To Mask or Not

 

by Ashika Pramlal

Like most Academic Libraries UKZN Library has been offering virtual service with staff working from home and providing an online service to the university community. Returning to work in September was a surreal experience. The transition of working from home and then going to the physical workspace was somewhat unsettling. Having adapted to Zoom and Microsoft Teams and working with online solutions, it was difficult to go back to a physical work environment.

There was the UKZN Health Screening App, showing the permit to enter campus and the compulsory wearing of masks. There was an unsettling quieteness with no smiling students and no colleagues which made me want to run and go back home. The library at Westville was gloomy and empty with just security and cleaning staff. At this stage, only staff and postgraduate students were being allowed access to the Research Commons according to Lockdown level 1 regulation.  Other sections of the library service were not available. I was the only Subject Librarian on duty at Westville.

Going to the Research Commons and seeing the place without a single student and a buzz was surprising as it is a hotspot of popularity. Arrangements were made to clean the space and have it ready for students. The day passed by with me doing hourly checks on the Research Commons, viewing the register for students, and checking in with security. Many undergraduate students wanted to use the library,  however, security informed them that only postgraduate students could access the Research Commons.   It was a busy day with my having to continually check in on the Research Commons and confirm with security about the register of students. When it was time to close, I was glad as it had been quite a challenging first day back to campus.

The next week I returned to work as the library was now officially opened as of 5 October 2020 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for all levels of students and staff from 9H00 to 15H00. It was a welcome sight to see students sanitizing their hands at the sanitizing stations located on level 4, level 7, and level 9 of the library. It was awesome to see another subject librarian colleague on duty for the day.

The atmosphere was a lot lighter, however there was red tape across many areas of the library prohibiting entry to students. This was done so that students could only access level 3 of the Westville Campus Library and level 9 of the Research Commons.. The day went by and some postgraduate students were using the Research Commons. Students could not access the print collection but had to make arrangements to use Library Services during level 1 lockdown.

Having to deal with a new set of working rules amid a pandemic took some adjustment.  Covid-19 changed our lives, the workplace, and the world. Living in a new world and having to deal with a global pandemic has taught us the value of life, family, friends, and colleagues and to never take life for granted, but rather to embrace and live each day with joy and abandon. We have just one life and it is up to us to enjoy and celebrate our existence on the planet. 

Returning to work in the time of Covid-19

Shorba Harkhu 

Like me, have you ever thought that you would be returning to work after a seven-month absence? It feels somewhat surreal but then again nothing is unusual in the age of Covid-19. Having felt so protected within the confines of our homes, it now feels as though we are venturing into uncharted territory. We all have to adapt to a “new norm” set of routines. If only we could return to work under normal circumstances!

Returning to work reminds me of my first day as a student. Only this time there is neither a hive of activity nor excitement in the air. Campus resembles a ghost town - deserted with far fewer people in sight than usual. The library is almost empty. This is unusual for this time of the year when many students would be in the library preparing for their final exams.

The social distancing signs, sanitising stations and communication through Perspex screens in the library, brings the inhumane side of Covid-19 closer to the fore. One also cannot ignore the red tape that is prevalent, warning users of the no-go areas. I must keep reminding myself to always wear the dreaded mask and remember how not to fog up my glasses. Maintaining the social distancing rule is also very challenging. I constantly recall what everything felt like pre-lockdown. Work routines then were less complicated. We took so much for granted in our daily and work lives. The virus has brought in its wake death and despair but at least it has taught us a lesson not to take things for granted.

It has been comforting to see the familiar (although masked) faces of library staff and it is good to interact with colleagues in person, though socially- distanced. At least our office working hours have been reduced allowing us to take a breather and work from home every alternate day.

Lemonade anyone?

 

By Jillian Viljoen

We all have different definitions of success. For some, it is to get a certain job, or to buy a fancy car (who doesn’t want to own a BMW, Mercedes or Ferrari?). For others, it is owning a home or opening a business. And for others, it is academic success; to complete that undergraduate degree and possibly pursue postgraduate studies to expand opportunities for employment. Granted, not everyone can afford tertiary education but the fortunate individuals excitedly go to campus every day, determined to complete their studies.

Recently, teaching and learning hit a bit of a snag; enter COVID-19. Teaching and learning changed from contact to online. This has been a bit of a challenge for some individuals for various reasons. Online learning means working on your own a lot. You are more heavily dependent on access to data and electronic resources. If you were used to going to the library for assistance and books, you now need to access those services remotely. Change is not easy but COVID-19 taught us that change is necessary for us to still continue to pursue our dreams. We just need to think about and do things differently to achieve our goals.

When life throws you lemons, you have one of two options. You can either walk around with a sour face or you can make lemonade. In reality, not everyone likes lemonade or knows how to make it. I like lemonade, a lot, especially the one sold at Woolworths. That lemonade is delicious.Metaphorically speaking, we can all make lemonade out of uncomfortable situations where change is necessary. It is not easy but we can ask for help.

At the library, access to online resources is at your fingertips. You can access the library’s catalogue and databases, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/, on any mobile device at anytime and anywhere, via the off-campus access, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/off-campus-access/. Librarians, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/contact-subject-librarians/, are available to assist you navigate your way through the electronic resources, via Zoom, Skype and email. Simply contact them to assist you to navigate the new normal of remote access to online resources. Your dream of academic success is attainable. You can still attain your goals.

There are your options. You do not have to travel this journey alone. You do not have to give up or give in. We have all been affected by COVID-19 and we will succeed if we work together. You can conquer online teaching and learning and anything else that you put your mind to.

So, are you going to walk around with a sour face or ask for help to make lemonade? The choice is yours.