Empowering distance students: NWU librarians embed Information Literacy at Royal Bafokeng Institute
02/13/2025
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Undergraduate Support,
News
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.