of Transformational Agreements—to discuss emerging models, persistent challenges, and new opportunities for equitable scholarly communication.

In this webinar, Professor Astrid Söderbergh Widding will share insights from the work of the Beyond Transformative Agreements Group, a task group within the Swedish Bibsam Consortium, which sought to guide Sweden away from unsustainable TA models. She will highlight the group’s key findings, the challenges faced, and the opportunities on the journey toward open science.

Professor Astrid Söderbergh Widding is the immediate past Rector of Stockholm University (2013–2025), Chair of the Board of the Nobel Foundation, and Chair of the Beyond Transformative Agreements Working Group in Sweden. Read more about her on her Wikipedia page.

Registered participants will receive a Teams meeting link and reminder emails.

Enquiries: Sakhile Mngomezulu | tel: +27 21 8089907​

ORCID is a unique, persistent identifier that researchers can use throughout their careers as they engage in research, scholarship, and innovation. It offers several benefits, including enhancing the visibility and potential impact of a researcher’s work and helping to distinguish between individuals with similar names through effective name disambiguation. Stellenbosch University has been a member of ORCID since 2015. For the University to fully realise the benefits of this affiliation, it is essential that researchers actively maintain their ORCID records and link them to the institution.

A researcher’s ORCID record is the most important profile to keep up to date and to use. The more well-populated ORCID records there are, the more value the research community will gain from participating in ORCID.  The ORCID community worldwide relies on and benefits from the activities of each other. In this blog post, we give a few tips on how to populate and optimise your ORCID record. These tips include how to connect and link your record to universities, databases and research systems, how to add and update your information on your record, how to set your visibility settings, where to use your ORCID iD, and how to maintain accuracy and completeness.

Connect and link

• Connect and link your ORCID iD with databases such as Crossref and Datacite, which enables automatic updates as you publish.
• Grant permission to Stellenbosch University, your funders, and publishers to add and update information on your record. (see the Library Guide to learn how to connect your iD to your SU identity) 
• Remember to link to other profiles you might have, for example, ResearchGate, LinkedIn, Loop, etc.

Add and update information

• Add a short biography.
• Make sure to complete your current affiliation. It is difficult to search on the ORCID registry when you have a common name. When your affiliation is available, this will show up in the search results and it will be much easier to distinguish yourself.
• Make sure all your publications and other works are added. There are numerous ways to do this, but for automatic updates, Crossref and Datacite are the best.  You can also export from your Google Scholar profile using a Bibtex file or connect your ORCID record to your Scopus profile.
• Remember to add your data sets too. This is possible via Datacite.
• Add your peer reviews. This is possible via your Web of Science profile. Add your peer reviews to your profile and connect them to your ORCID record.
• Make sure you add your University email address as primary email AND a secondary email address, such as your Gmail address.
• To have a complete record, you can also add grants and awards.

Visibility

• Review the visibility settings in all the different sections of your ORCID record. If they are not set to ‘Everyone’, your works and other information will not be publicly available.
• You can make your email addresses not visible to others if you prefer to do so.

Use your ORCID iD

• Include your ORCID iD on your personal website/blog, CV, and email signature.
• Use it when prompted during article submissions and funding applications. 

Maintain accuracy and completeness

• Check back regularly to ensure the completeness of your works/publications.
• Regularly review your record for any errors or inconsistencies. 
• Use a Trusted Individual if you don’t have time to keep your record up to date. Give an assistant or student access. This person will need to have an ORCID iD and also need to know how to do updates successfully.

Contact: Marié Roux

Library Guide