Celebrating Umvuzo Secondary School’s library

 

By Shorba Harkhu

The UKZN Pietermaritzburg Library staff had the privilege of celebrating the official opening of the newly transformed library at Umvuzo Secondary School on the 17 July 2026—just one day before Mandela Day, the date originally planned for the official opening. It was the culmination of a collaborative journey that began in 2025, when one of our colleagues was approached by a teacher from Umvuzo Secondary School, after having witnessed the fruitful partnership between the UKZN PMB Library and Grange Primary School, which led to the successful establishment and launch of the Grange Primary School library (see https://libwebteam.blogspot.com/2024/)

A site visit to the school earlier in the year revealed a library that lacked the essential resources needed to function effectively. While the infrastructure was in place, the shelves were filled with school textbooks and examination papers rather than a diverse collection of library materials. This served as the catalyst for a fruitful collaboration between the UKZN PMB subject librarians, led by Ms Jillian Viljoen, and a teacher from Umvuzo Secondary School, Ms Ayanda Dube. During the course of the year a substantial collection of books, educational magazines, DVDs, and a variety of study guides for matriculants was generously donated by the UKZN community and other stakeholders. PMB campus library also donated tables and a credenza.

We were very impressed with the remarkable transformation of Umvuzo Secondary School’s library. Books were neatly labelled and organized on the shelves. There was an “issue desk” where books were going to be issued manually. The added touches were the quaint African art works placed above the shelves, and bricks covered with colourful paper that served as bookends.

The beautifully transformed library

In her address at the opening, Dr Nonhlanhla Ngcobo, our Library Director, encouraged the scholars present to protect, respect, and, most importantly, make full use of the library as a valuable resource for their learning and development. In his speech, the principal of the school, Mr Sandile Madlala, highlighted the school’s pressing need for computer equipment and Wi-Fi connectivity. He also commended Ms Dube for her dedication and tireless efforts in driving the transformation of the library.

Dr Ngcobo and Mr Madlala

The Witness was present, as was the circuit manager Mrs Dlamini

UKZN PMB library staff

The official opening of the library was marked by a symbolic first book-borrowing ceremony, where a scholar selected a book from the library collection and Ms Dube officially issued it.

Ms Dube at the helm, and the cutting of the celebratory cake

 We look forward to another fruitful collaboration next year.

References

·       Photos supplied by Jillian Viljoen

·       If you have a Facebook page, you can view a video of this event at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C4KSXPGNF/

 

Preserving the past for future generations: UKZN Library's digitisation Journey

 

By Dr Roshini Pather

Have you ever wondered what happens to a thesis after it is submitted? Today, every UKZN thesis is submitted electronically and added to the University's growing digital research collection on ResearchSpace – the Institutional Repository.   However, this was not always the case. Before electronic submission was introduced in 2009, postgraduate research was submitted in print and stored on library shelves, meaning that valuable research could only be accessed by those who were able to visit the Library in person.

Over the years, UKZN Library Services has worked to change that. Through ongoing digitisation initiatives, thousands of theses have been converted from print to digital format and made available online through ResearchSpace. What was once accessible only within the walls of the Library can now be discovered and used by researchers across the world, ensuring that UKZN's research legacy remains visible, accessible and preserved for future generations.

Preserving older collections has become increasingly important. Printed materials can deteriorate over time due to age, frequent handling, environmental conditions and even unexpected events such as floods or fires. By creating digital copies, we can ensure that valuable knowledge is not lost and remains available for current and future generations.  Through digitisation, valuable resources can be preserved without compromising their long-term integrity.

Digitisation also opens up new opportunities for learning and research. Instead of travelling to a specific library location, users can access resources online anytime from wherever they are. This makes research more convenient and helps increase the visibility and impact of scholarly work produced at UKZN.

   Call to Action: Help Preserve UKZN's Research Legacy

One of the Library's key digitisation initiatives is the Retrospective Thesis Digitisation Project. The project focuses on converting older print theses into digital formats so that they can be preserved and made accessible through ResearchSpace.

As one of South Africa's early adopters of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs), UKZN has been preserving and sharing its research outputs digitally since the launch of ResearchSpace in 2009. Over the years, the University has undertaken several large-scale digitisation initiatives to bring its valuable print thesis collection online. Major digitisation projects in 2012 and 2019 significantly expanded the repository, and by 2020, the remaining 13,077 theses dating back to 2000 were uploaded to ResearchSpace, making a substantial body of UKZN's postgraduate research more accessible to scholars around the world.

 When the country went into lockdown in 2020, UKZN Library Services turned a challenging period into an opportunity to further strengthen the University's digital collections. It was a remarkable team effort involving Library staff across all campuses, who worked together to digitise thousands of print theses representing decades of postgraduate scholarship. In just two months, more than 2,000 theses were digitised and added to ResearchSpace, ensuring continued access to critical research during a time when physical collections were inaccessible.

While the vast majority of the collection was successfully digitised, some theses could not be processed at the time due to missing copies, quality issues or other constraints. With the current Retrospective Thesis Digitisation Project, the Library continues to identify and digitise these outstanding titles, ensuring that as much of UKZN's research history as possible is preserved, discoverable and accessible for future generations and the project is helping to create lasting opportunities for learning, research and innovation. 

How You Can Help

The success of the Retrospective Thesis Digitisation Project relies on the support and collaboration of the entire UKZN community. From researchers and alumni to current students and academics, everyone can play a part in helping to preserve the University's rich research heritage.

If you are the author of a UKZN thesis and cannot find your work on ResearchSpace, we encourage you to get in touch with the Library and submit a copy for inclusion in this project. Similarly, if you are searching for a thesis that is not currently available online, please let us know. This helps us identify missing titles and prioritise them for digitisation.

By contributing to this initiative, you are helping to safeguard UKZN's scholarly legacy, improve access to valuable research, and increase the visibility of knowledge produced at the University. Together, we can safeguard UKZN's rich research heritage and continue building a digital collection that informs, inspires and supports future scholarship. As we preserve the past, we are also creating new opportunities for discovery, innovation and academic excellence.

Your thesis is more than just a requirement for a qualification—it is part of UKZN's knowledge legacy. Help us keep that knowledge alive, discoverable and available to researchers for years to come.

To contact the Library about a missing thesis or to submit a copy for digitisation, please email researchspace@ukzn.ac.za or contact your nearest UKZN Library. Our team will be happy to assist and provide guidance on the submission process.

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]