NWU Library and Information Service News

The North-West University Library and Information Service (NWU LIS) recently hosted the inaugural Information and Learning Services  (ILS) Workshop on Information Literacy on Monday, 05 May 2025, bringing together librarians from all three campuses—Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark. This historic meeting marked the first time many colleagues met in person, creating a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and strengthening inter-campus relationships. 

The workshop served as an Information Literacy (IL) Focus Group—a platform for librarians to share experiences, identify challenges, and recommend improvements to NWU’s IL training programmes. The insights gathered will be instrumental in refining our IL offerings and enhancing the quality and reach of our training interventions.

Dr Sabelo Chizwina, Director: Information and Learning Services, set the scene with a powerful message on the strategic importance of IL. He reminded librarians that NWU LIS should aspire to be a continental and global leader in IL. “Academic libraries across Africa should be benchmarking with NWU LIS,” he emphasised, highlighting the need for innovation and excellence in IL programming.

Martha van der Walt, Faculty Librarian: Education, stressed the importance of building strong relationships with faculties. She encouraged librarians to:

• Familiarise themselves with the structure of the faculties and schools
• Understand the types of students they support (contact and distance)
• Know faculty directors, their administrative staff and other key stakeholders
• Compile fact sheets on faculty staff and their research specialisations
• Adopt the role of Personal Librarians for their faculties

Mr. Jons Moretedi, Senior Librarian at the Mahikeng Campus library, introduced an exciting tool—Avidnote AI, a platform that supports researchers in note-taking, summarisation, PDF annotation, and data analysis. His live demonstration sparked discussions about the importance of exploring emerging AI tools to enhance library services and information literacy.

Librarians shared valuable strategies for improving IL delivery:

• Conduct targeted training aligned with student needs (e.g., exam paper searches near exam periods),

• Offer sessions at student residences, open days, orientation programmes, and Faculty Assembly Points,

• Develop lesson plans and maintain training notes to ensure consistency and clarity,

• Participate in Train-the-Trainer programmes for ongoing professional development,

• Gather and analyse post-training evaluations to adapt and enhance training,

• Acquire digital literacy skills to support students in a digital learning environment effectively.

• Avoid repetitive training topics to prevent student disengagement.

There was a strong emphasis on the need for personalised, student-centred approaches in delivering IL content.

Research and AI Integration

As part of professional growth, librarians were challenged to contribute to the profession by:

• Presenting at local and international conferences, and

• Publishing peer-reviewed articles on IL practices and innovations.

  

Dr Zander Janse van Rensburg from the NWU Writing Centre encouraged librarians to engage critically with AI tools. He suggested developing a departmental AI policy aligned with university guidelines and urging librarians to experiment responsibly with AI and integrate it thoughtfully into library services.

Ms Marcia Mabhula, Librarian for Faculty and eLearning Services, led the focus group session, which allowed librarians to reflect on IL strategies, voice suggestions, and contribute to a shared vision for improving IL delivery across the university.

This workshop forms part of a three-pronged project on IL:

• Student IL Survey: Currently available online at https://nwu-za.libwizard.com/f/information-literacy-needs, this survey collects student perspectives on IL training needs.
• Librarian Focus Group: The session is described in the reflection.
• Academic Literacy Lecturers Focus Group: An upcoming session to gather academic staff inputs.

The findings from all three components will be consolidated and shared with the university community in due course. This workshop was a landmark event that not only encouraged collaboration across campuses but also reaffirmed our collective commitment to advancing Information Literacy at NWU. It was a time for learning, sharing, and envisioning a more informed, research-savvy student body.

The North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service (LIS) proudly celebrated South African Library Week (SALW) 2025 under the theme, "Libraries for Sustainable Communities." Held from 17 to 23 March 2025, this week-long celebration unified all three NWU campuses—Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark—through a series of engaging, educational, and community-focused activities that showcased the library’s commitment to supporting academic success and building sustainable communities.  

A wide range of interactive events and innovative initiatives were hosted across NWU LIS, including:

• Library Amnesty Week, encouraging users to return overdue books without penalties

• "Ask and Win! – Got a question? Need support?" A LibChat-driven campaign where users asked library-related questions for a chance to win a R200 Takealot voucher, promoting the use of virtual support tools.

• A pilot curbside book delivery service, offering convenient access to books for staff in their offices and students in nearby residences, improving service accessibility.

  

Among the week's highlights were:

• Information Literacy Outreach, including a training session at Mahikeng Nursing College, aimed at equipping students with critical information-seeking and evaluation skills. 

• Interactive Learning Activities, such as a Scavenger Hunt using QR codes to locate e-resources, Library Scrabble, and Q&A quiz competitions testing users’ knowledge of library services. 

• Collaborative Community Engagement, including a visit to Rebatla Thuto Secondary School in Koppies, where over 150 books were donated, and a partnership with Flavius Mareka TVET College. In the interim, NWU LIS donated 115 academic books and committed to offering training in referencing, research, and plagiarism across both Sasolburg and Kroonstad campuses.  

  

Entertainment and engagement were central to the week, with Eagie, the NWU mascot, energizing the crowds, and support from partners like Red Bull, Standard Bank, the Writing Centre, and the Golden Key Student Chapter, who added to the atmosphere with giveaways, drinks, and academic support. 

The LIS staff were also featured on various radio stations, reflecting on the importance of library services in advancing literacy, innovation, and academic excellence.

South African Library Week 2025 at NWU LIS was a resounding success. It not only celebrated the power of libraries in shaping sustainable futures but also reaffirmed NWU LIS's role as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and community empowerment.

The Vanderbijlpark campus library celebrated the promotions of two exceptional staff members, Ms. Xolile Vilakazi and Ms. Nthabiseng Maseko, on February 25 and 26, 2025. As of 3rd March 2025, Ms Vilakazi assumed the position of   Assistant Librarian at the Potchefstroom campus (Information Commons), while Ms Maseko assumed the role of Faculty Support Librarian (Education and Humanities).

"Ms Vilakazi's and Ms Maseko's promotions reflect their outstanding contributions to the LIS. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have had a long-term impact on the team, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements," says Maropene Ramabina, Manager: Information Services at the Vanderbijlpark campus.

''Their professional experiences serve as an example of the power of dedication, commitment, and continuous growth, motivating younger professionals within the department. We eagerly anticipate their growth as they take the LIS to new heights," says Dr. Sabelo Chizwina, Director of Information and Learning Services.

The LIS team also bid farewell to Mr. Given Mudau, who has been an HSRC intern in the department since August 2024. His contributions during his time with the team were invaluable, and we wish him success in his future endeavors as he builds on the experience he gained during his internship.

We wish them a fruitful journey in their new roles, with rewarding challenges and significant milestones in their career's milestones ahead

By Josina Simango

Library Intern, Vanderbijlpark library

The NWU LIS (Vanderbijlpark Campus) had a great opportunity to attend the NWU Alumni & Friends Authors Book Fair on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The event, which brought together talented alumni authors, students, staff and community members, was a wonderful celebration of the power of stories, experiences, ideas and knowledge.  

The Alumni & Friends Authors Book Fair was more than just a book fair; it served as a platform for reconnecting with the NWU community, strengthening the relationships between alumni, staff, and students, and recognizing NWU alumni's amazing contributions to the world of literature

Various speakers commended the authors for their creativity and hard work, sharing how reading books may inspire reflection on memories, experiences, and life journeys and help promote reading. Mr. Maropene Ramabina, Manager: information Services at the Vanderbijlpark Campus Library, also made remarks on the importance and value of engaging with alumni authors, noting that this not only celebrates their literary contributions but also enriches the library’s diverse collection and promotes lifelong learning for the NWU community.

The event proved to be a great success, and the LIS is looking forward to supporting alumni authors and the literary community in future events.    In the words of Neil Gaiman—"A book is a dream that you hold in your hands."

By Josina Simango

The North-West University (NWU) kicked off the 2025 academic year with dynamic and engaging orientation events across its three campuses - Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, and Mahikeng. The Library and Information Service (LIS) teams played a pivotal role in ensuring first-year students felt welcomed, informed, and prepared for their academic journey.

Potchefstroom Campus: interactive learning and fun activities

On Monday, 3 February 2025, the NWU Potchefstroom Campus hosted two engaging orientation sessions at Building F14 (Amphitheatre). First-year students from various residences eagerly participated in learning about the Library and Information Service offerings.

The first session at 15:30 welcomed students from Dinki, Villagers, Heide, De Wilgers, Eikenhof, Ratau Lebone, Hombré, Vergeet-My-Nie, Over de Voor, Klawerhof, and Private Student Groups. The second session at 16:30 included Bellatrix, Patria, Huis Republiek, Caput, Heimat, Minjonet, LaVaria, Invictus, Laureus, Karlien, Excelsior, Kasteel, Wag-‘n-Bietjie, Veritas, Wanda, Dennedorp, Soetdorings, Oosterhof, and Private Students.

Various LIS staff conducted informative presentations on loan services, information and learning resources, and a virtual tour of the Ferdinand-Postma Library and its branches. The event ended on a high note with fun activities, including a dance challenge, a poetry narration contest in different mother tongues, and an engaging pop quiz session.

Vanderbijlpark Campus: taking the library to the students

Over the weekend of 31 January to 2 February 2025, the Vanderbijlpark Campus LIS team launched an innovative programme to meet and greet first-year students in a special way. 

Rather than waiting for students to come to the library, the team took the initiative to go to student residences to ensure that new students feel welcome both academically and socially. The team visited different student residences as part of embedded librarianship. 

Students had an opportunity engage during Q&A session. A library master quiz was also held, which helped them to understand library services and resources better. Students actively participated and enjoyed the friendly environment and giveaways. This was only the first part of the Vanderbijlpark Campus library orientation. The commitment of the team to improving students' academic experiences reflects LIS library's vision. Furthermore, the LIS team also participated in the official orientation programme, offering insight to 1st-year students at Tsebonekeng Hall. This was alter followed by library tours, providing students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with library spaces and facilities. 

Mahikeng Campus: A large-scale orientation with a personal touch

On February 3, 2025, the NWU Mahikeng Campus Library hosted a dynamic First-Year Orientation to introduce 2,384 new students to library services. The event was a collaborative effort involving representatives from Information Services, Loan Services, and Information Resources, spread across three venues with informative PowerPoint presentations covering library access, membership, spaces, and a virtual tour. 

To create an engaging atmosphere, interactive activities such as dance competitions and a Readathon were incorporated, with prizes awarded to active participants. The orientation emphasised the library’s role in supporting students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and academic empowerment. Faculty attendance included EMS (671), Education (370), FNAS (343), Health Sciences (209), Humanities (611), Law (172), and Theology (8). 

A united commitment to academic success

Across all three campuses, the LIS teams demonstrated their dedication to equipping first-year students with the information needed for academic excellence. Through interactive sessions, personalised engagements, and fun activities, the LIS continues to foster a supportive environment where students can thrive. As the 2025 academic year unfolds, the LIS remain steadfast in learning, research, and collaboration, ensuring that all students feel empowered and ready to embark on their educational journey.

Farewell to the Manager of Information Resources and Senior Librarian of Cataloguing

The Library and Information Service (LIS) Department bid a heartfelt farewell to the two esteemed staff members, Ntobeko Sikhakhane and Kholofelo Makola.

“For three years at the NWU LIS, since July 2021, your tenure has been characterised by your dedication and visionary approach. Ntobeko has not only managed the Information Resources section but has also significantly elevated it.” says Neli Tshabalala, Director of Shared Services.

His role has been multifaceted and demanding in liaising with book and database suppliers to ensure the best resources available, managing the budget with exceptional care and precision, and managing cross campus teams within the Information Resources section. He has been the bridge between other entities, the Research and Open Scholarship and Information and Learning services’ needs and the ever-evolving world of knowledge resources, ensuring that all requirements were met while maintaining strong professional relationships with the LIS partners.

The stewardship of managing the information resources budget is commendable, balancing the need to expand and strengthening the collections with fiscal responsibility. Ntobeko has been resourceful, especially in times when resources were stretched thin, with the ability to motivate additional funding support. His management went beyond tasks and responsibilities as he cultivated a sense of collaboration and nurtured other staff members’ career paths.

Kholofelo Makola joined the NWU LIS in November 2021 as a Cataloguing Librarian and, through her dedication and expertise, advanced to a Senior Librarian position within a year. Her tenure at NWU has been marked by an unwavering passion for the cataloguing area and a strong commitment to mentoring aspiring cataloguers.

Notably, Kholofelo developed a comprehensive training manual for cataloguing, a resource that has greatly benefited many LIS staff members pursuing their Bachelor of Information Science degrees. Her contributions to the professional growth and development of her colleagues have left an indelible mark on the department.

As both colleagues move forward into their next endeavours, their legacy will live on. The LIS team extend the deepest gratitude for your invaluable contributions to NWU. You will be sorely missed, not only for your professional excellence but also for your kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.

We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. May the road ahead be filled with new adventures, continued success, and great strides they will undoubtedly make in their careers.

Contribution by Director: Shared Services – Neli Tshabalala

Mr Amkele Jampethu joined the NWU LIS (Library Systems) on the 1st of November 2024. He has a strong academic background, holding an Advanced Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development (2022) from Walter Sisulu University. He also holds the certification of cyber safe from a learnership with Altron bytes solutions.  His professional journey began at Walter Sisulu University, where he worked as an E-Learning Assistant for 10 months. He gained valuable experience and underwent training and implementation of problem-solving, social skills and facilitation of learning during electronic learning sessions in the 2021 academic year using blended learning tools. He also gained experience in maintaining DLT labs for students.

After completing his studies, Mr Jampethu started an internship with Capacity, where he worked as a Junior Cloud Associate and also worked remotely as a part-time Data administrator at Luthango Holdings. He gained skills in coding using different languages like Java, VB and C# to name a few. He considers himself a highly motivated and hardworking individual who possesses strong analytical and coding skills.

In October 2022, Mr Jampethu got his first permanent job as a Junior First Line Request Analyst at Computacenter, where he worked with a UK bank called Santander, providing customers with first-line assistance.

Throughout his career, Mr Jampethu has developed various skills, including access control, communication and networking skills, monitoring for attacks, intrusions and unusual unauthorised or illegal activity, Data Security Malware, Identification, Network Security Disaster, Recovery, Planning Threat Analysis and Threat Detection, Security.

Mr Jons Moretedi assumed duty as Senior Librarian at North-West University – Mafikeng Campus on the 2nd of December 2024, bringing a diverse experience from various sectors. He holds qualifications in Communications, Education, and Information Science.

Jons has amassed extensive experience within the Education and the Library and Information Services sectors, having served as a Librarian in acquisitions & Collection Development, a Librarian in Teaching & Learning, and as an Educator. These roles demonstrate his dedication to fostering information literacy, lifelong learning, and improved user experiences. As an active member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT), and the South African Council of Educators (SACE), Mr Moretedi is committed to advancing professional excellence and ethical standards in these areas.

Mr Njabulo Mdunge joined the NWU LIS (Research and Open Scholarship) on January 2, 2025. He is a passionate librarian with a master’s degree in library and information science, completed in 2022 at the University of Zululand. His research focused on the acceptance and use of ICTs within libraries, and it has shaped his career as a forward-thinking librarian in the library and information science field.

Mr Mdunge initiated and facilitated digital literacy training and community engagement programs. As a former head librarian at Emmarentia Library within the City of Joburg libraries, he has spearheaded various innovative programs, including the Young e-champions computer class, Academic Writing seminars, robotics, and coding sessions.

He is a dedicated researcher who contributes to the LIS profession; he has authored scholarly outputs in accredited journals. Mr Mdunge has also presented his work at numerous conferences, ranging from local gatherings to prestigious international platforms such as the IFLA International Futures Summit 2024 in Australia, Brisbane, and ICONI 2024 in Mauritius. These engagements have provided opportunities to share insights, learn from global innovations, and advocate for the role of libraries in building Smart Cities and enhancing healthcare delivery.

He is a contributor to Wikipedia. He ensured that the online encyclopaedia contains accurate information about South Africa. During the African Librarians Week: Wikipedia campaign, he was awarded certificates for his contribution.

As an IFLA grant recipient for Emerging Leader, Njabulo is committed to advancing library services in alignment with global trends, including generative AI and the evolving linguistic age. He is excited to contribute further to academic research and knowledge dissemination, fulfilling a long-held career aspiration.

Through his work, Njabulo continues to make significant strides in empowering communities, advancing library services, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Welcome aboard, colleagues! We are thrilled to have you join the NWU LIS. Your skills, experience, and passion will be a great addition as we strive to achieve new heights together. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you. Let’s make great things happen!

Reflection on the LIS 10th Annual Planning Session: charting the future

The 10th Annual Planning Session of the NWU Library and Information Service (LIS) was not just a milestone—it was a profound opportunity to shape the future of the LIS in the evolving landscape of academic support and innovation. Held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel, Mahikeng, from November 18–20, 2024, this gathering was steeped in critical reflection, strategic foresight, and dynamic dialogue.

The programmes’ opening sessions set a visionary tone with Dr. Mathew Moyo, the NWU LIS Chief Director, emphasizing the importance of aligning the LIS initiatives with institutional strategies and global trends. Discussions centred on celebrating successes and acknowledging challenges, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. These reflections were crucial in evaluating the LIS’s contributions to the 2024 Departmental Operational Plan (DOP) and broader strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Key sessions on emerging themes like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Krauss’s presentation on “Practical AI Skills and Ethics in Academic Libraries” illuminated the transformative potential of AI in enhancing library services while addressing the ethical complexities it introduces. The session underscored the balance between innovation and ethical stewardship in academic libraries highlighting actionable AI skills and fostering critical discussions on responsible implementation. A notable highlight of the session was leveraging the feedback received from the Library Life Pulse Survey. This survey, a key tool in understanding user needs, provided invaluable insights. By identifying critical issues and areas for improvement, the feedback served as a springboard for actionable strategies. The LIS’s ability to see these weaknesses and threats as opportunities for enhancement is a testament to its progressive ethos.

Breakaway commissions and reports exemplified collaborative planning, with each entity and section —Information and Learning Services, Research and Open Scholarship, Shared Services and Outreach, Projects and Quality, crafting actionable insights for future initiatives. This participatory approach underpinned the session’s success, ensuring every voice contributed to shaping the collective vision.

The session concluded with a focus on 2024 and beyond strategic objectives and refining the 2025 DOP, while also mapping out the way forward. It was a testament to the LIS’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and responsiveness in meeting the needs of its university community. As the LIS moves beyond this session, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a robust framework to navigate the challenges of tomorrow. This gathering was not just about planning; it was about reimagining the role of LIS as a pillar of teaching, learning, and research.

LIS celebrates Digital Literacy milestone with End-User Computing certificate recipients

The NWU People and Culture, Learning and Development department invited staff in Peromnes 13 to 18 to participate in the End-User Computing (EUC) leadership program. The program, coordinated by the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and funded by SETA, aims to enhance computer literacy skills. The EUC program provided participants with essential training in basic computing and software applications. This included operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office products. A particular focus was placed on mastering data management tools such as Excel and Google Sheets, with in-depth training on navigating the complexities of Excel, a skill many participants initially found challenging. 

The program was not without its hurdles. Participants attended three-hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday over 32 weeks, submitting assessments each Monday. While many found the workload demanding, they expressed gratitude for the supportive and patient facilitator who accommodated delays caused by work constraints.

The initiative underlined the growing importance of computer literacy in the digital age, particularly in the library and information services (LIS) sector. The programme equipped library staff with skills to better support users, offer computer literacy training, and reduce overreliance on IT departments. This aligns with the evolving demands of a digital workplace, where adaptability and technical proficiency are critical.

A celebratory certification ceremony held on 10 October 2024 at Recs Hall, Mahikeng Campus, marked the successful completion of the program and honoured the perseverance of the participants. Distinguished attendees included Prof Sonia Swanepoel, DVC for Community Engagement and Campus Operations, Ms Helen Lekalakala, Director of Talent Management and Organisational Development and various senior managers.

In her address, Ms Lekalakala emphasised the division’s commitment to staff development, urging line managers to ensure that participants have computers or laptops to continue practising their newfound skills. Prof Swanepoel lauded certificate recipients' dedication and underscored the necessity of continuous upskilling in today’s dynamic work environment. Ms Makola echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical role of technology adaptation in modern workplaces. Ms Kekana, responding to Ms Lekalakala's call, shared that the LIS was proactive in equipping staff with laptops and offering opportunities to purchase refurbished devices.

Representing the certificate recipients, Mr Itumeleng Kolodi and Ms Marolay Van Der Walt delivered heartfelt speeches. They reflected on their challenges and expressed appreciation to People and Culture for this growth opportunity. Their sentiments resonated with the ceremony’s overarching theme of professional development and resilience. Ms Lungile Dlamini, speaking on behalf of line managers at the Potchefstroom ceremony on 17 October, emphasised the importance of nurturing talent to unlock professional and personal potential.

She congratulated the certificate recipients and thanked NWU management and all who supported the program. The EUC learnership program stands as a testament to NWU’s commitment to equipping its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The event highlighted the crucial role played by People and Culture (Talent Management and Organisational Development) in developing and nurturing staff.

Comments from certificate recipients: 

While it was challenging to balance End user training , work, and my studies at UNISA. I am grateful I was able to start and finish the training. 

I learnt a lot from and now I can merge documents , I can work with Excel and also I can now prepare a presentation using PowerPoint. 

The training also provided a platform to interact with colleagues from all 3 campuses. It was a great experience. I hope more colleagues will use the opportunity to improve their skills. I also hope that there will be other opportunities like this one so that we can equip ourselves in the ever-changing world.  – Sifiso Luthuli

Contributors: Ms Molly Kekana, Ms Kholofelo Makola, Ms Lungile Dlamini, Ms Carine Basson, Mr Tebane Khoza, Wilna Fick & Mr Ntobeko Sikhakhane