Author: tschoeman

[:en]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[:af]Die opgewonde afwagting op die biblioteekoriëntering kon vanaf                5 Februarie 2024 oral in die Universiteit Stellenbosch Biblioteek gehoor en gevoel word. Die tema van die program, wat tot 7 Februarie geduur het, was Kom ons biblioteek saam! Ons toegewyde personeel, geklee in die Universiteit se handelsmerk-t-hemde het gretig gewag om honderde nuwelinge te verwelkom, en te lei op hul reis deur die uitgestrekte see van kennis.

Die studente, wat uiteenlopende fakulteite verteenwoordig, het die ontdekkingsreis geesdriftig aangepak. Hulle is bederf met ‘n kort maar insiggewende toer deur die biblioteek se belangrikste ruimtes, insluitend die innoverende Makerspace, die Leersentrum, en stil studieareas.

Ná die toer is ‘n boeiende video vertoon wat die biblioteek se talle dienste en hulpbronne ten toon stel. Maar die opwinding het nie daar geëindig nie! Op 5 Februarie het die biblioteektoere behoorlik lewe gekry met die verrassingsverskyning van die Universiteit se gelukbringer, Pokkel, wat studente met gratis items verras het en hulle in ‘n begeesterde Mexikaanse golf in die biblioteekouditorium gelei het. Studente het die geleentheid geniet om herinneringe saam met Pokkel vas te vang, en so hierdie vreugdevolle geleentheid te verewig.

Die entoesiasme onder biblioteekpersoneel vir die jaar wat voorlê, is tasbaar. Hulle is daartoe verbind om studente op hul akademiese reis te lei en het studente uitgenooi om nie net hul fakulteitsbibliotekarisse te kom ontmoet nie, maar ook om van 12 tot 16 Februarie aan GetSmart@URLibrary deel te neem—’n waardevolle geleentheid om hul inligtingsgeletterdheidsvaardighede te verbeter deur een-tot-een inloer-konsultasies met biblioteekpersoneel. Hierdie inisiatief het ten doel om studente te bemagtig om doeltreffend deur die groot landskap van inligting te navigeer, en hulle toe te rus met die gereedskap wat nodig is vir akademiese sukses.

Te midde van al die bedrywighede in die biblioteek heet ons alle student hartlik welkom. Ons is verheug dat hulle die biblioteek as hulle ruimte aanvaar en is daartoe verbind om te verseker dat hul reis by die Universiteit Stellenbosch verrykend en lonend is. Soos Albert Einstein  na bewering gesê het, The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library,”,” en ons staan gereed om hulle kompas te wees in hierdie ontdekkingsreis.

So, terwyl jy deur die gange van die akademie navigeer, onthou dat die biblioteek nie net ‘n fisiese ruimte is nie—dit is ‘n poort na eindelose moontlikhede en geleenthede. Ons nooi jou uit om te verken, te ontdek, en jou gunsteling plek in die biblioteek te vind—’n toevlugsoord waar kennis geen grense ken nie.

Welkom by Stellenbosch Universiteit Biblioteek—waar elke vraag ‘n antwoord vind, en elke student sy pad na sukses vind.

Theresa Schoeman[:]

[:en]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.[:]