NWU Library and Information Service News

NWU Community Engagement Showcase highlights the LIS's strides in Engaged Scholarship in Information Literacy for everyday life contexts.

On 30 September, North-West University (NWU) proudly hosted a lively CE-Community Engagement showcase at the Great Hall on the Mahikeng campus. This event brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the Science Project, and NWU Library and Information Services (LIS) took a prominent role in promoting its community engagement initiative.

The LIS stall attracted considerable attention, showcasing its involvement in enhancing information literacy within the North-West Province, Khuma, and Kokosi townships. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with a digital story depicting the LIS efforts to improve information literacy skills in everyday life contexts. Notably, two research papers related to these initiatives are in progress for publication in accredited journals. 

During the showcase, NWU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Bismarck Tyobeka, underscored the university's dedication to securing funding for community engagement initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, emphasising quality education. He also announced that all community engagement activities would now receive automatic ethical clearance for research purposes.

Corporate Relations and Marketing interviewed Ms. Jo-Ann Manotwane from the LIS Science Project, highlighting the library's substantial involvement in the initiative. 

Ms. Jo-Ann Manotwane addressed several key points regarding the LIS outreach and community engagement projects in her interview. She mentioned that the Science Shop, the LIS flagship engaged scholarship project, included needs analysis, Information Literacy training intervention, and evaluations to ascertain impact.

When asked about the skills fostered during the Science Shop project, she emphasised the importance of training individuals in information literacy skills applicable to their daily lives. This included teaching participants how to conduct advanced Google searches and use Google Scholar and AI tools (such as Ask Meta AI).

Furthermore, Ms. Manotwane highlighted the practical application of these skills in everyday life. The NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth were also sensitised to the ethical use of information and information evaluation to identify misinformation, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape more effectively.

The event also featured a panel discussion focused on integrating teaching, learning, research, and community participation in line with NWU's strategic vision for 2024.

The showcase underscored the vital role of NWU LIS in fostering community engagement and promoting information literacy. This commitment paves the way for continued collaboration and a lasting impact in the region.

JoAnn Manotwane, Potchesftroom Campus 
Maropene Ramabina, Vanderbijlpark Campus 

We are pleased to introduce Mr Thabang Mngqwathi, the newly appointed Shelf Assistant at the NWU Library and Information Service, Vanderbijlpark Campus, as of 1st October 2024. Thabang holds a B.A. Degree in Development and Management, with majors in Public Management, Human Resources, Labour Relations, and Industrial Psychology, all earned from North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Valuable experiences have shaped Thabang’s professional journey. From August 2021 to October 2022, he volunteered at Koppies SAPS in Free State as an Admin Clerk in the Supply Chain Office. During this time, Thabang gained hands-on experience in Vehicle Fleet Management and General Administration duties. Following that, from October 2022 to September 2023, he worked as an Administration Clerk under the EPWP Programme at Koppiesdam Resort, where he performed various administrative and human resources tasks.

Thabang was introduced to the Library and Information Science (LIS) field in November 2023, when he began an internship at the NWU Library, Vanderbijlpark Campus. During this internship, Thabang’s passion for the field blossomed, leading to the exciting news of his permanent appointment. Thrilled to have been selected for this role, Thabang is eager to continue expanding their skills and knowledge within NWU’s LIS department and is committed to making meaningful contributions across all campuses.

We are excited to introduce Ms Abulele Qwanyile, who has joined the NWU Library and Information Service (LIS) team as a library assistant at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, effective October 1, 2024. Ms Qwanyile brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the LIS field. She started her journey in 2021 after earning her Honours in Library and Information Science from the University of Fort Hare.

Her professional path began at the National Library of South Africa, where she served as a trainee librarian from 2021 to 2023. During this time, she gained invaluable experience across various aspects of library management. In August 2023, she embarked on an internship funded by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), hosted by the University of the Free State, where she continued to refine her skills and expertise.

With a strong dedication to supporting education and research, Ms Qwanyile is eager to contribute to our library community and enhance our services. Her commitment to fostering a dynamic and resourceful environment for students and staff is a great addition to our team. We welcome Ms Qwanyile to the NWU LIS family and look forward to her positive impact on all our campuses. Welcome aboard, Abulele!

We welcome Ms Agnes Lerato Moilwa as the newly appointed Presidential Youth Employment Intervention Intern at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, under the Outreach, Projects, and Quality Office.

Ms Moilwa has a strong academic background, holding a Diploma in Coaching Science (2021) from North-West University. Her professional journey began at Tshepo Primary School, where she worked as an Educator Assistant for 10 months. Following that, she gained valuable experience working as an Administrative Intern at Mega Roads and Civils for 1 year and 6 months.

Throughout her career, Miss Moilwa has developed many skills, including file management, organising and scheduling meetings, receiving deliveries, and ensuring proper file storage and safety. She has also demonstrated her ability to multitask, resolve conflicts, and operate office equipment such as printing machines.

As she joins the NWU Library and Information Service team, Ms Moilwa is eager to enhance her personal development and contribute to the Outreach, Projects, and Quality office. We are confident that her dedication and skills will make a meaningful impact as she embarks on this new chapter.

On September 13, 2024, the Library and Information Services (LIS) staff participated in the NWU Women's Conference, organized by People and Culture. The hybrid conference, hosted across all three NWU campuses, centred around the theme: “Empowering Current and Future Women Leaders: Building Trust and Authenticity while Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Harassment.”

Monica Brown from DEIB/GBV Consultancy delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, emphasizing the importance of balancing empathy with authority. Ms Mmutle from LIS also contributed with an impactful presentation on GBV. This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion led by Vedhna Lala, focusing on creating safe work environments. Prof Linda du Plessis further enriched the discussion with her insights on authentic leadership.

The conference highlighted the crucial role of women in leadership and the need to foster trust and inclusivity within safe and supportive workplaces.

Contributors: Ms Mmutle, Ms Gcawu, Ms Mosetlhi, and Ms Maake

Hybrid Colloquium

Join the NWU Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences in collaboration with the Library and Information Service in commemorating International Open Access Week.

Theme: Community over Commercialisation
This year's theme continues from last year: "Community Over Commercialisation," highlighting the importance of prioritizing the public good over profit in producing and disseminating knowledge.

Purpose of this colloquium:
International Open Access Week is a global, community-driven week that promotes the benefits of open access and related topics to the academic research community and scholarship.

The event aims to foster discussions that explore how open access can empower communities, improve educational outcomes, and facilitate equitable access to information. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we seek to generate actionable ideas that leverage open science and open data initiatives to benefit society. Through shared knowledge and collaboration, this event will underscore the importance of making research freely available and accessible, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and community-focused approach to knowledge dissemination.

Date: 22 October 2024
Time: 09:00 - 13:00
Venue: Potchefstroom Campus, Building C7, Room G01 (De la Rey Hall)
Online: MS Teams
RSVP here: https://nwu.libcal.com/event/13155960

Click here for the programme and more information regarding the speakers.

AI Tools for Research and Content Discovery in the Fifth Industrial Revolution

Artificial intelligence chatbots can be used to conduct research effectively and efficiently in the fifth industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence chatbots are software applications that utilize artificial intelligence technologies to assist researchers in various aspects of the research process. These chatbots are designed to understand researchers' inquiries, provide relevant information, and perform tasks related to data collection, analysis, literature review, collaboration, and more. In the fifth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence's strength can collaborate with human intelligence's strength in conducting sound and ethical research.

Date: 10 October 2024
Time: 11:00 - 12:30
Mode: MS Teams
Presenter: Dr Mashilo Modiba
Registration link: https://nwu.libcal.com/event/13165536

Click here for the programme.

NWU LIS and Refentse-Katlego Youth Development lead the way in celebrating reading and heritage

The NWU LIS had the privilege of visiting the Letsosa Location in Ottosdal on the 20th of September 2024 to celebrate International Literacy Month and Heritage Month in partnership with the Refentse-Katlego Youth Development Centre as part of community engagement. This event was a powerful gathering, with the ward councillor, several NGOs, parents, teachers, church leaders and other key stakeholders joining forces to emphasize the vital role of literacy in shaping the future.

At the heart of the event was the mission to promote the importance of reading and literacy, particularly in indigenous languages, in line with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032) the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed. The LIS donated books to the community centre, contributing valuable resources to empower learners and future leaders with essential literacy skills. This gesture is a meaningful step towards contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals).

In celebration of International Literacy Month, the event featured Readathon sessions where selected learners from local schools showcased their talents. They read in both Setswana, their home language, and English. This bilingual approach highlighted their progress and underscored the efforts of the Refentse-Katlego Youth Development Centre in fostering and inculcating a culture of reading literacy from a young age. The ward councillor also participated in the Readathon, reading aloud to the attendees, including one of the community elders, to encourage youth to read and demonstrate the importance of literacy.

As part of Heritage Month celebrations, the event also embraced the richness of South Africa's cultural diversity. A spirited gumboot dance performance brought energy to the gathering, reminding us of our shared heritage and the vibrant traditions that bind us.

Through this event, NWU LIS reaffirmed its commitment to advancing literacy and celebrating culture in our communities, demonstrating that we can make a lasting impact together.

Thanks to the NWU LIS staff who contributed to the event and empowered our community members.

By: Mr Kurtis Setai & Ms Dina Mashiyane

Potchefstroom Campus: Ferdinand Postma Library (Information Commons)

Kindly note that the Information Commons (Ferdinand Postma Library) is temporarily closed due to a construction project. It will reopen on 14th October 2024, just in time to support students during the final examinations.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

NWU Library Highlights Role in Social Cohesion and Agricultural Advancement

The Taung Agricultural College recently celebrated Library Week under the theme "Library Fostering Social Cohesion," an event highlighting the library's critical role in uniting communities through knowledge sharing. As part of the celebrations, the North-West University Library was invited to engage with students and staff, highlighting the importance of agriculture and research in driving sustainable development. The collaboration underscored the importance of agricultural research in addressing global food security challenges, fostering innovation, and advancing rural economies by promoting access to valuable academic resources. Libraries were placed as essential facilitators of social cohesion, education, and agricultural advancement.

The event saw an enthusiastic gathering of secondary school students, agricultural college students, and employees, all united by a common appreciation for the transformative power of libraries. Among the distinguished presenters was the North-West University's Learning and Research Manager (Mahikeng Campus), Ms N Madikane, who contributed her insights and experiences to the day's proceedings. She mostly touched on the issue we are currently facing with primary school children who cannot read properly and on ways we can deal with this problem.

Mr Dire, an Irrigation Specialist, emphasised the crucial link between food security and water, highlighting that water is fundamental for food production, processing, and preparation. Effective management of water resources is essential to ensure long-term food security, particularly as climate change and population growth increase the pressure on these resources. To address this, the speaker highlighted the need for sustainable practices, policy interventions, and technological innovations to help balance the growing demands for water and food.

"In some areas of South Africa, food insecurity is not due to a lack of resources; rather, it comes from the construction of houses on land that should be used for agricultural production". This statement points to the issue of land use, where urban expansion and housing development encroach on fertile land that could otherwise be used to grow food, thus exacerbating food insecurity despite the availability of natural resources. This highlights the challenge of emphasising how land use decisions impact food security.

Contributors: Mr Emilio Stuurman and Ms Nomzingisi Madikane

NWU LIS Staff Gain Valuable Insights at "Spring into Knowledge with Ebsco" Event

On 4 September 2024, staff members from Information Resources had the privilege of attending the "Spring into Knowledge with Ebsco" session in Johannesburg. This event brought together a wide range of vendors affiliated with Ebsco, providing valuable insights into subscription services, eBooks, Open Access resources, and other academic resources. It served as a platform for networking with key industry players and allowed participants to familiarize themselves with the latest innovations and product offerings in academic publishing.

The event was structured to provide focused, informative sessions from various vendors and publishers, including CABI, Taylor & Francis, JoVE, PressReader, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Wiley, IEEE (presented by Ebsco staff), and GOBI Library Solutions. Each vendor highlighted their new and advanced offerings, while Ebsco staff presented on Ebsco Subscription Services and GOBI Library Solutions. The event's key highlights included updates on subscription services, eBook collections, Open Access resources, and digital archives.

Feedback from attending staff provided valuable insights into the event's impact. For example, Carine Basson emphasized the importance of meeting in person with vendors she usually communicates with via email. She appreciated the short but informative sessions that introduced new products, adding that these interactions strengthened relationships with suppliers and enhanced her understanding of Ebsco's expanded services.

Wilna Fick noted the event's value as a networking opportunity, allowing her to connect with industry stakeholders and colleagues from other institutions such as UP and UNISA. She particularly highlighted Wiley's Advanced E-Book Collections, Digital Archives, and the FASEB Conferences on Demand, considering them beneficial for NWU Library and Information Services (LIS). The exchange of experiences and ideas about various products added significant value to her role and understanding of the available offerings.

Moses found the event extremely useful in helping him deepen his understanding of the field. Connecting with fellow professionals and former colleagues provided further enrichment, and he expressed gratitude to his supervisor, Carine, for recommending such insightful events.

The Spring into Knowledge with Ebsco session in Johannesburg was a resounding success for the attending staff from Information Resources. It provided valuable networking opportunities, increased awareness of cutting-edge products and services, and opened channels for future collaborations. Staff members came away with enhanced knowledge of the evolving landscape of academic publishing, particularly in subscription services, eBook collections, and Open Access resources. This event facilitated connections with vendors and colleagues and equipped attendees with the tools to support their respective roles within NWU LIS better.
 

NWU LIS’s commitment to users with disabilities

On August 21st, 2024, the NWU Disability Rights Unit at Potchefstroom Campus hosted an impactful event to raise awareness about the needs of students with disabilities. The Library and Information Service (LIS) was invited to participate in this significant occasion, showcasing its vital role in supporting users with disabilities.

The event was a profound eye-opener, as it successfully brought together various departments, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to ensure an inclusive and supportive educational environment. As a key stakeholder in supporting teaching and learning, the LIS recognised the importance of this opportunity to engage directly with people living with disabilities. The event provided a valuable platform for the LIS to meet with these users, discuss their unique challenges, and explain the range of assistance and resources available within the library.

One of the key moments for the LIS was the opportunity to promote the new disability space currently under construction at the Ferdinand Postma Library. This space will further enhance the library’s ability to support users with disabilities, equipped with the latest facilities and technology tailored to their needs.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the event was the interest shown by students without disabilities. They demonstrated genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn about the support and resources available for their peers living with disabilities. An example of an interest was when one student mentioned that they noticed a wheelchair lift on the stairs in another building on campus. This observation underscored the broader awareness among the student body about the resources available to aid those with disabilities.

The event served as a reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive campus environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, feel supported and empowered. The  LIS remains committed to playing a crucial role in this mission, continually striving to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of its services.

By Lindi Mahlangu and Tebane Khoza