NWU Library and Information Service News

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

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 

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