[: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[:]