If you want to perpetuate your legacy tomorrow, you have to sustain it today

 

By Cordell Phillips

Legacies, ancient as time itself, are passed down through generations—from the noble legacies of humanitarian efforts to the infamous pursuits of global domination. They are shaped in the present by our actions, values, and choices. The truth is simple yet profound: if we hope to carry our legacies into tomorrow, we must sustain them today. We should remember that the legacy we preserve will define how we are remembered and not serve as some distant reward waiting in the “Autumn of the Winter” of our lives.

History is paved with legacies, some admirable and worthy of emulation whilst others are simply a lesson of caution and a reminder to us all, that reputations aren’t built in a moment, but shaped over an entire lifetime. 

The Power of a Positive Legacy

Nelson Mandela 

One cannot dispute the lasting legacy than that of Nelson Mandela, who left behind a legacy of peace, reconciliation, and unbreakable spirit. Despite enduring 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela emerged not with bitterness but with a resolve to unite a fractured South Africa. His presidency from 1994 to 1999 marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic society based on equality (Sampson, 2011).

“We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.” Nelson Mandela

Gift of the Givers

The Gift of the Givers Foundation is one of South Africa’s biggest forces for good. Started in 1992 by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the organisation is known for quickly showing up when disaster strikes, whether it’s floods, fires or the COVID-19 pandemic (Gift of the Givers Foundation, no date; Direct Relief, 2021). What makes it special is that it’s proudly South African but helps people all over the world, from Syria to Malawi (Gift of the Givers Foundation, 2025). Researchers say its independence from politics helps it act faster than many government agencies (Atlantic Philanthropies, 2008). Its legacy is clear: “South Africans don’t just wait for help — they lead it.” 

“Our mission is to provide relief for those who need it most. We work with different organizations to ensure that vulnerable people and communities get relief.” Gift of the Givers

Clearly a legacy built on integrity and purpose not only lives on but is an inspiration to all of us. Mandela’s commitment to justice and Gift of the Givers ongoing pledge to community solidarity. Meaning that their legacies were not and are not by chance but intentional.

THIS SPACE IS RESERVED FOR OUR LEGACY!

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The Burden of a Negative Legacy

The Apartheid Era Legacy

A legacy which serves as a lesson of caution is that of the dark legacy of apartheid-era leadership. Figures who upheld and enforced systems of racial oppression may have held power in their time, but their legacies remain associated with injustice, division, and pain. Their decisions left wounds that continue to shape social and economic realities today (Thompson, 2001).

The main lesson is that harmful actions, like violence or unfair leadership, can leave long-lasting damage for future generations. Trust, fairness, and unity are important to prevent these lasting problems (Thompson, 2001).

“The history of apartheid-era South Africa is incredibly sad and at times infuriatingly incomprehensible.” H. Rollins

  

THIS SPACE COULD BE RESERVED FOR OUR LEGACY!

Legacies are a Living Work

Whether one aspires to be remembered as a visionary leader, philanthropist, academic, clergy, caregiver, white- or blue-collar worker, legacy-building happens in the present. It is reflected in how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, how we keep our word, and how we uplift those around us.

Former President Thabo Mbeki captured this generational responsibility in his famous “I Am an African” speech, reminding South Africans that nation-building is a duty handed from one generation to the next: “We must act together to build a society that our children will be proud to inherit” (Mbeki, 1996). His words emphasise that a legacy must not just be received, but be strengthened and advanced for our generations that follow.

What Will You Be Remembered For?

A legacy is not only for famous people like presidents or celebrities. Every person creates a legacy through their actions, behaviour, and values (Jackson, 2019). We build it by being kind, helping others, leading responsibly, acting ethically, and doing things that make a difference even after we are gone (Moyo, 2021).

If you want to be remembered in a positive way, you need to live with purpose and intention today. Protect your integrity and serve others with pride (Khoza, 2019).

If we are to be judged by history then the choice becomes more apparent. The kind of legacy we leave behind is our choice, then again, it always was.

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References

Atlantic Philanthropies, 2008. A case study of Gift of the Givers Foundation. Available at: https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/12_Gift_of_the_givers_c.pdf (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

Direct Relief, 2021. South African Nonprofit Helps With Pandemic Across Societal Needs. Available at: https://www.directrelief.org/2021/03/south-african-nonprofit-helps-with-pandemic-across-societal-needs/ (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

Gift of the Givers Foundation, 2025. Serving Humanity — Gift of the Givers Foundation. Available at: https://giftofthegivers.org/ (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

Gift of the Givers Foundation, no date. About Us / Our Inspiration. Available at: https://giftofthegivers.org/about-us-3/ (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

Gift of the Givers Foundation, no date. Our mission is to provide relief for those who need it most. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/GiftoftheGivers/posts/our-mission-is-to-provide-relief-for-those-who-need-it-most-we-work-with-differe/2233862863427830/ (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

Jackson, T. (2019) Everyday Ethics and Personal Legacy. Cape Town: Juta.

Khoza, R. (2019) Attuned Leadership: African Humanism as Compass. Johannesburg: Pan Macmillan.

Mandela, N., 1994. Speech on the occasion of the inauguration of the first democratic government. Pretoria: Government of South Africa.

Mbeki, T. (1996) I Am an African. Speech delivered at the adoption of the Republic of South Africa Constitution Bill, Cape Town, 8 May.

Moyo, T. (2021) ‘Community, character and legacy: Building impact beyond the self’, Journal of African Leadership Studies, 7(2), pp. 45–53.

Rollins, H., no date. The history of apartheid-era South Africa is incredibly sad and at times infuriatingly incomprehensible. Available at: https://quotefancy.com/quote/965756/Henry-Rollins-The-history-of-apartheid-era-South-Africa-is-incredibly-sad-and-at-times (Accessed: 20 October 2025).

Sampson, A. (2011) Mandela: The Authorized Biography. London: Harper Perennial.

Thompson, L. (2001) A History of South Africa. New Haven: Yale University Press.

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From Storage to showcase: How FigShare (Yabelana) enhance research visibility

                                                                       By Nonjabulo Ngcobo

      https://yabelana.ukzn.ac.za

In today’s data-driven world, research output includes more than just journal articles and theses. It encompasses datasets, videos, posters, and even codes, yet many of these valuable assets remain hidden on hard drives or departmental servers, unseen and unused.

 What is FigShare (Yabelana) and why does it matter?

Yabelana is an online repository platform designed to help researchers and institutions share research outputs in a discoverable, citable, and open way. Yabelana supports any research output format from raw datasets and figures to software and multimedia. Each item uploaded receives a digital object identifier (DOI), making it easy to cite and track. This simple yet powerful feature transforms FigShare from a mere storage system into a platform for research visibility impact (Thelwall;2016).

Visibility in the age of Open Research

Visibility is one of the biggest challenges in academia. A study or dataset has little value if it remains unseen.  FigShare tackles this by ensuring that every uploaded item is

• Shareable: researchers can easily distribute their work through direct links or social media integration.
• Citable: DOIs make each research output a legitimate reference in future publications.

By hosting research on FigShare (Yabelana), the UKZN library extends its reach beyond institutional boundaries, connecting its work to a global research audience.

From Metrics to meaning: Tracking impact

One of Figshare’s standout features is its analytics dashboard. Researchers and administrators can track:

• Views, downloads, and citations of each research item.
• Geographic reach of their content.
• Engagement trends over time.

These metrics provide valuable insights into how research is being used, shared, and discussed, giving concrete evidence of research influence and visibility. These analytics also support research evaluation, funding applications, and annual performance reports.

The IR Librarian's role: Curators of visibility.

Librarians are the quiet champions behind the successful FigShare/Yabelana repository. They:

• Train researchers on how to deposit data and assign metadata properly.
• Ensure compliance with open-access policies, copyright rules, data management plan.
• Curate and categorize collections for discoverability.

By guiding researchers through the Yabelana process, Librarians turn institutional outputs into globally accessible knowledge. This elevates the library’s role from a traditional support unit to a strategic partner in research dissemination.

Turning Research storage into research impact.

Yabelana proves that visibility isn’t just about uploading research; it is about presenting it in ways that invite discovery, engagement, and reuse. When used strategically, it transforms a university research repository into a showcase of academic excellence. For researchers, Yabelana means greater recognition and more citations. For the institution, it means a stronger global presence. And for the library, it offers a modern stage to promote open access and data stewardship.

Conclusion

The days of research outputs gathering digital dust are over. With FigShare, UKZN can shine a global spotlight on its research, making it visible, citable, and impactful. As academic institutions embrace open science, FigShare stands out as a bridge connecting libraries, researchers, and the world in a shared commitment to accessible, discoverable knowledge.

 References

Thelwall, M. and Kousha, K., 2016. Figshare: a universal repository for academic resource sharing?. Online Information Review, 40(3), pp.333-346.

Will AI replace Me? Reflections of a Subject Librarian in the age of Artificial Intelligence

 

By Ashika Pramlal

A Question Worth Asking

When ChatGPT first appeared, like many librarians, I wondered: Will AI replace me? The question is both personal and professional. As a subject librarian at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), my role has always centred on connecting people with information, guiding research, and fostering critical thinking. However, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly capable of retrieving, summarising, and analysing scholarly content, it is natural to reflect on how this technology might redefine our profession (Cox et al., 2019).

The Evolving Landscape of Academic Librarianship

Librarianship has constantly evolved alongside technology. Each innovation has transformed how we manage and deliver information, from card catalogues to online databases to AI-driven discovery tools.

The essence of librarianship — human judgment, empathy, and contextual understanding — remains irreplaceable. AI can assist in finding data, but it cannot mentor a student struggling to frame a research question or interpret a complex dataset within a disciplinary context.

Artificial intelligence has quietly become a powerful ally in the library space. Some of the ways it is already reshaping my daily work include:

• Information Discovery: AI-powered search tools refine results by understanding natural language queries, improving the precision of research assistance.
• Research Support: Tools like Elicit, Scite, and Semantic Scholar use machine learning to summarise literature and identify trends, supporting librarians and researchers in staying current.
• Academic Integrity: AI detection tools now assist in identifying AI-generated writing, ensuring the authenticity of student work.
• Knowledge Management: AI chatbots and recommender systems offer 24/7 user assistance, extending library services beyond office hours (Abubakar, 2021).

While these tools enhance efficiency, they require librarians to develop new competencies — from AI literacy to data curation and algorithmic transparency. 

Redefining the Librarian’s Role in the Age of AI

Rather than replacing librarians, AI is prompting a redefinition of our professional identity. The emerging librarian is no longer just a custodian of information but a digital curator, data steward, and educator in information ethics (Jaguszewski & Williams, 2013).

Here is how I see the role evolving:

• From Gatekeeper to Guide: Librarians will focus more on teaching critical evaluation of AI-generated information.
• From Reference Desk to Research Partner: Subject librarians will increasingly collaborate with academics on data management, digital scholarship, and open science initiatives.
• From Collection Management to Data Stewardship: Managing research data, metadata standards, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles will become central to our work (Abubakar, 2021).

In short, the future librarian will blend traditional expertise with digital fluency — becoming the bridge between human inquiry and machine intelligence.

Ethical and Pedagogical Implications

AI raises essential questions about bias, privacy, and intellectual property — where librarians’ ethical frameworks are crucial. We must help students and researchers navigate issues such as algorithmic transparency and responsible use of AI-generated content.

At UKZN, initiatives like information literacy training can be expanded to include AI literacy: teaching users how to critically engage with AI tools, recognise limitations, and maintain academic integrity in an AI-enhanced environment (Cox et al., 2019).

A Human Future in a Machine World

So, will AI replace me? Probably not. However, it will redefine me. My role as a subject librarian will continue to evolve, demanding adaptability, continuous learning, and reaffirming the values that have always defined librarianship — service, access, and intellectual freedom.

As we move forward, our challenge is not competing with AI, but collaborating with it — ensuring that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the human experience of learning and discovery (Jaguszewski & Williams, 2013).

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 References

1.      Cox, A. M., et al. (2019). "The intelligent library: Thought leaders’ views on the likely impact of artificial intelligence on academic libraries." Library Hi Tech 37(3): 418–435.

 

2.      Jaguszewski, J. and K. Williams (2013). "New roles for new times: Transforming liaison roles in research libraries. Association of Research Libraries.

              

3.      Abubakar, A. (2021). Artificial intelligence and libraries: Opportunities and challenges. Information and Knowledge Management.

               

From Roots to Blossoms: Honouring Heritage in the Season of Spring

 

By Minenhle Jali & Pravina Laljeeth

September is a month of celebrating cultural diversity in South Africa. The air is filled with the scent of blossoming flowers, the promise of warmer days, and the familiar sound of laughter and togetherness as families prepare to mark Heritage Day. It is a time when nature and culture meet—spring reminds us of renewal and growth, while Heritage Day calls us back to our roots and the rich traditions that make us who we are.

Much like spring, our heritage is alive and dynamic. It is passed down through stories, language, music, food, and community. Like every flower adds colour to the season, every culture enriches South Africa’s identity. Together, they create the beautiful garden that is our shared heritage.

Libraries as Gardens of Knowledge

In many respects, the library is like a spring garden, aligning with the founding principle of Ranganathan’s fifth law, which affirms that the library is a verdant growing organism. Libraries preserve the seeds of the past—our histories, archives, cultural treasures and scientific breakthroughs—while nurturing new growth through research, technology, reading, and discovery (Kwanya et al., 2010).  Whenever we open a book, listen to an oral history, or explore a digital archive, we allow something new to bloom in our understanding of who we are.

Heritage Day invites us to reflect on our national and collective roots. Libraries play a vital role in keeping those roots alive, offering access to literature, historical documents, and knowledge that might otherwise be forgotten. At the same time, they are places of renewal, where new ideas are planted and future stories begin to grow.

Springing into Stories

Storytelling has always been at the heart of both heritage and renewal. In many cultures, oral traditions carry ancestors' wisdom, while written stories capture experiences for generations to come (Cajete et al., 2010). This September, as nature blossoms around us, we are reminded that stories—whether told around a fire, sung in a song, or found in a book—are the blossoms of our heritage.

A Season of Celebration

Spring is also a season of hope, and Heritage Day is a celebration of unity in diversity. They remind us that while our roots ground us, our growth carries us forward. By visiting the library this September, you can connect with both—exploring collections that preserve heritage while discovering fresh perspectives that inspire renewal.

As we step into this season, may we honour our roots while embracing new blossoms of teaching, learning, understanding, and connection.

The library invites you to celebrate Heritage Month by exploring our heritage collections, discovering new stories, and adding your own voice to the garden of knowledge that continues to impact our communities.

References

Cajete, G., Eder, D., & Holyan, R. (2010). Life lessons through storytelling : children's exploration of ethics. Indiana University Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10415914

Kwanya, T., Stilwell, C., & Underwood, P. G. (2010). Library 2.0 principles and Ranganathan's fifth law. Mousaion, 28(2), 1-16. 

Congratulations, Simon. You did it again

 

By Jabulile Sibisi Mshengu

On June 8 at 5.45 am, Simon (Mhlukanisi) Shezi, a subject librarian from the Life Sciences library in Pietermaritzburg, ran his third Comrades Marathon as part of the UKZN team. The 2025 Comrades Marathon was divided into two groups. Simon was placed in Group 1. Group 1, with batches A to J, started at 5:45 am, and Group 2, with K to S, started 15 minutes later at 6:00 am. His number is G48801. Well, done Simon.

In his first race in 2023, Simon said, “I enjoyed it. I will do it again” Yes, he did it again. We are proud of you, Simon.

                  Start and finishing time                                                        His third Medal

                                                                   

                

                      

                 

Ranganathan’s laws in a nutshell

By Shorba Harkhu

Librarians ought to be familiar with the name Ranganathan. For those not, let me break it down for you. Dr Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan (1892-1972) was an Indian librarian and mathematician. His most notable contribution to the field of librarianship were his five laws of library science which encapsulates a library's function and purpose. The five laws are:

1. Books are for use

2. Every reader, his/her book

3. Every book, its reader

4. Save the time of the reader

5. The library is a growing organism

While these laws appear rudimentary, they capture the essential meaning and convey a deep understanding of libraries (Leiter, 2003). Though these laws originally focused on physical libraries, they are still relevant in this digital age. 

Brief explanation of the five laws

Books are for use

This law encapsulates the essence of libraries.  This law pertains to the organization of the library’s collection and the promotion of its resources (Leiter, 2003). Think about the physical arrangement of books according to a library classification system or the arrangement of online resources that will be easily accessible by users.

Every reader, his/her book

The second law speaks mainly to the areas of acquisitions and collection development (Rimland, 2007). This law has financial implications for the library. The fundamental issue it reveals is weighing the cost of materials against the basic right of all persons to have access to the materials they need. To counteract this, Leiter (2003) maintains that a library needs to formulate policies to ensure that its collection is adequate to fulfill the expectations of its users.

Every book, its reader

This law addresses the issue of access. Especially in this digital age, this law highlights the importance of providing access to a wide range of online resources. UKZN libraries subscribe to and provide access to online databases, e-journals and e-books to meet the needs of researchers and students, as well as provide services such as interlibrary loans and open access initiatives.

 

Save the time of the reader

This rule emphasizes the efficiency in information access and delivery. Technology has assisted librarians in this role. The use of online catalogues and online databases means that the user has access to information at the click of a button. At UKZN the intercampus loans option means that users do not have to travel to other campuses to obtain a certain book.

The library is a growing organism

This law encapsulates the need for libraries to adjust to the constantly changing requirements of its users. This means that library practices and procedures need to adapt to new technologies and user expectations.

 In conclusion, while Ranganathan’s laws were formulated in the early twentieth century, his basic principles are timeless as they provide an important framework for understanding the role of libraries in society. Furthermore, his laws provide us with a renewed appreciation and perspective on our work as librarians (Leiter, 2003).

References

Leiter, R. A. 2003. Reflections on Ranganathan’s five laws of library science. Law Library Journal, 95, 411–418.

Rimland, E. 2007. Ranganathan's relevant rules. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 46, 24-27.

The evolving role of Librarians in information literacy and AI

 

By Nontobeko Sikhosana

In an era where information is abundant and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we access and interpret knowledge; the role of librarians has never been more crucial—or more dynamic. Traditionally seen as gatekeepers of books and academic resources, librarians today are key players in helping communities navigate the ever-changing information landscape. They are no longer just custodians of knowledge but are emerging as digital guides, educators, and ethical stewards in the age of AI.

• From Information Seekers to Critical Thinkers

One of the most essential responsibilities of librarians is promoting information literacy. In a world flooded with misinformation, disinformation, and deepfakes, knowing how to find reliable information and evaluate its credibility is a critical life skill.

Librarians teach users how to:

Identify trustworthy sources

Evaluate bias and intent

Understand academic integrity

Use databases and search tools effectively

These skills empower students, researchers, and the general public to become critical thinkers in a digital-first world.

·       Embracing AI as a Tool and a Teaching Moment

As AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and others become increasingly integrated into daily research and learning, librarians are stepping up to guide their ethical and effective use.

Librarians are:

Introducing users to AI-powered research tools

Offering training on how to craft effective prompts

Teaching the basics of AI, including its limitations and ethical concerns

Helping institutions develop responsible AI use policies

By demystifying AI, librarians bridge the gap between technology and responsible information use.

·       Ethical Leadership and Digital Equity

AI raises important questions about privacy, bias, access, and data ownership. Librarians play a pivotal role in these conversations, advocating for:

Ethical information practices

Inclusive access to digital tools and AI technologies

Data literacy and protection

Institutional awareness of algorithmic bias

They also help ensure that underrepresented communities are not left behind in the AI revolution.

·       Librarians as Lifelong Learners and Educators

To stay ahead, librarians continuously upskill, experimenting with new technologies and adapting their services. Many now lead workshops, collaborate in digital humanities projects, and advise on research strategies that include AI integration.

They are indispensable partners in academia, supporting faculty, students, and researchers in navigating this evolving landscape.

Librarians are at the forefront of two critical missions: upholding information literacy and guiding responsible AI use. Their work ensures that individuals and institutions don’t just consume information and technology—but understand, question, and use it wisely.

In this fast-paced digital world, librarians are not being replaced by AI—they’re empowering us to use it better.

References

Akakpo, M.G., 2024. Skilled for the future: information literacy for AI use by university students in Africa and the role of librarians. Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 28(1), pp.19-26.

Hossain, Z., 2025. School librarians developing AI literacy for an AI-driven future: leveraging the AI Citizenship Framework with scope and sequence. Library Hi Tech News, 42(2), pp.17-21.

Cox, A.M. and Pinfield, S., 2020. Research data management and libraries: Current activities and future priorities. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 71(11), pp.1341–1357. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.24340

Hervieux, S. and Wheatley, A., 2024. Building an AI Literacy Framework: Perspectives from Instruction Librarians and Current Information Literacy Tools.