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.