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.
