The 2024 Library annual report was shared with various University stakeholders and clearly depicts 2024 as a year of innovation, global engagement, and renewed impact.
A major milestone was hosting the International Association of Music Libraries (IAML) Congress, which held for the first time on African soil. The event took place from 23 to 28 June 2024 in Stellenbosch and brought together delegates from 28 countries. This historic occasion underscored the Library’s role in international scholarly exchange and its alignment with the University’s internationalisation strategic agenda.
Innovation remained central. The Library launched SunDMP, a data management planning tool to help researchers meet funder requirements. By year-end, 125 active users had created 121 research data plans. The Library also piloted a generative AI search tool and developed a chatbot system to enhance support services.
The annual Library Research Week drew 780 participants. The theme, “Let’s achieve excellence in research”, aligned with Stellenbosch University’s core value of research excellence and shaped a rich programme of daily webinars covering all stages of the research process, from preparing and writing proposals to building research impact.
Figure 1: Training remained a cornerstone of our service.. Infographic by African Sun Media.
The Library also advanced Open Access through the new #BeOpenAccessSmart webinar series, of which the inaugural webinar attracted 460 registrations from 23 countries. This initiative built on strong foundations of OA publishing and advocacy at SU.
Figure 2: Our Open Access activities. at SU Infographic by African Sun Media.
A special exhibition celebrating 30 years of South African democracy showcased archival treasures from our Special Collections before moving to the Stellenbosch Public Library for wider public access.
Figure 3: User engagement with the Library soared in 2024, Infographic by African Sun Media.
Recognition came in the form of a top 10 placement in the IFLA PressReader International Marketing Awards for the Library’s creative TikTok campaigns.
From advancing open access and digital scholarship to preserving heritage and fostering global connections, the Library’s achievements in 2024 reflect its pivotal role in supporting research, teaching, and learning at Stellenbosch University.
Author: Theresa Schoeman