By Praversh Sukram
My first day of work at the University was on Monday 5 January 1981 on the Pietermaritzburg Campus.
I commenced working in the Collection Maintenance section of the Library. Some of my tasks included:
- Re-shelving of Library materials
- Shelf-reading
- Preparing and recording of Inter-Library Loan items that needed to be posted to Libraries in South Africa and abroad
- Repairing and binding of books
- Attaching of spine labels and University branding on books and journals
- Shelf construction
- Assisting in certain sections of the Library when staff were away on leave.
The first
major change took place in 1982 with the introduction of a computer system for
the library called URICA integrated Library system. This led to the automation
of all library functions. Not many Librarians would have envisaged the Library
without the Card Catalogue.
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The Card Catalogue
In July 1990
the Pietermaritzburg Main Library was renovated to include an additional floor
and passenger lifts. The stair case on the ground floor was demolished to
accommodate additional slabbing for the first floor. This resulted in scaffolding
been erected on the ground floor to support the slabbing on the first floor.
The journals,
which were housed on the ground floor had to be stored in boxes. There were
occasions when journals had to be retrieved from the boxes for users. The
journals were relocated to the first floor.
The Library
remained open during the renovations. The renovations were completed in 1991.
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Pietermaritzburg Library before the renovations
The merging of
University of Durban-Westville and University of Natal in
2004 brought about a number of opportunities for the Library.
One of these
opportunities was for colleagues from the Libraries of University of Natal, Durban
and Pietermaritzburg campuses having a closer working relationship. Prior to
the merger many staff from these Libraries did not know each other. Interaction
between staff was limited as these Libraries worked independently of each
other.
The Libraries
of University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal navigated through
the merger to form a Library that has become integral in supporting teaching
and learning at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). A number of efficiencies
were created.
The
Circulation desk at the Main Library on the Pietermaritzburg campus was
centralised to include Course Reserves which was located on the lower ground
floor. This allowed for a more streamlined service with productive use of staff
and space. The centralisation of the Circulation desk at the Main Library was
modelled on the Circulation desks at branch libraries.
This model was
adopted at other campus libraries.
In 2016 the
Main Libraries and some Branch Libraries began opening 24/7. The Libraries are
staffed by Student Assistants after hours. The centralised Circulation desks
made 24/7 opening more cost effective.
Research
Commons, to cater for the research needs of Masters and PhD students, were
built in all Main Libraries.
More recently
Accessibility LANs were built at Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg and Westville
Campus Libraries. Planning for Accessibility LANs at EG Malherbe Library and
the Medical School Library are at an advanced stage.
Discussions
have commenced about creating Social Learning Spaces in the Libraries.
The UKZN
Library Services Strategy Plan (2023-2032) positions the Library to continue
providing support for teaching and learning for the University to achieve its
goals in an ever-changing environment.
Acknowledgements:
1. University Archives and Library colleagues for
confirming dates when events had taken place.
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