A downright network meltdown

 

By Shorba Harkhu

For those of us working remotely, we are all too familiar with the term “network issues”. You will know that networks work some of the time or not at all. Since lockdown last year the university assigned network has been consistent in that it has worked most of the times. If at times it did not work, I would switch over to my home network. This year both the networks have taken a turn for the worse, and I would often have to frantically switch networks during a Zoom meeting or training. The final straw was when I was co-presenting a library instruction session with one of my colleagues, and was kicked out of the session several times. Trying to get back into a Zoom session can be extremely nerve wracking. You have to control your emotions as well as maintain your train of thought.

I had to find a quick solution to this network problem as I was also going to present two sessions back to back by myself. My better half suggested that I connect the Ethernet cable from the laptop to our WiFi router. In other words we would connect directly to Ethernet and not WiFi. But because the router is so close to the bed and the Ethernet cable (that I have) so short, the laptop had to be precariously perched at the edge of the bed. Luckily I found a small stool (which I had “borrowed” from my dad) that I could sit on. It worked like a charm, as there were no issues with the network for two consecutive days. We thought our network problems had been sorted but at the most inopportune moment the home network suddenly became unavailable. Panic sets in. The home network cannot be relied upon again even with the Ethernet cable attached.

I decided that I would go to campus to present the two sessions. But first I had to find out how to remove the Ethernet cable from the laptop port to which it had stubbornly attached itself. With help from YouTube and some brute force I was able to remove the cable without breaking the clip. Being back at the office felt good. I missed the library, and my comfortable chair. Did I mention that there were no network glitches and the two sessions were a breeze?

Fortune favours the brave

 

By Jillian Viljoen

For those of us familiar with the John Wick movies, John has a tattoo across his back which reads "Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat". That is a Latin proverb which translates to "fortune favours the bold" or “fortune favours the brave”. John Wick’s character faces constant adversity resulting in action-filled movies with John triumphing against all odds due to his tenacity and unwavering determination to survive. The meaning of the Latin proverb is lived out in John’s courage and bravery when facing difficulties. But do we need to triumph over extreme adversity, like John Wick, to achieve success?

Our lives are not as hectic as John’s but we do face adversities and we are able to overcome them, either on our own or with the help of others. When we pursue tertiary education, after matric, we are not familiar with the university environment. The campus, the rules, the curriculum, lectures and everything that we are exposed to for the first time can be daunting  and, for some of us, we sometimes feel so overwhelmed that the thought of giving up does cross our minds. But our determination to complete our qualification compels us to seek out assistance from our lecturers, the administration staff in our disciplines, the student counsellors, tutors, the library staff and anyone who can provide guidance
which will assist us to navigate our way to the completion of our qualification. This same determination propels us when we pursue postgraduate studies. We face our fears and challenges with courage and bravery and we overcome and are successful.

We all face challenges daily and we have to choose if we will let fear paralyse us into giving up or if we will be brave and work through the challenges. COVID-19 has altered the way we approach academia, and life in general, resulting in us being forced out of our comfort zones and embracing new modes of teaching and learning. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty sometimes clouds our judgement but our resolution to succeed spurs us on. It is not always easy but we can do it. We can ask for help if we cannot do it alone. In the face of the pandemic, let us all motivate and support each other. We are not alone.

Be brave. Be bold. Be courageous. You are much stronger than you think.

Library Orientation for New Users

Jabulile Sibisi–Mshengu

Like most libraries, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Library provides library orientation for new library users. Library orientation is the process by which library users are introduced to the library. During the orientation process, librarians help users to familiarise themselves with the physical library, resources, facilities, and its code of conduct.

This orientation process also helps users to ask questions such as:

• Where are the resources?
• What do you need to use the library for?
• What do I find in the library?
•  Services in the library
• Library rules
• Opening times etc.

Purpose of library orientation

Getting familiar with the library

• To expose users to various sections and units of the library.
• To allow users to appreciate and value libraries in their learning.

Introducing the library code of conduct

• Users will acknowledge the library as a community resource and learn not to violate the rules and regulations of the library e.g. no eating, no smoking, no noise, etc.

Benefits Users can benefit in many ways during this process

• They will become independent searchers when using library information resources
• Enhanced academic performance
• Improve productivity of the user within and outside the institution.

Orientation in 2021

Due to COVID-19, UKZN libraries will be offering library orientation in 2021 through online services like Zoom. During Zoom training sessions, some users may encounter challenges such as connectivity issues, lack of sound, and so forth. To help overcome some of these challenges, users can view informational videos on the front page of the library website, which can be accessed at https://library.ukzn.ac.za/. Short videos covering Orientation training sessions will be available and uploaded onto the library Libguides. Please click on the following URL to view the recorded sessions https://libguides.ukzn.ac.za/?b=g&d=a.

Training in the use of the Library’s website, catalogue, and a range of databases will again be on offer throughout the first semester. These will be advertised on the University notice system and library website. Watch this space!

 

References

https://libguides.ukzn.ac.za/?b=g&d=a

https://library.ukzn.ac.za/

https://nwulibraries.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/first-year-students-library-orientation/

Curiosity killed the cat … Really?

By Jillian Viljoen

The Oxford English dictionary defines curiosity as “Desire to know or learn”. There are negative and positive connotations to the word curiosity. Curiosity which is merely inquisitiveness into matters which do not concern us, could have negative ramifications. We could be seen as trouble makers which is surely not how we would like to be perceived. On the other hand, the desire to know and learn things for positive enrichment is constructive.

At UKZN, curiosity is what motivates us to study and learn because we want to complete the qualification which we registered for. Our curiosity compels us to seek out every avenue where assistance is available for knowledge and learning.

The UKZN library has various electronic resources, like the catalogue and databases, where information for research, assignments, etc. can be sourced. But there are other electronic resources like LibGuides which can be accessed remotely 24/7. LibGuides are mini libraries, for each discipline, where relevant and core resources on particular disciplines and library services can be accessed. They are found at https://libguides.ukzn.ac.za/ and https://libguides.ukzn.ac.za/?b=g&d=a online.

One of the LibGuides which is very useful for information searches is UKZN online library training 2021, https://libguides.ukzn.ac.za/c.php?g=1043478. This LibGuide has PowerPoint presentations which show you, step-by-step, how to conduct your searches for information via the online resources. Simply select each of the blue tabs at the top of the page to access the relevant presentations. The presentations are user friendly and, if you have any difficulties, you are welcome to contact a subject librarian for clarity or assistance, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/contact-subject-librarians/. Isn’t that a great idea during this pandemic because you can work independently, remotely. The wonders of technology. If it was not for someone’s curiosity, we would not have the internet or a platform to host our electronic resources on.

Curiosity can be a positive attribute. It motivates learning. And who doesn’t want to learn new things that are of benefit. Explore the library services and electronic resources. The more curious you are, the more you will learn. Your curiosity will be positively rewarded.