CONNECT Newsletter
Mr Kepi Madumo Delivered a Public Lecture at DUT to Celebrate SA Library Week
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library commemorated South African Library Week (SALW) with a hybrid public lecture on March 20, 2024, at the Alan Pittendrigh Library, Steve Biko Campus. The event, which was part of a series of SALW celebrations, featured Mr Kepi Madumo, National Librarian and CEO of the National Library of South Africa, as the guest speaker. The programme was facilitated by Mr Romeo Matumba, DUT's marketing and communication librarian.
Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu, DUT’s interim DVC: Teaching and Learning, welcomed attendees, and in this address, he emphasized the 2024 SA Library Week theme, "Libraries Foster Social Cohesion", where he highlighted the role of libraries in uniting diverse communities. Dr Malefetjane Benny Phaladi, Director of Library Services at DUT, introduced Mr Madumo, who spoke about the history and transformation of libraries in South Africa, noting their past exclusivity to white minorities and current efforts to promote inclusivity and social cohesion.
Mr Madumo encouraged the audience to utilize library resources to advance their communities and stressed the ongoing challenges and efforts in making libraries accessible to everyone. The event included poetry sessions from book club members which formed part of the broader celebration, featuring various activities, such as a Mini Book Fair, health checks, book club sessions, and more. Professor Oludayo Olugbara, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at DUT, gave the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the university executives, library management, programme director, and participants.
By Romeo Matumba
T
SA Library Week Activities
o commemorate South African Library Week, the DUT Libraries organised a series of activities, including a mini book fair, library amnesty for overdue items, and a public lecture. The South African Library Week Public Lecture, themed "Libraries: Foster Social Cohesion," which featured as a hybrid event, took place at the Alan Pittendrigh Library on the Steve Biko campus in Durban on Wednesday, March 20,2024,from 12:00 to 13:00.The lecture was delivered by Mr Kepi Madumo, CEO of the National Library of South Africa.Among the attendees, were students,staff and distinguished guests, including DUT's Deputy ViceChancellor for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu; Mr Sbongiseni Msomi from Unisa Library (Durban Campus); DUT’s Library Services Director, Dr. Malefetjane Phaladi; and Prof. Oludayo Olugbara, Executive Dean of the Faculty ofAccounting and Informatics at DUT.
The mini book fair was held at the BM Patel Library’s new venue on the fourth floor. This event provided an opportunity for DUT staff and students to showcase their recently published books. Notable authors in attendance included Prof. Gift Mheta, co-editor of "Language, Society &
By Romeo Matumba
Communication: An Introduction"; Dumo Xaba, author of "The Dubious Alliance," "The Legacy," "Poetic Type of Love," and "Uthando Lwam"; Dr. Theodore Adjin Tettey; and Bheki Mthembu, author of "I Will Not Dance"; and Mduduzi Ngubane, author of "Spiritual Wisdom”. During the course of Library Week, the library's marketing committee scheduled additional activities, including cholesterol and blood
Pictured:
During this week, the library's marketing committee organised additional activities, including free head and shoulder massages, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, provided by students from the chiropractic unit
Pictured Below: Some of the library staff wearing their new LIASA T-shirts during the week
Standing from left: David Thomas, Rajen Eswarlal, Sagren Moodley, Dr Mousin Omarsaib, Romeo Matumba, Seated from left: Nontutuzelo Sogoni, Dr Malefetjane Phaladi and Nwabisa Rasana
The library hosted the first DUT Mini Book Fair on 18 March at the BM Patel Library from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event was held to celebrate DUT authors with published books and to honour their journeys. Authors were allowed to showcase and discuss their published works.
Notable authors present included Prof. Gift Mheta from the Writing Centre Unit, Dr. Theodore Adjin-Tettey and Bheki Mthembu from the Faculty of Arts and Design, Dumo Xaba from Photography, and Mr. Kiru Naido from the Durban International Book Fair. The purpose was to provide a platform for readers and notable DUT authors to showcase their new books.
DUT’s First Mini Book Fair Smart Libraries, Smart People!
By Romeo Matumba
Dr Malefetjane Phaladi, Director of Library Services, welcomed the guests and explained the day's purpose. He emphasised that promoting reading, writing, and research is a key goal of the library, to sustain the reading ecosystem.
Dr Phaladi highlighted the importance of publishing books to support the community's reading culture and quoted Jim Rohn: "Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary," to inspire the audience. He further emphasised the critical importance of maintaining a culture of reading and writing, noting that knowledge now plays a pivotal role in economic development, human capital growth, and sustainability.
In addition, attendees, especially book club members, were invited to suggest books they wanted the library to purchase to promote a culture of reading and writing.
Smart Libraries, Smart People!
DUT Library's Book Club Imbizo Sparks Literary Dialogue and Social Cohesion
As part of its objective to promote a culture of reading, writing and research, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library’s book club hosted an Imbizo on 27 March 2024, at the BM Patel Library. The programme was facilitated by Ms Ntombenhle Tamara Sima, a third-year Library and Information Science (LIS) student in the Department of Information Systems. The event was organised by book club coordinators, with support and mentoring from the marketing and communication librarian, Mr Romeo Matumba, and the Library Manager: Campus and Sites, Mr. Nhlanhla Nhleko.
In his opening remarks, Mr Nhleko welcomed guests, book club members, and strategic partners, and further acknowledged the contributions and efforts of the book club coordinators and members.
The programme included three distinguished guest speakers.
Pastor Sihle Yeni, Co-founder of El-Bethel Worldwide Ministries, Director of Excosa, author of “His Majesty the Holy Spirit”, “Eye of the Storm”, and “The Workhorse Money Mindset”.
Nonhlanhla Khosi Vezi, is a natural scientist, author of the award-winning book titled “The Black Graduate in a Corporate World” and co-author of an internationally celebrated book called “The Significant Anthology”.
Dumo Xaba, is a poet, photographer, an honours student at DUT, and the author of two poetry anthologies, “The Legacy”, and “Poetic Type of Love: Uthando Lwami”, as well as the author self-published detective mystery book titled “A Dubious Alliance”.
Pictured Below: Romeo Matumba, Dumo Xaba, Nonhlanhla Vezi and Pastor Sihle Yeni.
By Romeo Matumba
Speakers shared their experiences as published authors, providing advice on reading and writing in the digital age. The program also featured a debate among book club members around two topics: Traditional Methods of Using Libraries, versus Digital Methods, and Reading Print Books versus E-books. This led to lively discussions and arguments between the teams, with audience members and guest speakers later joining in. Portions of the debate are available on the DUT Library’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcmIp3QgWC0n1GevpEpnkA
A special lunch was provided for all attendees, and Van Schaik Bookshop generously donated prizes for both attendees and participants in the debate teams. The positive outcomes of this event are particularly gratifying for the library, as they reflect ongoing efforts to foster a culture of reading, writing, and engagement among students, while also underscoring the vital role that libraries play in community development.
The closing remarks were delivered by the book club's marketing chair, Mr Willy Mhlongo, a third-year LIS student, who expressed gratitude to the audience, book club coordinators, debate team, strategic partners, and guest speakers for their support of the Imbizo.
Pictured Below: Some of the book club members in attendance.
Visit to the Logos Hope Book Fair
The LOGOS HOPE:
I
n May, the Library organised a trip to the Logos Hope Book Fair at Durban Harbour for its staff and the library book club members. This visit aimed to explore a wide range of literature and understand a global initiative that promotes knowledge and cultural exchange. Logos Hope, managed by GBA Ships, is the world's largest floating book fair.
Since its launch in 2009, it has travelled globally, offering over 5,000 titles, including educational, professional, personal development, and fiction books at affordable prices. As mentioned on its website, the Logos Hope aims to spread knowledge, foster cross-cultural understanding, and provide humanitarian aid across the globe. During the visit, DUT staff and book club members explored an extensive collection of books and also mingled with people from different communities.
By Romeo Matumba
The visits to the Logos Book fair were also covered in the library's social media pages. The visit to the Logos Hope Book Fair underscored the DUT Library's dedication to fostering a love for reading and continuous education. By participating in such events, the library supports intellectual growth and cultural exchange, enriching the academic environment for all its members.
Smart Libraries, Smart People!
Library Staff Running Comrade Marathon
Our library staff members, Dr Patrick "Bolt" Mhlongo (far right) and Mr Rajen "Speedfire" Eswarlal (second from right), were among the DUT staff members who participated in the prestigious Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
Rajen Eswarlal impressively ran his second Comrades Marathon, while Dr Mhlongo achieved a significant milestone by running his first. Congratulations to our colleagues for this remarkable achievement. We are incredibly proud of their participation in this internationally recognised event.
We hope to see Dr Phaladi and the library management team in the near future! ☺
Transformational Agreements
By Romeo Matumba
Transformational agreements (TAs), also known as Read and Publish agreements, are contracts negotiated between institutions, publishers or consortiums, that allow research work to be available on openaccess platforms. It allows authors at DUT to publish approved articles in open-access platforms without having to personally fund the cost of article processing charges (APCs).
Some of the Benefits of OA
❖Accelerated Research & Innovation ❖Increased Accessibility & Visibility ❖Increased Citations & Impact ❖Equity in Knowledge Access
❖Enhanced Collaboration
❖Long-Term Preservation
❖Faster Dissemination
As part of its commitment to delivering library and information services, along with research support, in a more open, developmental, inclusive, and sustainable manner, the library continues to promote its portfolio of transformational agreements at faculty board meetings and other strategic forums. Moreover, a marketing and communication strategy is in place to further strengthen the dissemination of this service to the DUT community. Open Access contributes to knowledge economy and production. SUPPORT THE OPEN ACCESS MOVEMENT, OPEN ACCESS IS THE FUTURE!!
For more details on TAs, visit the link below: https://libguides.dut.ac.za/openpublishing
(first come, first served basis across all participating institutions)
(first come first served basis across all participating institutions) SUPPORT THE OPEN ACCESS MOVEMENT, OPEN ACCESS IS THE FUTURE!!
67 Blankets & Scarfs
Donations for Mandela Day
The DUT Library’s Community Outreach Project team, led by Ms Sarah Khan, partnered with a charity organisation to launch a donation drive for the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day initiative. A handover of the items was held at an event at BM Patel Library, ML Sultan Campus, on 12 June 2024. Ms Frances “Franki” Hills, an ambassador of the organisation in KZN, attended the event to accept the donations on behalf of the charity. The drive aims to collect blankets, scarves, beanies, booties, and berets, as well as crochet items made by DUT Library staff, to support the destitute during winter. The charity's work has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records on four occasions since 2014.
This project aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 and involves collaboration with the DUT Community Engagement Office. Also in attendance were the Library Management Team, the Library Community Outreach Project Team, Ms Phumzile Xulu from the RIE: Engagement Office, and the Marketing and Communication Librarian, Mr Romeo Matumba, who also facilitated the programme.
Ms Sarah Khan delivered the welcome address and explained the background of the project, followed by a note from Library Services Director Dr Malefetjane Phaladi, who praised the team's work. Ms Hills emphasized the importance of collaboration and the positive impact it has
By Sarah Khan
Above:
Ms Frances “Franki” Hills giving her acceptance speech Below:
Library Book Club Hosted a Talent Show to Celebrate Youth Day
The DUT Library Book Club hosted a spectacular talent show in honour of Youth Day at Mansfield Hall on Friday, 14 June 2024. The event drew a large
By Romeo Matumba
Join the Library Book Club Now & Start Enjoying Benefits
The Book Club hosts engaging events like book launches, keynote speakers, talent shows, debates, author discussions, book reviews, poetry recitals, voice over rehearsals, road shows, and fun competitions.
To become a member, complete the online form at https://library.dut.ac.za or scan the QR code displayed on the right.
For more details, contact: Romeo Matumba
Librarian: Marketing and Communication
Email: muvhulawam@dut.ac.za
Copyright Services
Copyright plays a crucial role in the world of publishing, for authors to be incentivized. Publishers are certified to act on behalf of an author through a copyright transfer or exclusive licence to copy, publish and adapt work, whilst defending their integrity.
Have you considered copyright in an open-access world? Does it make a difference?
To all intent, open access should not affect usage, however, there is a common misconception that open access articles are not governed by copyright
FACTS: Open-access publishing authors have three choices: i) retain copyright, ii) share it, or iii) transfer it.
The essential principle of the Open Access (OA) movement is that knowledge derived from Publicly Funded R&D should be freely accessible.
Free is Great, Open Access is Even Greater
Open access, in contrast to free access, provides instant and unrestricted availability, distribution, and reuse of information without charge. With advancements in technology and shifts in our learning environment, from Library Management Systems (LMS) to e-reserves, the way information is shared is evolving. It is crucial for us to understand key considerations regarding the utilization of copyrighted content in academic settings. This will ensure that publicly funded research is made available in a manner that is open, inclusive, developmental and sustainable.
By Dr Ramika Bansi
Ramika Bansi, Copyright Specialist
Exciting New Library Resources in 2024
W
e are thrilled to announce that, thanks to an increased operational budget in 2024, the DUT Library has procured four new library resources! These additions are aimed at enhancing our collection and providing you with even more valuable materials for your research and studies
In the past few years, budgetary constraints had prevented us from subscribing to new databases. However, this year we have added the following exceptional resources:
PERLEGO: An extensive e-book platform offering over 800,000 books across various disciplines.
ProQuest Theses and Dissertations Database (PQTD): A comprehensive collection of theses and dissertations from institutions around the world.
JoVE: A video database tailored for undergraduate students, featuring high-quality educational videos.
Primal 3D: An interactive 3D anatomy database specifically designed for undergraduate health sciences students.
By Rajen Eswarlal
These new resources are now available to all our library members, and we encourage you to explore and make the most of these valuable tools. Happy researching!
Smart Libraries, Smart People!
Inter-Library Loans (ILL) Service
Unlock a World of Resources with DUT Library's Inter-Library Loans Service!
Are you looking for a book, article, or resource that's not available at DUT Libraries? Don't worry, we have you covered! Our Inter-Library Loans (ILL) Service allows you to access materials from other libraries across the country and beyond.
What is an Inter-Library Loan?
ILL is a loan arranged with another library in order to assist DUT Library users to obtain a required item that DUT Library does not have. Searches are made on OCLC WorldShare, a co-operative database to check whether the item requested is available for loan from another library nationally or internationally.
Who may use the ILL Service?
All registered staff and students of the Durban University of Technology.
Where should I look before applying for an ILL?
First look in the Library’s catalogue to see if the item you need is available in any of the DUT libraries. If not available, contact your Subject/Faculty librarian or ILL staff. More details are available here: https://library.dut.ac.za/services/inter-library-loans/
to Friday: 07:30– 16:00 Help us help you, by completing a short survey via the link below!
DUT Library Staff Contributes to the Scientific Knowledge Production
Book Chapter & Journal Articles Published
Dr Anushie Moonasar: This article highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of libraries and the role of librarians within the changing landscape. It discusses how libraries have traditionally operated and how they have been impacted by 4IR and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moonasar, A. 2024. Continuing professional development and the changing landscape of academic libraries. Library Management, 45(3/4), pp. 226-242 Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-09-2023-0100
Dr Mousin Omarsaib: This study aims to explore first-year engineering students’ perceptions of the engineering librarian as an instructor in multimodal environments related to Information Literacy (IL) topics, teaching strategy, content evaluation, organising, planning and support.
Omarsaib, M. 2024. Exploring first-year engineering student perceptions of the engineering librarian as an IL instructor in multimodal teaching and learning environments. Digital Library Perspectives, 40(1), pp.113-130. Available: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/DLP-08-2023-0069/full/html
Sara Mitha & Dr Mousin Omarsaib: This paper explores emerging technologies in higher education libraries indexed in the Web of Science core collection and Scopus for the periods between 1994 and 2024 (January 18, 2024).
Mitha, S.B. and Omarsaib, M. 2024. Emerging technologies and higher education libraries: a bibliometric analysis of the global literature. Library Hi Tech, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-02-2024-0105
Romeo Muvhulawa Matumba & Prof Mogiveny Rajkoomar: Globally, mobile technology is a significant factor influencing how libraries are changing the ways of delivering services to today’s users. This paper aims to explore academic librarians’ perceptions of the usefulness of mobile technology in delivering library services and the efforts required for its successful adoption.
Matumba, M. and Rajkoomar, M. 2024. Academic librarians’ perceptions of mobile technology’s usefulness in library service delivery at universities of technology in South Africa. Digital Library Perspectives, 40(1), pp. 131–147. Available: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/DLP-08-2023-0072/full/html
Dr Malefetjane Phaladi & Prof Patrick Ngulube: South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are facing a perpetual struggle of institutional tacit knowledge loss, which poses a risk to these entities and threatens their sustainability The research project endeavoured to tackle these challenges from knowledge management (KM) and human resource management (HRM) perspectives and proposes a plethora of integrated knowledge-driven HRM processes to mitigate risks associated with loss of tacit knowledge.
Phaladi, M.P. and Ngulube, P., 2024. Understanding tacit knowledge loss in public enterprises of South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, p.2229. Available: https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajhrm_v22_n1_a2229
Dr Malefetjane Phaladi, Dr Mousin Omarsaib, Dr Patrick Mhlongo & Bongi Mpungose: The purpose of the chapter was to explore and present a global picture integrating strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices into knowledge management (KM) for the effective management of knowledge loss risk in public enterprises.
Phaladi, MP., Omarsaib, M., Mhlongo, P., & Mpungose, B. (2024). Integrating Strategic Human Resource Management Practices for Effective Knowledge Risk Management in Public Enterprises: A Systematic Review and Future Research Directions. In Mizrak, F (ed.). Trends, Challenges, and Practices in Contemporary Strategic Management. IGI Global. Pp213-235: Available: https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-1155-4.ch011
JoinYour Professional Body Today!
Professionals in the Library and Information Services Sector: Join your professional association to influence the future development and direction of your field.
Who can apply for membership?
Any individual or institution with an interest in the library and/or information services sector may join LIASA.
What are the membership categories and the fees per category?
There are two main categories of membership: Individual and Institutional membership.
Individual membership is for a person who obtains membership in their personal capacity. Individual membership fees for 2024 is R750 if payment is made before end of March.
Individual members who are full-time undergraduate students, interns, unemployed, retired or who volunteer their services at a LIS related institution qualify for a discounted rate, which is R310 for 2024. Proof of status is required.
Institutions, vendors and organisations are eligible for Institutional membership. Benefits for this category are awarded to the institution and not to any individual staff members.
Some of the benefits include:
LIASA is the SAQA accredited Professional Body for the LIS sector in South Africa and therefore, upon application and meeting the requirements, LIASA can confer a designation.
Regular communication via the mailing list LIASA Online.
Four issues of LIASA-in-Touch, our information-filled magazine for the LIS professional; paid-up members have access to the electronic version, even before the printed copy is posted (when possible) to the members and stakeholders.
Discounted rates for meetings, seminars.
Discounted rates for training sessions, courses and workshops.
Subscription to the LIASA Online Career Centre to receive emailed notifications immediately once a vacancy has been added.
Eligibility for the various prestigious LIASA awards.
Eligibility for grants, scholarships or other financial support opportunities when available.
Eligibility to attend the IFLA Conference at the IFLA membership rate.
Membership of your local branch and access to all its activities at discounted rates.
Membership of two Interest Groups of your choice and access to its activities.
Opportunity to develop your leadership and professional skills, learning best practice from others. Networking, and more networking!