RUL News, Quarter 1, 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020856
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: It is now two months since I joined Rhodes University Library on February 01 2012 as the latest Director in a list of respected professionals who have led this Library to what it is today. I feel extremely privileged to have inherited an amazingly beautiful library building that has all the trappings of a modern 21st century academic library. To this end I acknowledge the former Director Gwenda Thomas who drove this reconstruction and renewal process together with Ms Jeanne Berger, former Acting Director and Deputy Director. I believe that together we are poised to embark on a new trajectory that will redefine this institution. This redefinition will include a new vision, mission and values statement; an articulated organizational culture; staff enablement and development for consolidation and innovation; and increased visibility and appreciation of the Library. While we enjoy the physical Library environment, we also need to explore the frontiers of the digital library. Unprecedented growth in technology provides us with vast new opportunities for identifying appropriate or relevant models for library services and communication. We need to commence this conversation proactively so that we understand and embrace the newest technologies to enable and contribute to the success of our users and the University. I believe that we have an exciting future ahead of us and that collectively we can set the agenda for this future. The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” certainly holds true for us and I look forward to working with each one of you.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020856
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: It is now two months since I joined Rhodes University Library on February 01 2012 as the latest Director in a list of respected professionals who have led this Library to what it is today. I feel extremely privileged to have inherited an amazingly beautiful library building that has all the trappings of a modern 21st century academic library. To this end I acknowledge the former Director Gwenda Thomas who drove this reconstruction and renewal process together with Ms Jeanne Berger, former Acting Director and Deputy Director. I believe that together we are poised to embark on a new trajectory that will redefine this institution. This redefinition will include a new vision, mission and values statement; an articulated organizational culture; staff enablement and development for consolidation and innovation; and increased visibility and appreciation of the Library. While we enjoy the physical Library environment, we also need to explore the frontiers of the digital library. Unprecedented growth in technology provides us with vast new opportunities for identifying appropriate or relevant models for library services and communication. We need to commence this conversation proactively so that we understand and embrace the newest technologies to enable and contribute to the success of our users and the University. I believe that we have an exciting future ahead of us and that collectively we can set the agenda for this future. The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” certainly holds true for us and I look forward to working with each one of you.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
IFLA WLIC 2015 Volunteers/Delegates feedback session 8 September 2015, Rhodes University Library
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019838
- Description: IFLA WLIC 2015 feedback session by Rhodes University Library Staff who attended the Congress as Volunteers and Delegates, Grahamstown, 8 September 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019838
- Description: IFLA WLIC 2015 feedback session by Rhodes University Library Staff who attended the Congress as Volunteers and Delegates, Grahamstown, 8 September 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
New Frontiers of Librarianship
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper , text
- Identifier: vital:6976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007308
- Description: Paper delivered at the Sabinet Client Conference, 6 September 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper , text
- Identifier: vital:6976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007308
- Description: Paper delivered at the Sabinet Client Conference, 6 September 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Rhodes University Library Services Annual Report 2012 : Library Director's message
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011893
- Description: Library Director's Message: It gives me great pleasure to present the 2012 annual report of the Rhodes University Library Services. Since 2010 the staff have experienced a variety of impactful changes which included a new building, a new organisational structure, a new practice model and a change of leadership. Change refers to altering one’s approach or attitude; a process which enables transformation, becoming different or doing things differently. Peter Drucker defines innovation as “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Therefore 2012 can be described as a year of engagement, conversations, consultations, reviews, participation, collaboration and redefinition. In addition to ensuring the delivery of professional services to the Rhodes community, strategy development, quality of service, continuing professional development, human resources management and national professional engagement defines this period. Therefore an effective organization must be prepared to grasp the opportunities, alongside the threats, by responding to the challenge of change to continue adding value to its defined audience. An innovative organization focuses on the following four significant areas: • Alignment of internal strategies to corporate/institutional goals and strategies • People, skills and roles • Defined workflows or processes • Cultural engagement and support The process towards crafting a new strategic directions and articulating an organizational culture commenced with a 2-day intervention on June 14-15 2012 which was facilitated by Dr Noel Pearse. This exercise proved to be an invaluable experience for the staff, who by taking ownership of the subsequent development of the strategic focus areas and the organisational culture statement, were able to articulate their thoughts, concerns, aspirations and expectations of their organisation. The four strategies identified will go a long way to strengthening and consolidating the RUL: • Positioning the RUL in the intellectual midst of the University community • Dynamic user services to advance the RU research, teaching and learning endeavours • Staff development • Technology and innovation The LibQual online library quality survey conducted during 13-31 August 2012 was a success, which surpassed our expectations. The comparison between the 2005 and 2012 results show a significant improvement in the perceptions of the RU community towards the quality of service, information resources and the library as place. This affirmed that the new Library building and Faculty Library liaison model are serving to locate the library positively in the academic endeavor. However while we savour these results, concerns have been raised about the lack of awareness and proper use of the wide array of electronic resources available. Therefore we will be focusing on a concerted marketing and training campaign to ensure that the subscription-based electronic resources are optimally used by the RU community, especially the academics. I wish to acknowledge the sterling and creative work of the team that led this project. We also bade farewell to Ms Jeanne Berger, who was the former Deputy Director and Acting Director in April 2012. Together with the former Director, Gwenda Thomas, Jeanne drove the reconstruction and renewal project of the RUL. I acknowledge both Gwenda and Jeanne, the University Management and all those who contributed to the realisation of the vision of a modern 21st century academic library.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011893
- Description: Library Director's Message: It gives me great pleasure to present the 2012 annual report of the Rhodes University Library Services. Since 2010 the staff have experienced a variety of impactful changes which included a new building, a new organisational structure, a new practice model and a change of leadership. Change refers to altering one’s approach or attitude; a process which enables transformation, becoming different or doing things differently. Peter Drucker defines innovation as “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Therefore 2012 can be described as a year of engagement, conversations, consultations, reviews, participation, collaboration and redefinition. In addition to ensuring the delivery of professional services to the Rhodes community, strategy development, quality of service, continuing professional development, human resources management and national professional engagement defines this period. Therefore an effective organization must be prepared to grasp the opportunities, alongside the threats, by responding to the challenge of change to continue adding value to its defined audience. An innovative organization focuses on the following four significant areas: • Alignment of internal strategies to corporate/institutional goals and strategies • People, skills and roles • Defined workflows or processes • Cultural engagement and support The process towards crafting a new strategic directions and articulating an organizational culture commenced with a 2-day intervention on June 14-15 2012 which was facilitated by Dr Noel Pearse. This exercise proved to be an invaluable experience for the staff, who by taking ownership of the subsequent development of the strategic focus areas and the organisational culture statement, were able to articulate their thoughts, concerns, aspirations and expectations of their organisation. The four strategies identified will go a long way to strengthening and consolidating the RUL: • Positioning the RUL in the intellectual midst of the University community • Dynamic user services to advance the RU research, teaching and learning endeavours • Staff development • Technology and innovation The LibQual online library quality survey conducted during 13-31 August 2012 was a success, which surpassed our expectations. The comparison between the 2005 and 2012 results show a significant improvement in the perceptions of the RU community towards the quality of service, information resources and the library as place. This affirmed that the new Library building and Faculty Library liaison model are serving to locate the library positively in the academic endeavor. However while we savour these results, concerns have been raised about the lack of awareness and proper use of the wide array of electronic resources available. Therefore we will be focusing on a concerted marketing and training campaign to ensure that the subscription-based electronic resources are optimally used by the RU community, especially the academics. I wish to acknowledge the sterling and creative work of the team that led this project. We also bade farewell to Ms Jeanne Berger, who was the former Deputy Director and Acting Director in April 2012. Together with the former Director, Gwenda Thomas, Jeanne drove the reconstruction and renewal project of the RUL. I acknowledge both Gwenda and Jeanne, the University Management and all those who contributed to the realisation of the vision of a modern 21st century academic library.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development agenda and new roles for librarians
- Satgoor, Ujala, Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), Eastern Cape branch (Annual General Meeting : 2015 : East-London)
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala , Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), Eastern Cape branch (Annual General Meeting : 2015 : East-London)
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Libraries and society -- Developing countries Libraries and community -- Developing countries Social justice -- Developing countries Information society -- Developing countries Library science -- Social aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Political aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries Freedom of information -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3498 , vital:20514
- Description: Presentation delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Cape branch of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), 19 August 2016. The presentation addresses the role of librarians in terms of the National Development Plan, including transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala , Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), Eastern Cape branch (Annual General Meeting : 2015 : East-London)
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Libraries and society -- Developing countries Libraries and community -- Developing countries Social justice -- Developing countries Information society -- Developing countries Library science -- Social aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Political aspects -- Developing countries Library science -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries Freedom of information -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3498 , vital:20514
- Description: Presentation delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Cape branch of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), 19 August 2016. The presentation addresses the role of librarians in terms of the National Development Plan, including transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
RUL News, Quarter 3, 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020859
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: This has indeed been an extremely engaged period for all staff at the Rhodes University Library (RUL). In addition to ensuring the delivery of professional services to the Rhodes community, strategy development, quality of service, continuing professional development, human resources management and national professional engagement defines this period. The LibQual online library quality survey conducted during 13-31 August 2012 was a success, which surpassed our expectations. The comparison between the 2005 and 2012 results show a significant improvement in the perceptions of the RU community towards the quality of service, information resources and the library as place. This affirmed that the new Library building and Faculty Library liaison model are serving to locate the library positively in the academic endeavor. However while we savour these results, concerns have been raised about the lack of awareness and proper use of the wide array of electronic resources available. Therefore we will be focusing on a concerted marketing and training campaign to ensure that the subscription -based electronic resources are optimally used by the RU community, especially the academics. I wish to acknowledge the sterling and creative work of the team that led this project. This collection development & management workshop held on 17 September 2012 was attended by all professional library staff. The workshop was aimed at establishing an understanding of basic aspects of collection development & management, the supporting policy and guidelines, as well as the Information resources (IR) grant. The discussions took cognizance of the context in which the RUL functions as well as the various industry trends such as patron driven acquisition (PDA) and demand driven acquisition (DDA). As this is a key responsibility of librarians, it is critical to regularly revisit collection development patterns and trends to ensure the continued development of core balanced collections. The successful migration of the SEALS consortium libraries to the III SIERRA next generation library management system during September-October 2012 may be attributed to professional collaboration and collegiality. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the RU ITD especially Jonathan McKeown who together with Ms Allwright worked across time zones with the III team (US-based). The level of support and professionalism displayed is to be commended. By the end of November 2012 task teams were able to present their identified strategies to all staff. The e-Strategy, Staff Development, User Services and Marketing strategies, as well as the RUL Culture Statement will be collated into a single document that will be aligned to the RU Institutional Development Plan (IDP). The level of interaction, inclusion and participation augers well for taking these strategies forward in 2013 as staff were able to experience the dynamism of participative engagement. I wish to congratulate staff members for their various achievements during the course of 2012! I also wish to thank you for your willingness and openness to engage with the various ideas and processes proposed during this year. It has indeed been an exciting, challenging and fulfilling year which was made possible by your support and involvement. Happy holidays and best wishes for 2013!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020859
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: This has indeed been an extremely engaged period for all staff at the Rhodes University Library (RUL). In addition to ensuring the delivery of professional services to the Rhodes community, strategy development, quality of service, continuing professional development, human resources management and national professional engagement defines this period. The LibQual online library quality survey conducted during 13-31 August 2012 was a success, which surpassed our expectations. The comparison between the 2005 and 2012 results show a significant improvement in the perceptions of the RU community towards the quality of service, information resources and the library as place. This affirmed that the new Library building and Faculty Library liaison model are serving to locate the library positively in the academic endeavor. However while we savour these results, concerns have been raised about the lack of awareness and proper use of the wide array of electronic resources available. Therefore we will be focusing on a concerted marketing and training campaign to ensure that the subscription -based electronic resources are optimally used by the RU community, especially the academics. I wish to acknowledge the sterling and creative work of the team that led this project. This collection development & management workshop held on 17 September 2012 was attended by all professional library staff. The workshop was aimed at establishing an understanding of basic aspects of collection development & management, the supporting policy and guidelines, as well as the Information resources (IR) grant. The discussions took cognizance of the context in which the RUL functions as well as the various industry trends such as patron driven acquisition (PDA) and demand driven acquisition (DDA). As this is a key responsibility of librarians, it is critical to regularly revisit collection development patterns and trends to ensure the continued development of core balanced collections. The successful migration of the SEALS consortium libraries to the III SIERRA next generation library management system during September-October 2012 may be attributed to professional collaboration and collegiality. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the RU ITD especially Jonathan McKeown who together with Ms Allwright worked across time zones with the III team (US-based). The level of support and professionalism displayed is to be commended. By the end of November 2012 task teams were able to present their identified strategies to all staff. The e-Strategy, Staff Development, User Services and Marketing strategies, as well as the RUL Culture Statement will be collated into a single document that will be aligned to the RU Institutional Development Plan (IDP). The level of interaction, inclusion and participation augers well for taking these strategies forward in 2013 as staff were able to experience the dynamism of participative engagement. I wish to congratulate staff members for their various achievements during the course of 2012! I also wish to thank you for your willingness and openness to engage with the various ideas and processes proposed during this year. It has indeed been an exciting, challenging and fulfilling year which was made possible by your support and involvement. Happy holidays and best wishes for 2013!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Ujala Satgoor and Noluxolo Nhlapo
- Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
- Date: 2015-10-21
- Type: Image
- Identifier: vital:8023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020507
- Description: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, Rhodes University closed in solidarity with the higher education sector as students and staff embarked on nationwide protest action against the shortage of funding in the South African higher education sector. #FeesMustFall is a national student led protest movement that began in mid-October 2015 in response to proposed increases in fees at South African universities. These images depict the peaceful march and illustrate the extent of solidarity among staff, students and community members who joined in support of the protest.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015-10-21
- Authors: Thomas, Cornelius
- Date: 2015-10-21
- Type: Image
- Identifier: vital:8023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020507
- Description: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, Rhodes University closed in solidarity with the higher education sector as students and staff embarked on nationwide protest action against the shortage of funding in the South African higher education sector. #FeesMustFall is a national student led protest movement that began in mid-October 2015 in response to proposed increases in fees at South African universities. These images depict the peaceful march and illustrate the extent of solidarity among staff, students and community members who joined in support of the protest.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015-10-21
RUL News, Quarter 1, 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020860
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: A new year is always welcomed as a time for new beginnings, new ideas, new considerations for continuity and sustainability - so too with the Rhodes University Library! In 2012 staff embraced wholeheartedly the exercise to identify the strategic focus areas for 2013-2015 and defining the organizational culture. I’m pleased to share the organizational plan and culture that will guide the RUL for the next three years. Introducing new students to the RUL is an exciting process as it gives us the opportunity to become familiar with and understand the evolving learning needs of the young student. We also need to assure new and returning students of certain constants within the Library. To this end, we have introduced the Personal Librarian programme for 1st year students, who through this initiative will be able to work consistently with a librarian to learn about and use the library resources optimally. Regular training sessions, offered by the faculty library teams, on how to access information, the use of databases and other eresources, Libguides, etc. are critical for a dynamic undergraduate learning experience. The RUL is committed to its ongoing support for research and making the RU research output visible. Digitisation of research outputs and the creation & management of institutional repositories at academic institutions have become the key ways of ensuring this visibility. The retrospective digitization of theses and dissertations, going back to the 1930s, is moving along consistently. Proper harvesting and metadata protocols will ensure the optimal visibility and access of these items. We also need to seriously consider the physical environment for a digitization unit within the library. This team has been enhanced by the placement of an intern who is being taught and exposed to a new skills set. The SEALS Consortium is a very successful example of collegiality and institutional collaboration. Whilst its primary goal is to ensure a stable shared library management system in the region, discussions have also commenced on how we may use this platform to enhance staff skills and development. The importance of benchmarking, standardization of skills sets and workplace development is critical for ensuring a cohort of strong professionals for succession planning in the region. To date, two workshops on Systems Librarianship and Skills Development were held. The aim was to understand how each institution is addressing these issues, what is the role of SEALs, and what should be addressed going forward. Task teams have been identified to continue the conversation on Systems Librarianship and the 21st Century academic librarian. I strongly believe that the success of an organization resides in the ability of its staff to give expression to their ideas, concerns and professional goals in alignment with the organisation’s goals and strategies. I’m confident that the RUL staff will succeed in this and collectively strengthen this dynamic organization in 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020860
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: A new year is always welcomed as a time for new beginnings, new ideas, new considerations for continuity and sustainability - so too with the Rhodes University Library! In 2012 staff embraced wholeheartedly the exercise to identify the strategic focus areas for 2013-2015 and defining the organizational culture. I’m pleased to share the organizational plan and culture that will guide the RUL for the next three years. Introducing new students to the RUL is an exciting process as it gives us the opportunity to become familiar with and understand the evolving learning needs of the young student. We also need to assure new and returning students of certain constants within the Library. To this end, we have introduced the Personal Librarian programme for 1st year students, who through this initiative will be able to work consistently with a librarian to learn about and use the library resources optimally. Regular training sessions, offered by the faculty library teams, on how to access information, the use of databases and other eresources, Libguides, etc. are critical for a dynamic undergraduate learning experience. The RUL is committed to its ongoing support for research and making the RU research output visible. Digitisation of research outputs and the creation & management of institutional repositories at academic institutions have become the key ways of ensuring this visibility. The retrospective digitization of theses and dissertations, going back to the 1930s, is moving along consistently. Proper harvesting and metadata protocols will ensure the optimal visibility and access of these items. We also need to seriously consider the physical environment for a digitization unit within the library. This team has been enhanced by the placement of an intern who is being taught and exposed to a new skills set. The SEALS Consortium is a very successful example of collegiality and institutional collaboration. Whilst its primary goal is to ensure a stable shared library management system in the region, discussions have also commenced on how we may use this platform to enhance staff skills and development. The importance of benchmarking, standardization of skills sets and workplace development is critical for ensuring a cohort of strong professionals for succession planning in the region. To date, two workshops on Systems Librarianship and Skills Development were held. The aim was to understand how each institution is addressing these issues, what is the role of SEALs, and what should be addressed going forward. Task teams have been identified to continue the conversation on Systems Librarianship and the 21st Century academic librarian. I strongly believe that the success of an organization resides in the ability of its staff to give expression to their ideas, concerns and professional goals in alignment with the organisation’s goals and strategies. I’m confident that the RUL staff will succeed in this and collectively strengthen this dynamic organization in 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
RUL News, Quarter 2, 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020861
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020861
- Full Text:
RUL News, Quarter 2, 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020858
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: The last three months have been an exciting time for me at the Rhodes University Library (RUL) as it coincides with my first 100 days as the Director. It’s been a time for observations, questions, conversations, reviews, meetings, gaining trust, challenging assumptions and old habits, and taking ownership with the intention of facilitating change and innovation for a redefined future. After all of this, I must admit that the future looks extremely positive. An invitation to speak at the 11th South African Online Information Meeting (SAOIM) on 06 June 2012 on the topic “Change and Innovation: the need to push the limits” gave me pause for thought regarding innovation and organizational development. While there is a tendency to link innovation to technology, it may be used to implement change at every level of an organization. Change refers to altering one’s approach or attitude; a process which enables transformation, becoming different or doing things differently. Peter Drucker defines innovation as “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Therefore an effective organization must be prepared to grasp the opportunities, alongside the threats, by responding to the challenge of change to continue adding value to its defined audience. An innovative organization focuses on the following four significant areas: - Alignment of internal strategies to corporate/institutional goals and strategies - People, skills and roles - Defined workflows or processes - Cultural engagement and support Keeping the above in mind, the following activities were held towards redefining the organization’s purpose and culture, and identifying the focus areas for 2013-2015: Review of the Faculty Library model on May 03 2012 with all the Principal Faculty Librarians. The following questions were addressed: - What are we doing well? - What are we not doing well? Why not? - How could we do things differently? - What are the burning issues critical for success or failure? - How well are we positioned for the future? 2-day strategic planning session on 14-15 June 2012 which was facilitated by Dr Noel Pearse of the Rhodes Business School. The context was set by Dr Sizwe Mabizela, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and the Dr Peter Clayton, DVC: Research who focused on the Rhodes priorities and the research agenda respectively. Presentations on Open Scholarship; Mobile Technologies; Library Leadership; Changing User Needs and Library as Space were made by staff and the World Café concept was used to encourage open discussions and exchange of ideas among staff in teams and across levels. The most positive and encouraging outcome hereof is that various task teams which include every member of staff have taken the responsibility of developing the eStrategy and the strategies relating to Marketing & Communications, Staff Development, User Services and Infrastructure, as well as the Purpose Statement (Vision, Mission and Values) and the Organisational Culture. This is indeed an innovative way of the staff taking ownership of the future of the organization. I believe that the greatest asset of an organization is its human capital and RUL is fortunate to have a corps of staff that is representative of different skills, expertise and varying experience. Collectively we can define the conditions for successful innovation by enhancing existing strengths; committing to change; focusing on specific needs; innovating for the present which will have long-term impact; and changing our behaviours and processes. This gives us the opportunity to: - demonstrate our value to the University management - take the lead in being strategic and inculcate the “One organization, many leaders” mindset - focus on exceptional user experiences - use technology as an enabler - redefine our role through collaboration and embedded librarianship Jean Sykes (Chief Librarian and Information Services Director: London School of Economics) is of the opinion that “Librarians are very well-placed to make a difference and secure an enviable reputation for our profession if we continue to watch, listen, think, analyse, collaborate, share, test and try and if we deploy real leadership skills, displaying a genuine willingness to keep reinventing ourselves and our old skills to match the changing environment we find ourselves in at any stage.” I agree!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020858
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: The last three months have been an exciting time for me at the Rhodes University Library (RUL) as it coincides with my first 100 days as the Director. It’s been a time for observations, questions, conversations, reviews, meetings, gaining trust, challenging assumptions and old habits, and taking ownership with the intention of facilitating change and innovation for a redefined future. After all of this, I must admit that the future looks extremely positive. An invitation to speak at the 11th South African Online Information Meeting (SAOIM) on 06 June 2012 on the topic “Change and Innovation: the need to push the limits” gave me pause for thought regarding innovation and organizational development. While there is a tendency to link innovation to technology, it may be used to implement change at every level of an organization. Change refers to altering one’s approach or attitude; a process which enables transformation, becoming different or doing things differently. Peter Drucker defines innovation as “change that creates a new dimension of performance.” Therefore an effective organization must be prepared to grasp the opportunities, alongside the threats, by responding to the challenge of change to continue adding value to its defined audience. An innovative organization focuses on the following four significant areas: - Alignment of internal strategies to corporate/institutional goals and strategies - People, skills and roles - Defined workflows or processes - Cultural engagement and support Keeping the above in mind, the following activities were held towards redefining the organization’s purpose and culture, and identifying the focus areas for 2013-2015: Review of the Faculty Library model on May 03 2012 with all the Principal Faculty Librarians. The following questions were addressed: - What are we doing well? - What are we not doing well? Why not? - How could we do things differently? - What are the burning issues critical for success or failure? - How well are we positioned for the future? 2-day strategic planning session on 14-15 June 2012 which was facilitated by Dr Noel Pearse of the Rhodes Business School. The context was set by Dr Sizwe Mabizela, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and the Dr Peter Clayton, DVC: Research who focused on the Rhodes priorities and the research agenda respectively. Presentations on Open Scholarship; Mobile Technologies; Library Leadership; Changing User Needs and Library as Space were made by staff and the World Café concept was used to encourage open discussions and exchange of ideas among staff in teams and across levels. The most positive and encouraging outcome hereof is that various task teams which include every member of staff have taken the responsibility of developing the eStrategy and the strategies relating to Marketing & Communications, Staff Development, User Services and Infrastructure, as well as the Purpose Statement (Vision, Mission and Values) and the Organisational Culture. This is indeed an innovative way of the staff taking ownership of the future of the organization. I believe that the greatest asset of an organization is its human capital and RUL is fortunate to have a corps of staff that is representative of different skills, expertise and varying experience. Collectively we can define the conditions for successful innovation by enhancing existing strengths; committing to change; focusing on specific needs; innovating for the present which will have long-term impact; and changing our behaviours and processes. This gives us the opportunity to: - demonstrate our value to the University management - take the lead in being strategic and inculcate the “One organization, many leaders” mindset - focus on exceptional user experiences - use technology as an enabler - redefine our role through collaboration and embedded librarianship Jean Sykes (Chief Librarian and Information Services Director: London School of Economics) is of the opinion that “Librarians are very well-placed to make a difference and secure an enviable reputation for our profession if we continue to watch, listen, think, analyse, collaborate, share, test and try and if we deploy real leadership skills, displaying a genuine willingness to keep reinventing ourselves and our old skills to match the changing environment we find ourselves in at any stage.” I agree!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rhodes University Library Services Annual Report 2013 : "Our Scholarly Heartbeat"
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011894
- Description: Library Director's Message: It gives me great pleasure to present the 2013 annual report of the Rhodes University Library (RUL). The challenges confronting most organisations are “an increasingly diverse workforce, a multicultural customer base and a global market place” resulting in a complex environment that is not easy to navigate. However this very complexity can be hugely beneficial to an organization as its diversity allows it to seek innovative solutions based on the varied experiences and backgrounds of this same diverse workforce. Henry Ford said: Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. The process of defining the type of organization the staff of the RUL want went a long way towards creating an environment of trust, consultation, communication and openness. After a series of discussions, the final Strategic Plan, 2013‐2015 was presented and adopted by staff on 07 March 2013. The expanded culture statement clearly articulates the values, environmental, service, people and governance culture that the RUL aims to embrace. The Faculty Library teams also identified priorities and crafted action plans to realize relevant strategies. The general feeling is that this exercise has given teams the opportunity to work in a more focused manner. Overall, this result is reflective of the participative process that witnessed a shift towards a greater sense of responsibility and ownership of the RUL. The RUL focused on strengthening its presence in the following areas: • Marketing and raising the visibility of the faculty liaison services and its benefits for the academic endeavour • Group and individual training was held throughout the year, which garnered successes for many of the faculty library teams. This is to ensure optimal discovery of content for our users benefit • Information and computer literacy is critical for undergraduate academic success. The Information Commons and the Personal Librarian Programme proved to be innovative ways in addressing this challenge. • Creating and maintaining an environment that supported an exceptional learning and research experience. Access to appropriate physical facilities, learning and knowledge resources, and professional staff at every level is an imperative • Increasing the visibility of the exceptional Rhodes research output. The transition to a new institutional repository platform was indeed challenging but the future looks positive • Collection development based on optimal use of grant allocations for developing strong core and active collections that support the academic endeavor but also encourages independent critical thinking and intellectual development. When asked, staff have described 2013 as “a busy, motivating, rewarding, affirming, challenging, successful, stressful, engaging and hectic year” that was defined by leadership, teamwork, growth, consolidation and development. So based on the above, I can declare that 2013 was indeed a vibrant and rewarding year for the RUL and would like to acknowledge the entire team for their contributions towards ensuring the reality of the RUL as “a desired space”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011894
- Description: Library Director's Message: It gives me great pleasure to present the 2013 annual report of the Rhodes University Library (RUL). The challenges confronting most organisations are “an increasingly diverse workforce, a multicultural customer base and a global market place” resulting in a complex environment that is not easy to navigate. However this very complexity can be hugely beneficial to an organization as its diversity allows it to seek innovative solutions based on the varied experiences and backgrounds of this same diverse workforce. Henry Ford said: Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. The process of defining the type of organization the staff of the RUL want went a long way towards creating an environment of trust, consultation, communication and openness. After a series of discussions, the final Strategic Plan, 2013‐2015 was presented and adopted by staff on 07 March 2013. The expanded culture statement clearly articulates the values, environmental, service, people and governance culture that the RUL aims to embrace. The Faculty Library teams also identified priorities and crafted action plans to realize relevant strategies. The general feeling is that this exercise has given teams the opportunity to work in a more focused manner. Overall, this result is reflective of the participative process that witnessed a shift towards a greater sense of responsibility and ownership of the RUL. The RUL focused on strengthening its presence in the following areas: • Marketing and raising the visibility of the faculty liaison services and its benefits for the academic endeavour • Group and individual training was held throughout the year, which garnered successes for many of the faculty library teams. This is to ensure optimal discovery of content for our users benefit • Information and computer literacy is critical for undergraduate academic success. The Information Commons and the Personal Librarian Programme proved to be innovative ways in addressing this challenge. • Creating and maintaining an environment that supported an exceptional learning and research experience. Access to appropriate physical facilities, learning and knowledge resources, and professional staff at every level is an imperative • Increasing the visibility of the exceptional Rhodes research output. The transition to a new institutional repository platform was indeed challenging but the future looks positive • Collection development based on optimal use of grant allocations for developing strong core and active collections that support the academic endeavor but also encourages independent critical thinking and intellectual development. When asked, staff have described 2013 as “a busy, motivating, rewarding, affirming, challenging, successful, stressful, engaging and hectic year” that was defined by leadership, teamwork, growth, consolidation and development. So based on the above, I can declare that 2013 was indeed a vibrant and rewarding year for the RUL and would like to acknowledge the entire team for their contributions towards ensuring the reality of the RUL as “a desired space”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Leadership excellence in African librarianship - the Carnegie Library Leadership Development experience
- Satgoor, Ujala, AfLIA International Conference (1st : 2015 : GIMPA Conference Centre--Accra), African Library Summit (3rd : 2015 : GIMPA Conference Centre--Accra)
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala , AfLIA International Conference (1st : 2015 : GIMPA Conference Centre--Accra) , African Library Summit (3rd : 2015 : GIMPA Conference Centre--Accra)
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: C. Walter & Gerda B. Mortenson Center for International Library Programs Carnegie Library Leadership Project South Africa Library Leadership project Library administration -- Study and teaching -- Africa Library science -- Study and teaching -- Africa Academic libraries -- Africa Library education -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3506 , vital:20515
- Description: African librarianship is determined by the socio-cultural, developmental, economic and political contexts within which it is located. The importance of developing leaders within the library and information services (LIS) sector has never been as crucial as it is today. There is a critical need to develop the next generation library leaders who are able to respond and adapt LIS to the needs and demands of community development imperatives, emerging technologies for access to information and knowledge, and most importantly recognise its ability to impact the intellectual capital of the continent. The current model of library practice is steeped in managerialism and positional leadership that disallows innovation, creative thinking and a dynamic organisational culture to evolve. The Carnegie Library Leadership project, located within the University of Pretoria, was designed to address the above by identifying those with the potential to be the next generation library leaders and who will be able to make an impact within and beyond their institutions. The programme recognised that the transition from managers to leaders is not an easy journey but commences with the path to personal leadership, which then leads to more effective public leadership. This approach has succeeded in developing dynamic young professionals who are succeeding in elevating the standards of practice within their institutions and contributing to the development of the profession nationally. This paper therefore aims to share the rich content, learning and outcomes of the programme, and how it may be used for future development opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala , AfLIA International Conference (1st : 2015 : GIMPA Conference Centre--Accra) , African Library Summit (3rd : 2015 : GIMPA Conference Centre--Accra)
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: C. Walter & Gerda B. Mortenson Center for International Library Programs Carnegie Library Leadership Project South Africa Library Leadership project Library administration -- Study and teaching -- Africa Library science -- Study and teaching -- Africa Academic libraries -- Africa Library education -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3506 , vital:20515
- Description: African librarianship is determined by the socio-cultural, developmental, economic and political contexts within which it is located. The importance of developing leaders within the library and information services (LIS) sector has never been as crucial as it is today. There is a critical need to develop the next generation library leaders who are able to respond and adapt LIS to the needs and demands of community development imperatives, emerging technologies for access to information and knowledge, and most importantly recognise its ability to impact the intellectual capital of the continent. The current model of library practice is steeped in managerialism and positional leadership that disallows innovation, creative thinking and a dynamic organisational culture to evolve. The Carnegie Library Leadership project, located within the University of Pretoria, was designed to address the above by identifying those with the potential to be the next generation library leaders and who will be able to make an impact within and beyond their institutions. The programme recognised that the transition from managers to leaders is not an easy journey but commences with the path to personal leadership, which then leads to more effective public leadership. This approach has succeeded in developing dynamic young professionals who are succeeding in elevating the standards of practice within their institutions and contributing to the development of the profession nationally. This paper therefore aims to share the rich content, learning and outcomes of the programme, and how it may be used for future development opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Celebrating libraries in 20 years of democracy : an overview of library and information services in South Africa
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Libraries , Library administration -- South Africa , Information services -- South Africa , Public libraries -- South Africa , Library science -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019841 , ISSN ISSN: 0340-0352 , http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0340035215585100
- Description: Since the establishment of the first public library in 1818, the South African library and information services landscape has also been a reflection of the socio-political order and developments in the country. This article presents an historical perspective as well as an overview of libraries in South Africa since 1994, the context within which libraries function, library governance and legislative framework, government funding for redress, library technologies, library and information services education and the professional association. The article further highlights the importance of libraries in meeting the goals of the national development agenda towards entrenching a strong democracy and an educated and informed nation , Original publication is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0340035215585100
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Libraries , Library administration -- South Africa , Information services -- South Africa , Public libraries -- South Africa , Library science -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019841 , ISSN ISSN: 0340-0352 , http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0340035215585100
- Description: Since the establishment of the first public library in 1818, the South African library and information services landscape has also been a reflection of the socio-political order and developments in the country. This article presents an historical perspective as well as an overview of libraries in South Africa since 1994, the context within which libraries function, library governance and legislative framework, government funding for redress, library technologies, library and information services education and the professional association. The article further highlights the importance of libraries in meeting the goals of the national development agenda towards entrenching a strong democracy and an educated and informed nation , Original publication is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0340035215585100
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Rhodes University Library Services Annual Report 2014 : "Our Scholarly Heartbeat"
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020651
- Description: Library Director's Message: 2014 was indeed a momentous year for South Africans who embraced the opportunity to assess, evaluate and celebrate what has come to pass during these two decades of democracy. The library and information services (LIS) sector adopted the theme “Celebrating libraries in 20 years of democracy” which enabled several conversations to be held around three simple questions posed by Michael K Buckland: 1.What kind of work we do? 2.How can we do our work? 3.Why do we do our work? Buckland further asserts that modern society exists on a foundation of documents of all genres and forms, which are not just objectified knowledge but that they affect us aesthetically and emotionally. The use of documents is a cultural activity, be it through discussion or the exchange of documents. Vesa Souminen, in his book, Filling Empty Spaces, identifies that the crux of a good librarian’s role is to create arrangements of documents that are meaningful for users. In the face of technological advances, the relevance of libraries and librarians is raised and the need to create an awareness of what we do has never been as important as it is today. There are four accepted practices that define how we do our work: •Organization of information – selecting, collecting, organizing, categorizing, indexing, filtering and retrieval •Information in society and information policy – complementing and balancing the effects of the influence of the distribution and use of information in society •Technology for information which enables existing services to be performed differently as well as to develop different and better services •Management of information services – the art of achieving results through well-‐skilled competent people and how to survive and thrive in a political and economic environment. So why do we do what we do? Because it matters what people know! What people know is important to the individual, to an institution and to society. We do not only support technical knowledge but also cultural understanding, aesthetic insight and human behavior. Our role is to facilitate understanding of our shared identity that are collected and preserved in the records, documents, texts, etc that are our specialty. So when we say our purpose is to serve a community, we must be able to relate to the priorities and values of our role in that community. Given the above, the Rhodes University Library (RUL) embraced the 2nd year of its strategic plan (2013-‐2015) wholeheartedly with the express aim of consolidating practice, technology, providing universal access and ensuring an enabling environment and services for the broader Rhodes community. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present the 2014 annual report of the Rhodes University Library (RUL) which details how collectively the staff ensured that the defined practices were translated into reality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020651
- Description: Library Director's Message: 2014 was indeed a momentous year for South Africans who embraced the opportunity to assess, evaluate and celebrate what has come to pass during these two decades of democracy. The library and information services (LIS) sector adopted the theme “Celebrating libraries in 20 years of democracy” which enabled several conversations to be held around three simple questions posed by Michael K Buckland: 1.What kind of work we do? 2.How can we do our work? 3.Why do we do our work? Buckland further asserts that modern society exists on a foundation of documents of all genres and forms, which are not just objectified knowledge but that they affect us aesthetically and emotionally. The use of documents is a cultural activity, be it through discussion or the exchange of documents. Vesa Souminen, in his book, Filling Empty Spaces, identifies that the crux of a good librarian’s role is to create arrangements of documents that are meaningful for users. In the face of technological advances, the relevance of libraries and librarians is raised and the need to create an awareness of what we do has never been as important as it is today. There are four accepted practices that define how we do our work: •Organization of information – selecting, collecting, organizing, categorizing, indexing, filtering and retrieval •Information in society and information policy – complementing and balancing the effects of the influence of the distribution and use of information in society •Technology for information which enables existing services to be performed differently as well as to develop different and better services •Management of information services – the art of achieving results through well-‐skilled competent people and how to survive and thrive in a political and economic environment. So why do we do what we do? Because it matters what people know! What people know is important to the individual, to an institution and to society. We do not only support technical knowledge but also cultural understanding, aesthetic insight and human behavior. Our role is to facilitate understanding of our shared identity that are collected and preserved in the records, documents, texts, etc that are our specialty. So when we say our purpose is to serve a community, we must be able to relate to the priorities and values of our role in that community. Given the above, the Rhodes University Library (RUL) embraced the 2nd year of its strategic plan (2013-‐2015) wholeheartedly with the express aim of consolidating practice, technology, providing universal access and ensuring an enabling environment and services for the broader Rhodes community. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present the 2014 annual report of the Rhodes University Library (RUL) which details how collectively the staff ensured that the defined practices were translated into reality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The digital repository as a central driver in the open access research agenda
- Authors: Naicker, Larshan
- Date: 2015 , 2015-08-07
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019837
- Description: [From introduction] The Berlin Declaration was drafted to “promote the Internet as a functional instrument for a global scientific knowledge base and human reflection”, and has played a significant role in advancing open access to research and scholarly material. This declaration has been signed by over 250 organisations from all over the world. In line with the above, the Digital Repository, has emerged as a dynamic platform for promoting “scientific knowledge and human reflection”. It plays a significant role in promoting the research output of an institution within the Open Access arena. , Poster presented at the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Cape Town, 15 -21 August 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Naicker, Larshan
- Date: 2015 , 2015-08-07
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019837
- Description: [From introduction] The Berlin Declaration was drafted to “promote the Internet as a functional instrument for a global scientific knowledge base and human reflection”, and has played a significant role in advancing open access to research and scholarly material. This declaration has been signed by over 250 organisations from all over the world. In line with the above, the Digital Repository, has emerged as a dynamic platform for promoting “scientific knowledge and human reflection”. It plays a significant role in promoting the research output of an institution within the Open Access arena. , Poster presented at the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Cape Town, 15 -21 August 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Rhodes University Library Report for the period 2015-2016 : maintaining the scholarly heartbeat in a time of disruption
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54313 , vital:26455
- Description: Disruption has been one of the key drivers for the reshaping of academic libraries over the years. New technologies; high cost of information resources and dwindling budgets; changing user profiles, learning styles and needs; demand for alignment to institutional imperatives and a demonstration of value to the academic project; new roles and new competencies for staff are identified as key disruptors for academic libraries. By adopting strategic thinking and strategic planning, academic libraries embrace disruption easily and become more adept to change. The Rhodes University Library (RUL) is guided by a Strategic Plan (2013-2015) which was adopted in 2012. This Plan takes into cognisance the trends and developments impacting academic libraries with specific reference to the librarian’s role in research, undergraduate student success, information literacy, new roles and competencies for librarians, and the library as place within the academic context. Therefore, the challenges presented by load-shedding and the #RUReferencelist, #Rapeculture and #Feesmustfall protests during 2015 and 2016 were seen as opportunities to review processes, reconsider and adapt practices and services through a participatory process of discussions and engagements. The RUL’ culture of learning and exposure to best practices and innovative thinking has been carefully nurtured to empower staff for optimal personal, institutional and user benefit. This report therefore highlights through its various strategies how the RUL has shaped itself within the context of national and local disruptions and added value to the teaching, learning and research endeavours of the University during 2015 and 2016.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54313 , vital:26455
- Description: Disruption has been one of the key drivers for the reshaping of academic libraries over the years. New technologies; high cost of information resources and dwindling budgets; changing user profiles, learning styles and needs; demand for alignment to institutional imperatives and a demonstration of value to the academic project; new roles and new competencies for staff are identified as key disruptors for academic libraries. By adopting strategic thinking and strategic planning, academic libraries embrace disruption easily and become more adept to change. The Rhodes University Library (RUL) is guided by a Strategic Plan (2013-2015) which was adopted in 2012. This Plan takes into cognisance the trends and developments impacting academic libraries with specific reference to the librarian’s role in research, undergraduate student success, information literacy, new roles and competencies for librarians, and the library as place within the academic context. Therefore, the challenges presented by load-shedding and the #RUReferencelist, #Rapeculture and #Feesmustfall protests during 2015 and 2016 were seen as opportunities to review processes, reconsider and adapt practices and services through a participatory process of discussions and engagements. The RUL’ culture of learning and exposure to best practices and innovative thinking has been carefully nurtured to empower staff for optimal personal, institutional and user benefit. This report therefore highlights through its various strategies how the RUL has shaped itself within the context of national and local disruptions and added value to the teaching, learning and research endeavours of the University during 2015 and 2016.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Place of Knowledge
- Rhodes University Development & Alumni Relations Division
- Authors: Rhodes University Development & Alumni Relations Division
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:7950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013054
- Description: [From Introduction] How it all began. The dream of the new library began with the late Margaret Kenyon. Initially joining the library staff in 1982 as a cataloguer. she was appointed to the position of University Librarian in April 2001. It was through her initiative as Head of Cataloguing that Rhodes became the first library in South Africa to create hyperlinks on OPAC records to material also available in electronic format. She was an initiator of the Rhodes eResearch Repository (ReRR) which was among the first open access institutional repositories in South Africa. She also started the LibQUAL survey and while the old library scored well on service and information, it failed dismally on place. The pattern of student use had changed and there was no space for discussion areas to accommodate peer learning and group work. With student numbers having grown to 6200 and academic staff to 300, the library could only seat 10 percent of its users. It was Mrs Kenyon who contacted Geoff de Wet, Architect and Director of the Physical Planning Unit at UCT, and arranged for him to visit the Rhodes Library. It was a great tragedy that she did not see the seed that she had planted come to fruition. The ever changing demands for versatile workspaces that are responsive to evolving patterns of teaching, learning and research require a completely new approach to university libraries. We are thrilled to have seen the Rhodes University Library evolve from humble beginnings in a single room in the old Drostdy building into its grand position as a highly technological facility today. , Indawo Yolwazi (place of knowledge) in pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rhodes University Development & Alumni Relations Division
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:7950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013054
- Description: [From Introduction] How it all began. The dream of the new library began with the late Margaret Kenyon. Initially joining the library staff in 1982 as a cataloguer. she was appointed to the position of University Librarian in April 2001. It was through her initiative as Head of Cataloguing that Rhodes became the first library in South Africa to create hyperlinks on OPAC records to material also available in electronic format. She was an initiator of the Rhodes eResearch Repository (ReRR) which was among the first open access institutional repositories in South Africa. She also started the LibQUAL survey and while the old library scored well on service and information, it failed dismally on place. The pattern of student use had changed and there was no space for discussion areas to accommodate peer learning and group work. With student numbers having grown to 6200 and academic staff to 300, the library could only seat 10 percent of its users. It was Mrs Kenyon who contacted Geoff de Wet, Architect and Director of the Physical Planning Unit at UCT, and arranged for him to visit the Rhodes Library. It was a great tragedy that she did not see the seed that she had planted come to fruition. The ever changing demands for versatile workspaces that are responsive to evolving patterns of teaching, learning and research require a completely new approach to university libraries. We are thrilled to have seen the Rhodes University Library evolve from humble beginnings in a single room in the old Drostdy building into its grand position as a highly technological facility today. , Indawo Yolwazi (place of knowledge) in pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
RU Open Access Week 21-27 October 2013
- Rhodes University Library, Martindale, Debbie
- Authors: Rhodes University Library , Martindale, Debbie
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:7954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006841
- Description: Paper presented at the Rhodes University Open Access event, 24 October 2013. During this event Rhodes University joined the list of signatories to the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge. Dr Peter Clayton, DVC Research, signed the Declaration during the Open Access seminar. Other speakers included Ms Natalia Timiraos (BioMed Central) and Ms Elsabe Olivier (former Open Scholarship Manager, UP).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rhodes University Library , Martindale, Debbie
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:7954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006841
- Description: Paper presented at the Rhodes University Open Access event, 24 October 2013. During this event Rhodes University joined the list of signatories to the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge. Dr Peter Clayton, DVC Research, signed the Declaration during the Open Access seminar. Other speakers included Ms Natalia Timiraos (BioMed Central) and Ms Elsabe Olivier (former Open Scholarship Manager, UP).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Towards an exceptional undergraduate personal learning experience: the Personal Librarian Programme, a pilot project at Rhodes University Library
- Authors: Gontshi, V
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007916
- Description: This paper is a record of a unique intervention for enhancing the Undergraduate learning experience at Rhodes University. It will focus on the establishment of the project, the experiences encountered and lessons learned thus far. In April 2013, a vibrant team of 13 librarians embarked on a Personal Librarian Pilot Project at the Rhodes University Library. The Personal Librarian Programme is primarily directed at undergraduate students at Rhodes University. In an attempt to bridge the information literacy skills gap that exists between Senior School and University in South Africa, the idea behind this programme is that each incoming first year student is assigned a Personal Librarian who will remain that individual’s contact in the library throughout his/her academic career at Rhodes University. The project came about as a result of research exploring the perceptions of both students and lecturers in the Commerce Faculty at Rhodes University with regard to Information Literacy practices and needs (Gontshi, 2011). The study revealed and recorded a shortcoming in the Information Literacy ability of students between Senior School Level and University Level. It became clear that new University students were not aware of the important link between their academic studies and the Library which in turn suggested the need to make Rhodes University librarians and the role that they play in the academic world more obvious to these new students (Gontshi, 2011). The Personal Librarian Programme was devised to fill this need. The Librarians involved in this programme include staff from all sections of the Library: circulation, faculty liaison and bibliographic/technical services. The training needs of staff who did not work directly with students were identified and the relevant training provided. The staff from Circulation and Bibliographic/Technical services sections identified a need to advance their knowledge on the use of library from a users’ perspective. The training focused on the following: “Brainstorming a research topic with a student”; “Identifying relevant databases to conduct a research topic” and “Conducting a search on relevant databases for the research topic” – this included ‘different ways of devising an effective search technique’. The training ensured a good foundation for these librarians to develop their confidence to work with users. The project, modeled on a similar programme at the Yale University Library in America, was also a direct result of Rhodes University Library’s involvement in the Carnegie Research Libraries Consortium (2009 – 2011) and a ten-week internship in the United States, seven weeks of which were spent at Yale University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gontshi, V
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Conference paper
- Identifier: vital:6978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007916
- Description: This paper is a record of a unique intervention for enhancing the Undergraduate learning experience at Rhodes University. It will focus on the establishment of the project, the experiences encountered and lessons learned thus far. In April 2013, a vibrant team of 13 librarians embarked on a Personal Librarian Pilot Project at the Rhodes University Library. The Personal Librarian Programme is primarily directed at undergraduate students at Rhodes University. In an attempt to bridge the information literacy skills gap that exists between Senior School and University in South Africa, the idea behind this programme is that each incoming first year student is assigned a Personal Librarian who will remain that individual’s contact in the library throughout his/her academic career at Rhodes University. The project came about as a result of research exploring the perceptions of both students and lecturers in the Commerce Faculty at Rhodes University with regard to Information Literacy practices and needs (Gontshi, 2011). The study revealed and recorded a shortcoming in the Information Literacy ability of students between Senior School Level and University Level. It became clear that new University students were not aware of the important link between their academic studies and the Library which in turn suggested the need to make Rhodes University librarians and the role that they play in the academic world more obvious to these new students (Gontshi, 2011). The Personal Librarian Programme was devised to fill this need. The Librarians involved in this programme include staff from all sections of the Library: circulation, faculty liaison and bibliographic/technical services. The training needs of staff who did not work directly with students were identified and the relevant training provided. The staff from Circulation and Bibliographic/Technical services sections identified a need to advance their knowledge on the use of library from a users’ perspective. The training focused on the following: “Brainstorming a research topic with a student”; “Identifying relevant databases to conduct a research topic” and “Conducting a search on relevant databases for the research topic” – this included ‘different ways of devising an effective search technique’. The training ensured a good foundation for these librarians to develop their confidence to work with users. The project, modeled on a similar programme at the Yale University Library in America, was also a direct result of Rhodes University Library’s involvement in the Carnegie Research Libraries Consortium (2009 – 2011) and a ten-week internship in the United States, seven weeks of which were spent at Yale University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Rhodeo, Vol. 22, No. 16
- Date: 1968-08-22
- Subjects: Grahamstown -- Newspapers , Journalism, Students -- South Africa , Rhodes University -- Activate , Rhodes University -- Students , Student newspapers and periodicals -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:14590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019462
- Description: Rhodeo is the Independent Student Newspaper of Rhodes University. Located in Grahamstown, Rhodeo was established in 1947, and renamed in 1994 as Activate. During apartheid Rhodeo became an active part of the struggle for freedom of expression as part of the now defunct South African Student Press Union. Currently Activate is committed to informing Rhodes University students, staff and community members about relevant issues, mainly on campus. These issues range from hard news to more creative journalism. While Activate acts as a news source, one of its main objectives it to be accessible as a training ground for student journalists. The newspaper is run entirely by the students and is published twice a term. Activate is a free newspaper which receives an annual grant from the Rhodes University Student Representative Council, however, majority of its revenue is generated through advertising.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1968-08-22
- Date: 1968-08-22
- Subjects: Grahamstown -- Newspapers , Journalism, Students -- South Africa , Rhodes University -- Activate , Rhodes University -- Students , Student newspapers and periodicals -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:14590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019462
- Description: Rhodeo is the Independent Student Newspaper of Rhodes University. Located in Grahamstown, Rhodeo was established in 1947, and renamed in 1994 as Activate. During apartheid Rhodeo became an active part of the struggle for freedom of expression as part of the now defunct South African Student Press Union. Currently Activate is committed to informing Rhodes University students, staff and community members about relevant issues, mainly on campus. These issues range from hard news to more creative journalism. While Activate acts as a news source, one of its main objectives it to be accessible as a training ground for student journalists. The newspaper is run entirely by the students and is published twice a term. Activate is a free newspaper which receives an annual grant from the Rhodes University Student Representative Council, however, majority of its revenue is generated through advertising.
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- Date Issued: 1968-08-22