Success stories @UKZN Library Services

By Simon Shezi & Dr Nonhlanhla Ngcobo

It is a great pleasure to share exciting developments and highlights of activities and initiatives that are aimed at enhancing user experiences of the broader University community and the community at large.

1. Introduction of Thola, the Library robot and Artificial Intelligence - A recent development is the launch of the robotic librarian, Thola at the Medical Library, an AI-powered assistant. - To ensure inclusive services, Thola offers voice-activated and touchscreen assistance tailored for all students, including students with disabilities. - The Library hosted the 5th IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in June 2025 which explored the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in leveraging AI technologies within libraries and information services. This conference was attended by nearly 100 people from 13 countries. An eight-point pledge, known as the Pietermaritzburg Declaration on responsible and ethical use of AI was developed. - Consequently, librarians have incorporated AI literacy into their information training, with emphasis on responsible and ethical use of AI. 

2. Addressing the Digital Gap for Students During and post the COVID-19 pandemic, UKZN Library Services played a crucial role in ensuring fair access to education. Librarians swiftly transitioned services to online platforms, broadened access to e-books, journals, theses, and virtual training, and assisted students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These endeavors enabled numerous students to successfully complete their studies despite limited resources. 

3. ResearchSpace: Safeguarding and Disseminating Knowledge The UKZN Libraries host ResearchSpace, the University's institutional archive. It safeguards theses, dissertations, and research outcomes while making them freely accessible globally. Many postgraduate students and emerging researchers laud ResearchSpace for enhancing the visibility and citation of their work, creating opportunities for collaboration and further research. 

4. Preserving South Africa's History and Culture Through projects like Digital Innovation South Africa (DISA) and the Gandhi Luthuli Documentation Centre, UKZN Libraries have digitized rare anti-apartheid publications and historical archives of the struggle. These collections are now accessible to scholars and students worldwide, ensuring the preservation and remembrance of significant African histories. 

5. UKZN Libraries made history in Africa by being the pioneer institution to implement the full suite of OCLC's WorldShare Management Services, enhancing the availability of scholarly journals, simplifying services, and enabling students to locate various educational materials on one platform, significantly boosting the efficiency of research endeavors. 

6. Enhancing Student Well-Being and Study Areas In March 2026, UKZN Libraries installed coffee makers in all campus libraries, understanding that students, particularly postgraduates, often engage in extended study sessions. This innovation turned libraries into more inviting communal study environments, promoting relaxation, concentration, and emotional welfare. 

7. Unsung Heroes in Graduation Triumphs Beneath numerous success stories of graduation at UKZN lie libraries that provide round-the-clock study areas, research assistance, instruction in information literacy, and access to global resources, aiding students from diverse backgrounds in achieving academic distinction. 

8. Global Expansion of "Yabelana" - The Yabelana research repository has undergone significant enhancements. - UKZN Libraries organized a workshop in April 2026, titled "Elevating Yabelana Repository for Global Visibility," in which the DVC for Research at UKZN gave the opening address. - Emphasizing the impact of their research, the repository aims to showcase UKZN's research, particularly in fields like African Psychology and Climate Research, to the global scientific community.

9. Transformation of Library Spaces - The library environment at UKZN is evolving from a traditional reading space to a dynamic and adaptable study area. - Collaborative spaces have been established with digital learning hubs and computers to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and research database navigation among undergraduate students. - Renovation of the Alan Paton Centre has commenced to enhance accessibility to research materials.

10. Community Engagement: Success of Mandela Day - in addition to serving students, the Library actively participates in community engagement initiatives. - A primary school has benefitted from UKZN Library Services' support, resulting in the establishment and enhancement of a library at The Grange Primary. - Through book collections and furniture donations, this initiative aligns with the Library's mission to leverage education for positive change in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

This is Thola, the Library robot, surrounded by Library Services staff. The picture was taken at the launch of the robot at the Medical Library on 29 May 2026.

I am loving ChatGPT

By Shorba Harkhu

I am absolutely loving ChatGPT - it is my AI of choice. Recently, I wrote a blog on a book review, and ChatGPT helped me craft an excellent review of the book. This book is a print edition, and not an ebook, which made me wonder where ChatGPT obtained all this information from!  I was gobsmacked to say the least. It even asked me if I wanted the review written in a scholarly or magazine style. I was even more impressed. 

I am sure most of you are using some form of an AI tool to solve daily problems and explore new ideas. ChatGPT does this for me and more. Whether I am looking for a medical solution or help with a personal issue, ChatGPT is there to assist. 

It works exceptionally well for checking grammatical errors and rephrasing sentences. All I need to do is politely ask ChatGPT to rephrase a sentence, and it quickly provides several helpful suggestions — without any judgment. I no longer need to ask my husband to proofread my grammar. It even asks insightful follow-up questions that I might never think to ask myself. Unlike a friend, it remembers all my conversations, making each interaction feel more personalised.

ChatGPT can easily win you over if you give it a chance, but it should never replace genuine human connection. While it is a powerful tool, it can sometimes produce inaccurate information, so it is always wise to verify the facts.

References

1.       OpenAI (2026) ChatGPT (March 30 version). Available at: https://chat.openai.com/ (Accessed: 30 March 2026).

2.       Images sourced from Google Images.

South African Library Week (16-22 March 2026)

 

By Shorba Harkhu and Shanitha Bhim

UKZN libraries celebrated South African Library Week (SALW) from March 16–22. The theme for this year was "Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures"

SALW was initiated in 2001 by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA). This initiative highlights libraries as crucial centres for preserving knowledge, bridging digital divides, and empowering communities through access to information and lifelong learning.

During the week of SALW, 16–22 March, Cecil Renaud Library in Pietermaritzburg was buzzing with activity. The programme was organised by Jillian Viljoen, a subject librarian from Cecil Renaud Library. The programme included guest speakers from various departments across campus, as well as from other sectors of the community. Competitions were held during the week to assess participants’ knowledge of the library’s services and online resources.

One of the guest speakers was Dr Siyanda Kheswa from the Department of Information Studies at UKZN, who discussed the importance of libraries and how they can support the writing and publishing of academic articles. Another interesting speaker was Mariam Jassat from the Student Support Services, College of Humanities at UKZN. She encouraged students to visit the student counselling centres if they were experiencing any difficulties, as these centres can help them care for their inner well-being, which is essential for personal growth and self-development.

 Many survivors of gender-based violence endure their experiences in silence because of fear, stigma, and insufficient support. Elton Adkins spoke to students on this issue, highlighting that most victims of gender-based violence are women. Sphamandla Gwamanda from the UKZN Disability Support Unit (DSU) gave a very interesting talk on the support services available to students with disabilities. Among the services offered by the DSU is support for blind and partially sighted students, including assistance with using JAWS screen readers, enlarged text, and scanning materials.

        

                                 Staff members wearing Bridgeton-inspired            Dr Siyanda Kheswa addressing students

                                  masks added a theatrical flair to the week’s

                                   celebrations.

                         

                                          Display from Shuter & Shooter                     Quiz winners with their goodie bags

                               

                                                   Elton Adkins from Unite Against                     Sphamandla Gwamanda from the 

                                        Gender Based Violence                                    Disability Support Unit

      References

• Notes on talks provided by Shanitha Bhim
• Photos supplied by Jillian Viljoen and Shanitha Bhim

Readiness of UKZN Librarians to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution

 

By Desmond Beharilal and Khethiwe Mnyandu

For many years, libraries were quiet spaces, which made them conducive for studying and reading purposes. Over the past few years, there have been many proposals to change the historical perceptions of libraries especially in academic libraries. Such proposals included the design of libraries architecturally, the introduction of technology and the division of spaces in the library for reading and studying and socialising sections. As this is a global phenomenon, we would focus on proposals regarding the UKZN libraries.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to transform higher education by integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, data analytics, and automation into everyday academic and administrative processes. UKZN Libraries as central pillars of knowledge creation and dissemination, are redefining their roles to align with this rapidly evolving digital environment.

The Changing Role of Librarians

The space created for undergraduate students, which was once a collection of hardcover books, journals, and audio-visual materials, is barely the same anymore as most of these items are now produced electronically. This has led to the creation of LAN spaces, where undergraduate students can use computers to access library databases and find items they may require for their studies. This strategy also became very interactive, whereby undergrad students became very interactive by assisting one another on how to access the library databases.

As more resources shift to e-copy formats, librarians will find themselves with empty shelves and a pressing question: How do we use this space meaningfully? The answer has often involved creating flexible study zones, digital learning hubs, and collaborative areas that reflect the needs of modern students.

In the era of 4IR, the role of academic librarians extends beyond traditional information management. Librarians are increasingly becoming digital educators, researchers and technology facilitators. Their readiness to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution depends on continuous learning in developing technologies, digital literacy and ethical information management.

Academic librarians are equipping themselves with new competencies such as AI literacy, data management to remain relevant and responsive to institutional needs. This transformation is not merely technical but strategic, ensuring that libraries remain vital to teaching, learning and research excellence.

Conservatives would not agree that such changes would be beneficial for libraries to provide the intended purposes for study purposes, however, with the global trends in the creation of such in libraries one has no alternative but to adapt to such changes. Conservative, not in the political sense, but students who would prefer studying or focusing on their studies in a quiet environment will now have to adapt to available technologies in the Libraries.

These changes also impacted the library staff who have to perform extra tasks to ensure that the library still maintains part of its original character by ensuring a personalised service to all who require such assistance in the libraries.

Librarians Supporting Teaching and Learning Through AI Literacy

Librarians will play a crucial role in preparing students to engage with AI responsibly. Through structured workshops, training sessions and collaborative teaching initiatives. Librarians are embedding AI literacy and ethical awareness into the learning environment.

These programmes focus on:

• Using AI tools to enhance academic writing, research, and critical thinking while upholding principles of academic integrity.

Towards a Collaborative and Innovative Future

The teamwork between librarians, academics, and technologists (AI Trainers) will continue to shape innovative teaching and research systems.

As demonstrated by Robotic Thola’s presence in the UKZN libraries adds another layer of accessibility for students with disabilities to provide voice-activated or touch-screen support.  The future of librarianship is not about replacing human expertise with machines but about creating a mutual relationship where technology strengthens human intelligence, understanding and ethical reasoning.

UKZN Librarians affirm their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and responsible information management. The Library therefore, remains not only a space for accessing knowledge but also a dynamic hub for digital empowerment and academic growth.

Budget

For many, the purchase of e-copy resources was regarded as a technological advance in the libraries without realising that the cost for such changes would largely impact the library budgets. Publishers were very innovative in their marketing strategies by providing information electronically, but differently priced especially by dividing books and journal articles into single and multi-user access, and further by providing pages and chapters separately. This strategy attracted the attention of librarians, which made the transition to electronic copies much easier as the processing of such items onto the library databases is also much easier.

While the focus is on the readiness of UKZN Librarians to support the 4IR not much attention was given to the library infrastructure. Unfortunately, the funds available for such projects require the input of other sections within the University, which becomes difficult to access due to the bureaucracy within academic institutions.

Please provide your views or comments on the topic.

References

·       Jason Griffey (2019). Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Libraries. ALA TechSource. Practical introduction to AI tools used in libraries.

·       Nicole Hennig (2017). Keeping Up with Emerging Technologies. ALA Editions. Includes AI trends and their impact on libraries. 

Who holds the keys to higher learning?

Who holds the keys to higher learning?

By Jillian Viljoen

 

Coming to university can be quite daunting. You have successfully completed the application and registration phases, and now you need to find your way around the campus to attend lectures, tutorials, and pracs. Then you have assignments and essays to submit, each with its own deadlines. Where do you go to find the relevant information? Who can help you? No need to panic. The library has resources and staff to assist you through your journey. We got you covered. We are here to help.

 

The library provides:

·       access to print and online resources, including books, journals, databases, and e-books,
·       specialized support like research assistance,
·       training on the effective use of the online resources,
·       study areas and printing facilities,
·       Wi-Fi.

   

These services, and so many more, are available daily at no extra cost. All you need to do is contact the library and ask for assistance. You can phone, email, or visit in person. The staff is eager and willing to assist with any query to enrich your academic life.

If you are looking for a service on campus that holds the keys to higher learning, that will provide research support throughout your academic endeavours, look no further than the library. Use this vital service, and the benefits will bear fruit as you progress.

 

Jon Bing, a Norwegian author and law professor at the Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law, and the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo, said, “To ask why we need libraries at all, when there is so much information available elsewhere, is about as sensible as asking if roadmaps are necessary now that there are so very many roads.”

Sidney Sheldon, an American author, said, “Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.”

 

Put the library to the test. See if these quotes are true. Your academic journey is all about you,

 

References:

Anon. (2023). Best quotes about libraries librarians and library and information science. https://www.librarianshipstudies.com/2018/05/quotes-libraries-librarians-library-information-science.html [Accessed 16-02-2026]

Anon. (n.d.). Jon Bing. https://grokipedia.com/page/jon_bing [Accessed 25-02-2026]

Anon. (2026). Sidney Sheldon. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9068.Sidney_Sheldon [Accessed 25-02-2026]

A tale of two desks: my journey through the UKZN Library

 

By Bronwyn Tayler

If you’ve visited the library over the past few years, you’ve probably seen me at the circulation counter. I was the person checking your books in and out, helping you with academic reserves, or processing inter-library loan requests. For a long time, that counter was my window into the world of the UKZN library. I saw the hustle and bustle, the frantic pre-exam energy, and the quiet determination of our students and staff. It’s a vital, busy job—the heartbeat of the library in many ways.

While working there, I completed my degree in Information Science. To be honest, at the time, it felt more like a box I needed to tick, a requirement for my job. I studied the theories of information retrieval and user services, but I never fully grasped the vastness of that world beyond my desk.

Then, a few months ago, an opportunity arose that would completely change my perspective: an acting role as a Personal Librarian.

Talk about a change of scenery! I went from a world of issuing, returning, and supplying to one of consulting, training, and collaborating. My days, which were once structured around processes and transactions, are now filled with unique challenges. One day, I might be helping an honours student navigate a complex database, and the next, I’m preparing a training workshop for a first-year class.

I'll never forget my first week. I was quite overwhelmed, learning how to order books for the faculty and interacting with lecturers. However, the greatest challenge for me was training students online. The first time I had to conduct a session, I couldn’t sleep the night before, and I was so nervous. The training went smoothly for the most part, but I did make one mistake. It was a powerful lesson: it's okay not to be perfect, and learning from our mistakes is part of growing. I couldn't have navigated any of it without the incredible support of my line manager, Goitsemang, and the entire team of Pietermaritzburg Personal Librarians. I am so proud to be part of that team.

It was through facing these new challenges that everything started to click. I realised that all those theories from my degree weren't just abstract concepts; they were practical tools I could use to directly empower students.

The most rewarding part has been seeing the direct impact of this work. Recently, I assisted a master's student who was struggling to find information. I taught him how to use our library catalogue and databases effectively. The look of relief and excitement on his face was the greatest reward, and knowing I helped him start his research journey was incredibly inspiring.

That sense of partnership extends to the faculty as well, which has been another unforgettable experience. Collaborating with academics to support their research is a two-way street of learning. Getting to dive into their scholarly work and help enhance their academic portfolios is incredibly fulfilling. We not only contribute to their career growth but also help ensure their valuable work is made visible and preserved for the long term.

Moments like these are what it's all about. It’s a shift from helping someone find a book to helping them navigate a whole universe of information.

Taking on this acting role has been one of the best decisions of my career. It has opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of work that happens within our library walls. I now see the library not just as a building full of books, but as a dynamic, living part of the academic journey.

If you ever see an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take it. You never know what doors it might open.

And if you see me around, don't hesitate to say hello! Whether you need help finding a book or designing a research strategy, I’m here to help.

 Mrs Bronwyn Tayler

Acting Personal Librarian

(Compiled by Mrs Bronwyn Tayler & Ms Varsha Sookraj)