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.