Category: General

 

The Library and Information Service is delighted to present its Annual report 2023. The report highlights the various activities undertaken by the Library to achieve its strategic objectives, which are in line with SU’s Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019–2024.

Discover our numerous successes, including the hosting of a successful Open Repositories Conference, the quality certification of our institutional data repository (SUNScholarData), the receiving of a MACE Excellence Award for our TikTok initiatives, the Lifetime Achievement Award received by our Senior Director Ms Ellen Tise, the holding of a successful Library Research Week, favourable terms negotiated for open access publishing for SU researchers, the Manuscripts Section Lecture titled: ‘Woorde WAT groei‘ (“Words that grow”), and our visual redress initiatives.

The report focuses on our services, collections, technology, scholarship and partnerships during 2023. Read the report to learn about various ways our agile staff continue to make significant contributions on both national and international fora.

For more information contact Mimi Seyffert-Wirth​  |  t: +27 21 808 9431

Interview with Elizabeth Moll-Willard, Faculty Librarian: AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University

Can you share with us the inspiration behind starting the TikTok project to promote the library at Stellenbosch University?

Stellenbosch University Library and Information Service’s Faculty Librarians noticed students being hesitant to speak to librarians and ask for help. When students did speak to us, it was always as though they were worried about asking the wrong thing and about disturbing us. We thought that perhaps this anxiety that they had also had to do in general with not being comfortable in the library. So we wanted to change that – we wanted them to see we are approachable, relatable and there to help them and that the library is their space – a safe space where they can find help. To do this, we wanted to reach students on a platform where they were present and in a way that showcased the “behind the scenes fun” in a library. TikTok is an extremely popular amongst students, so we decided to use that platform.

What were some of the initial challenges you faced when implementing the TikTok campaign, and how did you overcome them?

We had to use our own equipment to create the account, manage it, film the videos and edit them. So, it was a bit of a learning curve to see how the platform worked, how the editing worked. We also had to work out what type of content was needed – initially we had thought to do more educational content, but we quickly realised from the reactions of students that that content wasn’t something they were interested in and they appreciated the fun content more. We also realised that posting anything negative just drives students away – so the focus shifted to only positive content.

Could you walk us through the process of creating TikTok content that effectively showcased the library’s services and spaces?

We start by keeping an eye on TikTok trends – seeing what is out there. By leveraging trending sounds it creates more of a reach and the chances are better of engaging students. Once we see the trends – we look to see how we can adapt them. As an example – there was a trend where people swung something in a circle that they loved to a Taylor Swift song, we adapted that to the idea of a student waiting for a book that they loved, and swinging that round in a circle – showcasing that students can request books and pick them up.

How did you ensure that the TikTok content resonated with the target audience of undergraduate and postgraduate students?

We use the statistics of the views to tell us what age group and location are generally looking at our content – we want to mostly be within the 18-24 age and Stellenbosch / Cape Town for the location. If the majority of our viewers are within those two – it means that we are reaching the right audience. In terms of making sure the content is relevant to them, we make use of trends. We also do have students suggesting trends to us every now and then and that lets us know that they want to see us doing the trends.

What metrics or indicators did you use to measure the success of the TikTok campaign in terms of student engagement and awareness of library resources?

We keep an eye on the number of views and the number of followers we have – if both grow then we measure that as a success. In terms of awareness of resources, at points when we have showcased something – an example could be the study cubicles – we have had students comment asking how to book. So immediately we can tell that students are seeing resources that they weren’t aware of. We have also run polls in the past on Instagram (where we cross post our TikTok videos) where we have asked for feedback – the majority of students indicated that they enjoy the videos and want us to continue.

Can you share any memorable reactions or feedback from students regarding the TikTok videos and their impact on their perception of the library?

The most memorable has been perhaps during trainings – almost every faculty librarian has had students mention the TikTok videos. Twice, I’ve had the introducing student or staff member actually mention the TikTok account as part of introducing me. Anecdotally we have also seen students be less hesitant to approach us and ask questions – which is what we set out to do. On campus, we’ve been interviewed by the campus newspaper due to the ‘trending’ of our videos, we’ve had student groups request to collaborate with us on videos – all of this is extremely special and shows that we are making an impact on campus.

How do you believe the TikTok campaign has contributed to reducing library anxiety among students and fostering a transformative student experience?

I do believe that it has made students feel more comfortable with the library – as they’ve seen it in a fun and relatable way on social media and more comfortable with the library staff. In this way, it makes sure that all students feel included on campus. Library anxiety often excludes students that are perhaps not used to the library spaces and already don’t feel comfortable on campus, so in this way we hope that those students are no longer feeling uncomfortable in the library.

In what ways has leveraging TikTok trends helped in reaching and connecting with students on a platform familiar to them?

Through the use of trends, we are using something that is relatable to them. In this way it helps them connect to the library without evening needing to step foot on campus.

How important was creativity in the TikTok campaign, and what strategies did you use to keep the content fresh and engaging?

Creativity is very important – we need to keep finding the trends, keep looking at what is out there and keep adapting it to our own context. This includes figuring out how to shoot – the angles used, if filters are needed. Colleagues help a lot – we all pitch in, and sometimes one person can come up with a different way to do it that just makes the video perfect!

Looking ahead, how do you plan to build on the success of the TikTok campaign and continue engaging with students through innovative marketing approaches?

We will continue to focus on the trends to showcase the faculty librarian services and the spaces that are available. By keeping up to date with trends, it will help us be able to continue to reach students in their spaces. We hope to collaborate more on campus with other student groups as well. But we basically will keep doing what we are doing – it seems to work and engage students.

Theresa Schoeman

Winkie Siebane, Faculty Librarian:  Sciences, SU Library

Winkie Siebane is the new Faculty Librarian for Science. She joined the institution on June 1, 2024. Winkie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Science at UNISA and holds a Master of Management from Wits University. She also earned a Higher Diploma in Information Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Limpopo. Winkie has consistently demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and professional growth. Prior to this role, Winkie worked as an Information Specialist at the University of Pretoria’s Health Sciences Faculty. She also served as a Librarian at the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), where she served clients across the Southern African region. Additionally, Winkie held a joint appointment with the Department of Health and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Health Sciences Faculty. Winkie is a proactive team member known for driving impactful projects and fostering meaningful collaborations. She is dedicated to advancing information services and supporting academic communities, making her a valuable addition to our team.

Joseph Mangadi, Faculty Librarian: Economic & Management Sciences, SU Library

Joseph joined the Faculty Librarian Team for Economic and Management Sciences on 1 May 2024. He holds a B.BIBL.(UWC), BA Honors (Information Science) from UNISA and a PGDE (Higher Education) from UCT. He brings extensive experience and previously served at University of the Western Cape (UWC) as Senior Librarian: Faculty Services and Cape Peninsula University (CPUT) as Faculty Librarian for Business and Management Sciences and Undergraduate and Staff training librarian. He has been an active member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) and was part of its Gauteng South and the LISLIG WC committees. Mr Mangadi also presented at the LIASA conference and the inaugural International Conference on Information Literacy Africa (ICIL-Africa).

 

Nokuphiwa Kunene, Director: Information Resources Management,      SU Library

Nokuphiwa has extensive experience working in academic libraries. Throughout her career, her experience includes occupying a strategic position in support of the Director’s office. She has managed several library systems projects, including systems implementations, new services implementation and the re-imagining of library spaces projects. Nokuphiwa’s keen interest in collection development and management, and the commitment to enable access to relevant information resources had drawn her back to the information resources management division.

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.

The Lund-Stellenbosch Professional Administrative Support Staff (PASS) Blended Mobility Programme is a comprehensive programme over some months that comprises not only site visits to the two universities but also several online and in person presentations. Topics of these sessions include South African and Swedish history and cultures, internationalisation, equality, intercultural competencies, and communication. As one of the ten Stellenbosch University (SU) participants in the programme, I visited Lund University (LU), Sweden from 11-15 September 2023.

Two of the five days I spent divided between the LU Library and the Social Sciences Library, two of the 26 libraries serving their 8 000 employees and 45 000 students. In line with their open access and open science focus, their eight developers mainly support open-source systems. They have reorganised their library staff responsible for e-resource management, open access, open science and research support into one Scholarly Communication department. Transformative agreements with publishers and open science are addressed not from a research support perspective but strategically with conversations with the library and other role players at university level. There are as many similarities as differences between the LU and SU libraries, and we share many of the same challenges. The SU Library and Information Service compares well internationally and in some cases is ahead.

One of the many highlights of the trip was a visit to the Uppakra Archaeologica Centre, two kilometres north of Lund. Now farmland, the forty hectares used to be the largest and longest lasting Iron Age settlement (c100 B.C. and 1000 A.D.). From 1996 it became a focus for archaeological research and LU researchers are hard at work on site, working through cultural layers several metres thick to uncover traces of the earlier inhabitants. My general impressions of the Swedes are that they are honest, open, willing to share and very hospitable. They cycle and recycle on a large scale. They are law abiding with a focus on efficiency. I learnt that cyclists ringing bicycle bells behind you as a warning and reminder to stay on the right, out of their way, can be just as daunting as taxis hooting.

We are looking forward to hosting the ten LU participants in Stellenbosch from 13-17 November. Thank you to my fellow SU delegates for the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your areas of work and expertise. Thank you to SU International, Human Resources and the Library’s Senior Management for the chance to travel, experience a different culture, make contacts and build relationships, learn, benchmark, and apply what I have learned in my personal and professional capacity.

 

Natasja Malherbe

 Photographs: Provided by Natasja Malherbe