Library and Information Service NWU
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2 Table of contents Table of Contents 1. Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2 2. Highlights according to the strategic goals����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 2.1 Positioning the LIS within the University ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 2.1.1 NWU Campus Open Days������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 2.1.2 SA Library Week���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 2.1.3 International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 2.1.4 Open Access Week ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 2.2 Marketing and Advocacy���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 2.2.1 Marketing material����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 2.2.1.1 Postgraduate support guide���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 2.2.1.2 Undergraduate survival guide������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 2.2.1.3 Calendar for 2020���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 2.2.2 Outreach activities�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 2.2.2.1 Mandela Day ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 2.2.3 Workshop at NWU Mafikeng Campus �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11 2.2.4 Meeting at South African Library for the Blind ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11 2.3 Exceptional User Experience������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 2.3.1 Popular library spaces�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 2.3.2 Upgrading of facilities�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 2.3.2.1 Mafikeng refurbishment project ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 12 2.3.3 Information resources�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 2.3.3.1 e-Resources����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 2.3.3.2 PressReader ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 2.3.4 Information literacy����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 2.3.5 New Referencing Guide ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 2.3.6 Research Support �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 2.3.7 LibGuides����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 2.4 Technology and e-Strategy���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 2.4.1 Embargo form����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 2.4.2 Open Journal System (OJS) project����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 2.4.3 Figshare���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17 2.5 Staff Development������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 2.5.1 Conference papers delivered by LIS staff�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17 2.5.2 Journal articles by LIS staff����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 2.5.3 Formal studies�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 2.6 Governance and Leadership�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18 2.6.1 Policies��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 2.6.2 Information resources budget ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 2.6.3 Quality Assurance �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 2.6.3.1 NWU Doctoral Self-review����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 2.6.3.2 Benchmarking activities�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 2.6.4 Strategic planning��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 3 Conclusion ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 NWU Library and Information Services
Introduction 3 Introduction W Chief Director: Dr Mathew Moyo ith this report, the Library and Information Service (LIS) has the pleasure of presenting its success story for 2019. In sup- port of the University’s strategy of transforming and positioning the NWU as a unitary institution of superior academic excellence with a commitment to social justice, the LIS remained focused on its goals throughout the year. The LIS provides access to cutting edge and relevant resources and services to fulfil academic expectations of its user communities in a professional, creative, and innovative manner. In line with the university’s aspiration of becoming a leading university in Africa and beyond, the LIS also aspires to lead in its field. With these strategic statements in mind, the LIS performed and excelled in all its set targets as the report shall indicate. It must be pointed out from the outset that only our most important achievements are highlighted in this report, such as our outreach services, our Teaching-Learning and Research Support matters, our support for national and international days, research workshops, acquisition of information resources, and training users on utilising these resources. Worthy of noting is our flagship International Conference on Information Literacy, which was organised as a sister conference to the European Conference on Information Literacy. A record seven articles authored by LIS staff were published in accredited journals, and most such articles emanated from conference presentations. The articles mostly focused on LIS practice at NWU and helped raise the flag of the university high, where it belongs. Finally, our last of the three Teaching and Learning Commons under construction on the Mafikeng campus, is also highlighted. 2. Highlights according to the strategic goals 2.1 Positioning the LIS within the University The LIS is well positioned to contribute to the realisation of the University’s goals, and to fulfil its mandate to support all teaching, learning and research activities. It is a constant endeavour of the LIS to align its supportive role with the core business of the University. It also meaningfully participates in the events organised by the University. As a starting point, the LIS annually makes preparations for the following year by taking stock of the University’s strategic direction, LIS targets, how the LIS functioned, necessary improvements, and what actions the LIS could put into place to ensure timeous responsiveness. It is in this vein that the LIS organises various activities to position itself within the University. 2019 annual report
4 Positioning the LIS within the University and beyond 2.1.1 NWU Campus Open Days During the campus Open Days in May, the Library and an integral part of the Open Day activities for the first Information Services had the opportunity to be visible time. Admissions staff assisted students with online and proudly showcased our spaces and services to applications and information stalls with the latest LIS prospective undergraduate students. marketing material were placed at strategic points in After liaison with the NWU Marketing and Student the libraries. The campus libraries presented various Recruitment Office, all three campus libraries formed Open Day activities: The planning process for the Open Days enhanced stakeholder relationships with relevant departments in terms of involving the library in pertinent future events at the university. The complete report is available on the library blog . 2.1.2 SA Library Week The NWU Libraries celebrated the annual South African Library Week from 18-22 March 2019 with the theme Collaborate @ your library. The theme articulates Libraries: Advancing Development through Collaboration, Partnerships and Innovation. The library partnered with Van Schaik bookstores to celebrate, and a number of prizes were awarded to students. The libraries organised a number of activities with the aim of celebrating library week and promoting the importance of collaborating to develop better relationships and partnerships. The activities were about raising awareness of the library facilities, services and resources available to the university community as a whole. Staff at the three campus libraries had the opportunity to arrange for different activities according to their capacity and user preference. As part of the celebrations, all libraries had a fine-free week, giving amnesty to those with overdue library materials. Link to the full report. NWU Library and Information Services
Positioning the LIS within the University and beyond 5 2.1.3 International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) The NWU LIS hosted a successful International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) in Vanderbijlpark from 23 – 26 September 2019. All the months of hard work and preparations had paid off. The theme of the conference was: “Information Literacy in all spheres of life”, and delegates included researchers, library and information services professionals, media specialists, academia, and policy makers from around the globe. The conference had an international line-up of keynote speakers. These speakers included Prof Serap Kurbanoglu (Turkey) who is also General Co-Chair of ECIL, Prof Irina Zhilavskaya (Russia), Prof Trudi E Jacobson (USA) and Prof Thomas P Mackey (USA). The national keynote speakers were Prof Bosire Onyancha (UNISA), Prof Karin de Jager (UCT), Prof Ina Fourie (UP) and Prof Jako Olivier (NWU). A diverse group of 138 delegates from 10 countries, attended the conference and about fifty papers were presented over the four days. A number of presentations are still available on the ICIL web page. Keynote speakers: Prof Trudi E Jacobson (USA) and Prof Thomas P Mackey (USA), Prof Serap Kurbanoglu (Turkey), Prof Jako Olivier (NWU), Prof Irina Zhilavskaya (Russia) and Prof Ina Fourie (UP). 2019 annual report
6 Positioning the LIS within the University and beyond Between the hard work, there was time for fun and relaxation. On Monday evening, attendees were treated at a cocktail function at the Lapa on campus, next to the Vaal River. Prof Daryl Balia did the official welcoming and guests were entertained with talented singers, all NWU students. The LIS is proud of this conference – the first of its kind in Africa. According to feedback from attendees, they would like to attend a similar event in the future. The second ICIL Conference will be held in 2021 in South Africa, as a sister conference to the European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL), while the next ECIL will be held on 21-24 September 2020 in Bamberg, Germany. Dr Mathew Moyo, Prof Serap Kurbanoglu and Prof Daryl Balia Prof Jako Olivier, Dr Louise Olivier and guests attending the gala dinner wearing traditional attire NWU Library and Information Services
Positioning the LIS within the University and beyond 7 Link to the complete library blog post. For a News report by Annette Willemse (NWU Corporate Communication practitioner), link to the NWU news page. An article about ICIL 2019 was submitted for inclusion in LIASA-in-Touch, official magazine of the Library and Information Association of South Africa. The article was accepted and will be published in the March 2020 edition. 2.1.4 Open Access Week The LIS took part in the international Open Access Week from 21 – 26 October with the theme “Open for whom? Equity in Open Knowledge”. This is an annual global event which entered its tenth year with the aim of advocating and raising awareness of the benefits of open access. Sessions were held at all three campus libraries, and participants from the other campuses were able to connect remotely via Adobe Connect. The launch of Open Access Week was at Potchefstroom. The Chief Director: LIS, Dr Mathew Moyo, did the welcoming address, where after Prof Nnenesi Kgabi, Director: Research Support, officially opened the Open Access week at NWU. She elaborated on the state of Open Access in general and particularly at the NWU, and stressed the need for the development of an NWU Open Access Policy. Dr Pierre de Villiers, Managing Director of AOSIS and Prof Andries van Aarde, Commissioning Editor: AOSIS Scholarly Books, were invited as guest speakers. They are well known by NWU researchers who publish under AOSIS. Other speakers were Prof Jako Olivier, UNESCO Chair on Multimodal Learning and Open Educational Resources at the NWU, and Mrs Valencia Wagner of SADiLaR. Launch of Open Access Week at Potchefstroom. Prof Jako Olivier, Dr Mathew Moyo, Dr Pierre de Villiers, Ms Valencia Wagner and Prof Andries van Aarde At Mafikeng Campus, the library had two speakers for the day: Prof Mpine Makoe (UNISA), who is the Chair of the Commonwealth of Learning for Open Educational Resources (OER), and Prof Simeon Materechera from the NWU’s Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This was a platform for students, academic and support staff, and also researchers, to engage on aspects related Prof Simeon Materechera addressing the audience to OER and the benefits and challenges at Mafikeng Library of open access for Indigenous Knowledge. 2019 annual report
8 Positioning the LIS within the University The event at Vanderbijlpark Library took place on 23 October 2019. There were three expert speakers who shared their knowledge. Prof Andries van Aarde from AOSIS had a discussion on Open Access in the Humanities, and Prof Verona Leendertz and Dr Clarise Mostert discussed how Open Education Resources (OER) are incorporated in a Business Management Module at NWU. The event was well attended by researchers, postgraduate students and library colleagues, also from other campuses. Dr Clarise Mostert (NWU Economic and Management Sciences, Vanderbijlpark campus) Prof Andries van Aarde (Commissioning Editor: AOSIS Scholarly Books) 2.2 Marketing and Advocacy By participating in the various activities organised by the University, the LIS has successfully positioned its supportive role in the university’s core business. To enlighten the university community about this role, the LIS has improved and updated material about its services and resources. These materials were widely distributed over various media formats. 2.2.1 Marketing material The LIS started to renew all marketing material after the restructuring process in terms of content, to portray the spaces, services and resources of all campus libraries, and also to reflect the new institutional identity in terms of colour and logo. Some material had already been updated in 2018. NWU Library and Information Services
Marketing and Advocacy 9 2.2.1.1 Postgraduate support guide The postgraduate support guide was updated in January 2019. The guide shows that the library provides support in every step of the research process; it is available in print and also appears very prominently on the library website: 2.2.1.2 Undergraduate survival guide The LIS undergraduate survival guide was updated in February 2019 to reflect the alignment of all campus library hours. The cover page received a fresh new look: 2.2.1.3 Calendar for 2020 The LIS again took responsibility to distribute a desk calendar based on the NWU academic calendar over all three campuses. The calendar is very popular among staff JANUARY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER and students: WEDNESDAY 1 New Year’s day 1 1 THURSDAY 2 Libraries & Admin open 2 2 1 FRIDAY 3 3 1 Workers’ Day 3 2 SATURDAY 4 1 4 2 4 1 3 SUNDAY 5 2 1 5 3 5 2 4 1 MONDAY 6 3 Lectures start 2 6 4 1 6 3 5 2 Official Closing: PC TUESDAY 7 4 3 7 5 2 7 Schools start 4 1 6 3 1 WEDNESDAY 8 5 4 8 6 3 8 5 2 7 4 Official Closing: VC 2 Schools close THURSDAY 9 6 5 9 7 4 9 6 3 8 5 3 FRIDAY 10 7 Official Opening: PC 6 10 Good Friday 8 5 10 2nd Exams end 7 4 9 6 Official Closing: MC 4 SATURDAY 11 Welcoming 1st years: PC 8 7 11 Libraries closed 9 Open day: PC 6 11 Annual Shutdown: PC 8 5 10 7 5 SUNDAY 12 9 8 12 10 7 12 Annual Shutdown: PC 9 Women’s Day 6 11 8 6 MONDAY 13 10 9 13 Family Day 11 8 13 Lectures start 10 Public Holiday 7 12 9 7 TUESDAY 14 11 10 14 Friday Timetable 12 9 14 11 8 13 10 8 2nd Exams end WEDNESDAY 15 Schools open 12 Official Opening: VC 11 15 13 10 15 12 9 Assessment starts 14 11 9 THURSDAY 16 13 12 16 14 11 16 13 10 15 12 10 FRIDAY 17 14 Official Opening: MC 13 17 15 12 Schools close 17 14 11 16 13 11 SATURDAY 18 Annual Shutdown: PC 15 14 18 16 Open day: VC 13 18 Mandela Day 15 12 17 14 12 SUNDAY 19 Annual Shutdown: PC 16 15 19 17 14 19 16 13 18 15 13 MONDAY 20 Welcoming 1st years: VC 17 16 Library Week 20 Assessment starts 18 15 20 17 14 19 16 14 TUESDAY 21 18 17 21 19 16 Youth Day 21 18 Friday Timetable 15 20 17 15 Libraries close WEDNESDAY 22 19 18 22 20 17 22 19 16 21 18 1st Exams end 16 Reconciliation Day THURSDAY 23 20 19 23 21 18 23 20 17 22 19 17 20 Schools close 18 Schools close FRIDAY 24 21 24 NWU International Day 22 19 24 21 23 Lectures end 20 18 Lectures end Assessment ends SATURDAY 25 Welcoming 1st years: MC 22 21 Human Rights Day 25 23 Open day: MC 20 25 22 19 Recess starts 24 21 19 SUNDAY 26 23 22 26 24 21 26 23 20 25 22 20 26 1st Exams start MONDAY 27 24 23 Recess starts 27 Freedom Day 25 22 1st Exams end 27 24 21 23 21 Open Access Week TUESDAY 28 25 24 28 26 23 Recess starts 28 25 22 27 24 22 WEDNESDAY 29 26 25 29 27 Lectures end 24 29 26 23 28 25 2nd Exams start 23 THURSDAY 30 27 26 30 Assessment ends 28 1st Exams start 25 30 27 24 Heritage Day 29 26 24 FRIDAY 31 28 27 29 26 31 28 25 30 27 25 Christmas Day SATURDAY 29 28 30 27 29 26 31 28 26 Day of Goodwill SUNDAY 29 31 28 30 27 29 27 MONDAY 30 Lectures start 29 2nd Exams start 31 28 Lectures start 30 28 TUESDAY 31 Schools open 30 29 Schools open 29 WEDNESDAY 30 30 THURSDAY 31 2019 annual report
10 Marketing and Advocacy 2.2.2 Outreach activities The LIS does not function in a silo, but reaches out to nearby communities and stakeholders to share skills and resources. 2.2.2.1 Mandela Day Celebrating Mandela Day is a standing tradition at NWU LIS, and 2019 was no exception. The three campus libraries commemorated Mr Mandela’s legacy in different ways and reached out to nearby communities. The full report is available on the blog. 2.2.2.1.1 Mafikeng Library donated school shoes to Masutlhe 1 Primary School Mafikeng library commemorated Mandela Day by buying 10 new pairs of school shoes for children at the Primary School in Masutlhe, a remote village outside the town. The idea of buying shoes came about when the NWU LIS offered all three of its campuses R1000 for Mandela Day activities. Mr Siviwe Bangani, 2018 Librarian of the Year (LoY), topped the amount given to Mafikeng Campus with R1000 from the LoY award. The school identified 10 children who would benefit from this initiative and provided the shoe sizes of the children. Dr Lefenya-Motshegare also bought a complete school uniform out of her own pocket for a child who had lost all his clothes after his house burned a few days before Mandela Day. 2.2.2.1.2 Potchefstroom library decided that charity begins at home Potchefstroom LIS staff members celebrated a very successful Mandela Day by reaching out to Campus Protection Services with the theme: Charity begins at Home. Protection Services is one of our main stakeholders as they take care of us on a daily basis by providing protection to both our assets and ourselves. They work night shifts and long hours in the cold. The LIS donated gloves, scarves and beanies to keep them warm. Donated items were received by Mr Des Ayob, Director of Protection Services and some of his senior staff members. He mentioned that it was the first time that colleagues of the NWU had reached out to Protection Services in this manner. It was a privilege for library staff to be involved in this project – it gave the LIS an opportunity to give back to the people who serve us. NWU Library and Information Services
Marketing and Advocacy 11 2.2.2.1.3 Vanderbijlpark reached out to Kopanong Hospital Vanderbijlpark library staff reached out to the Outpatient Department and Ithemba Section at Kopanong Hospital in Vereeniging. Staff members worked together and prepared lunch bags. More than 100 lunch boxes were distributed amongst waiting patients and their family. The patients were thankful for the food, the majority of them indicated that they normally waited there for many hours without anything to eat. The library staff felt afterwards that it was a fulfilling experience to reach out and to make a difference, especially in the lives of vulnerable people. 2.2.3 Workshop at NWU Mafikeng Campus - 10 July 2019 The North-West University, in collaboration with the South African Library for the Blind and the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (DACSR), hosted a workshop to train public library staff members who render services to the visually impaired, as well as the visually impaired themselves. The main purpose of the workshop was to share advanced skills and expertise with library staff and the visually impaired, addressing different needs. During the workshop, Mr Siyabulela Lucas – who is visually impaired – encouraged fellow participants who share the same disability to take advantage of the assistive technology offered. After the theoretical part of the workshop, participants also had the opportunity to take part in practical training on the various assistive devices, with instructors close by. A total of 68 officials attended the workshop. 2.2.4 Meeting at South African Library for the Blind (SALB) – 18-19 November 2019 Mr Siviwe Bangani, Manager of Information Services (NWU-Mafikeng Campus) and Ms Rosa de Klerk (NWPG) visited the SALB in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) to consult on the review of the librarians’ manual for the blind users. The first day of the meeting focused on the existing mini libraries. It was pointed out that there were 24 mini-libraries in the North-West Province, meaning that each region has at least one mini library. Some of the challenges identified were high levels of illiteracy of the majority of blind users who cannot use braille or computers in those libraries. In some municipalities, transport was not available for these users, which affected the usage of the mini libraries. The second day was dedicated to the review of the librarians’ manual for the blind users. However, it became clear that the first draft of the manual had not been completed by the consultants (Blind SA), therefore the discussion was dominated by issues regarding the purpose of the librarians’ manual in order for the consultants to understand its context. Librarians use their initiatives to learn the software and hardware in their libraries. Dedicated computers are not being utilised as blind people do not know how to use them. There are no programmes that market the service to blind people. 2019 annual report
12 Exceptional User Experience 2.3 Exceptional user experience The LIS strives to provide service excellence aimed at the diverse needs and preferences of its users in terms of seamless access to appropriate information resources, and innovative physical spaces and services. Further evidence is the numbers of users physically visiting the libraries, the statistics of users availing themselves for training sessions and also the numbers of those accessing the LIS e-resources. 2.3.1 Popular library spaces The LIS has managed to create warm and welcoming spaces - very popular amongst students. The following article was posted on the Library Blog in August. The Libraries are buzzing with activity August is traditionally known as a very busy month on the academic calendar, and all NWU libraries can testify to that. For the past two weeks, the libraries have received at least 5000 visitors daily. The visits for Wednesday 14 August were 5703. The collaborative spaces are filled to capacity, therefore group discussions flow over to open areas - where the noise levels are quite high. The LIS has managed to create a social welcoming environment that supports the diverse needs of all learners. However, to balance the demands for quiet study space and collaborative, conversational space is an ongoing challenge in academic libraries worldwide. Have a look at some pictures taken during this week, the libraries were buzzing!!! 2.3.2 Upgrading of facilities The LIS strives to upgrade and repurpose library spaces in line with changing user needs. Innovative learning spaces equipped with Wi-Fi coverage are available in all three campus libraries. 2.3.2.1 Mafikeng refurbishment project There was a need to upgrade and renovate spaces in the Mafikeng library, especially to attend to the needs of undergraduate students. This major project entails the establishment of an Information Commons in the lower ground floor area and a Law Library on the 1st floor, as well as the renovation of the 24-hour study area. NWU Library and Information Services
Exceptional User Experience 13 Construction started in September 2019 and WE ARE REFURBISHING the first phase (Law Library) with computer THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR workstations, study area and two seminar rooms Whole floor closed during construction was completed in December 2019. NOVEMBER 2019 APRIL 2020 Lower Ground Lower Ground Floor Completion of the Information The construction team is currently busy with the Floor Closes Commons Information Commons (second phase), and they have made very good progress. The area will have You can look forward to an Undergraduate 119 computer workstations, a hands-on training INFORMATION COMMONS facility, and five seminar rooms – all equipped Seminar rooms 4 with whiteboards 178 Seats with LED screens, patch points, and ample power in 24 hour area 24 hour study area plugs – conducive to group study. WHITE BOARD WHITE BOARD WHITE BOARD WHITE BOARD LEARNING DESKS SECURITY TABLE The 24-hour study area is adjacent to the LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS 2424 HOUR STUDYSTUDY AREA Information Commons and will provide 178 seats HOUR / LEARNING CENTRE LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS and four seminar rooms. Additional power plugs 119 for mobile devices will be added throughout LEARNING DESKS LEARNING DESKS COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS PRINTING STATION this area. The new facilities will provide in the COMPUTER DESKS COMPUTER DESKS teaching-learning needs of undergraduates. COMPUTER DESKS COMPUTER DESKS COMPUTER DESKS COMPUTER DESKS COMPUTER DESKS COMPUTER DESKS INFO DESK Also in the Information Commons will be a ONE MAKER MAKER LED SCREEN BUTTON BUTTON SPACE STUDIO STUDIO CTL 5 New Aluminium and glass partition wall TRAINING Technology Commons. The library provides the COMPUTER DESKS ROOM SEMINAR ROOMS LED SCREEN GROUP STUDY AREA WITH LED SCREENS space, but the equipment and support will be LECTURES DESK LED SCREEN COMPUTER DESKS PROJECTOR SCREEN OFFICE SUPPORT DESK provided by CTL. Mafikeng Library will be the first IT ROOM PODCAST PODCAST Technology STUDIO STUDIO SERVICE POINT NWU library to have such a facility consisting of Commons • Maker Space a MakerSpace, One Button Studio, and a Podcast • One Button Studio • Podcast studio ENTRANCE Studio. Students will have the opportunity to be introduced to technology as required by the curriculum. The LIS is looking forward to the completion of the project in May. We envisage welcoming all stakeholders and celebrating the new spaces during the launch in June. Project progress can be followed on the Library renovation page. 2.3.3 Information resources 2.3.3.1 e-Resources Collection development continued to see a move of focus from ownership of a collection to the provision of access to information resources. Databases are evaluated annually according to the average price per search (cost per use) and the recommendations of the Information Services managers regarding the uniqueness of necessity within the subject group for continued subscription. The table below displays the top ten databases according to the number of searches, and indicates that there was an increase in the use of databases. 2019 annual report
14 Exceptional User Experience Table 1 Top 10 Database searches 2019 Top 10 Database searches 2018 E-Resource Searches E-Resource Searches EbscoHost 41 194 567 EbscoHost (Totaal) 39 128 273 JSTOR 100 892 Science Direct 82 667 Science Direct 98 450 E-Journals 79 549 Publication Finder (A-Z) 83 271 E-Brary 54 945 Academic Search Premier 57 201 Academic Search Premier 53 889 Hospitality & Tourism Complete 44 970 Africa-Wide Information 52 261 SA ePublications 43 061 SA ePublications 47 166 Scopus 42 442 JSTOR 47 000 ERIC 35 935 Scopus 38 838 Africa-Wide Information 32 625 Publication Finder (A-Z) 37 163 Table 2 Top 10 Database downloads 2019 Top 10 Database downloads 2018 E-Resource Downloads E-Resource Downloads Science Direct 553 084 Science Direct 558 290 Ebrary 208 641 Ebrary 186 880 EbscoHost 204 569 EbscoHost (Totaal) 186 208 JSTOR 192 750 JSTOR 174 796 Taylor & Francis 152 001 Taylor & Francis 105 854 Wiley Online 112 583 Wiley Online 89 968 SpringerLink journal package 86 337 SpringerLink journal package 67 879 Hein Online 86 165 SA ePublications 59 694 Sage Premier 68 697 SAGE Premier 54 280 Academic Search Premier 56 841 Hein Online 47 809 2.3.3.2 PressReader The library subscribed to , providing access to more than 7 000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines. This includes SA sources such as Sunday Times, The Citizen, Beeld and Mail & Guardian. Subscription to PressReader will lead to budget savings, as a number of current print subscriptions can be cancelled. 2.3.4 Information literacy Information and computer literacy is critical for undergraduate academic success. Information literacy enables users to master content and to become more self-directed. Training and awareness-raising sessions are offered by faculty librarians, Librarians for Research and Undergraduate Support, and involve presenting subject-related and general information to students, staff and researchers to ensure optimal and independent use of traditional and electronic information sources. This year saw 21 422 training sessions presented across the 3 campuses. The LIS also focused on embedded librarianship by partnering with faculties to develop information literacy skills. Faculty librarians assisted with 28 595 information enquiries during 2019. NWU Library and Information Services
Exceptional User Experience 15 2.3.5 New Referencing Guide The 3rd edition of the NWU Referencing Guide was completed at the end of 2019 for use from January 2020. The NWU Harvard as well as the APA styles have quite a few substantial changes to take note of. Due to the fact that there are so many variations of the Harvard style worldwide, there was a need to improve alignment with international and local applications of the Harvard style. The new version is an attempt to make referencing easier for our undergraduates and help postgraduates to publish in other journals that prefer Harvard. The new changes to the APA referencing style (7th edition), published in October 2019, were also incorporated in the new NWU referencing guide. Also incorporated in the guide is the house style of the Law Faculty, which was provided by the Faculty itself. Library and Information Service is therefore proud to introduce this new guide which will be a compulsory source for all students. Consult the NWU Referencing Guide 2.3.6 Research Support The aim of Research Week in September was to raise awareness of how the Library supports research and research visibility, and to strengthen its partnership with the Research Office, Centre for Postgraduate Studies, researchers, and postgraduate students. The LIS hosted a Research Enablers Workshop with hands-on training on the NWU one- stop portal - One@NWU. The One@NWU is a user friendly portal where all the research services and resources can be identified and added, with necessary links to the web page. Purposeful efforts were made to develop knowledge and create awareness of bibliometric tools, as visibility of NWU research output is vital. Faculty Librarians and the Research Support Librarian promoted ORCiD as well as the research impact tools: INCITES, h-index in Scopus, Web of Science, Google Citations, as well as Altmetrics. 2.3.7 LibGuides LibGuides is a platform for faculty and information librarians to provide subject-specific guidance to students or to create guides on specific topics. The LibGuides are aligned across the 3 campuses. LibGuides were viewed 198 016 times with the most popular LibGuide being the undergraduate support guide with 50 922 views and the Law LibGuide with 27 732 views. 2019 annual report
16 Technology and e-Strategy 2.4 Technology and e-Strategy Invaluable relations have been maintained with those stakeholders critical for the LIS to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological environment. 2.4.1 Embargo form – permission not to publish In 2019, the LIS received numerous requests from students and their supervisors to remove their electronic theses and dissertations from the North-West University Institutional Repository (BOLOKA). These requests came predominantly from the Music Department in the Faculty of Humanities. Study supervisors reported that publishers claim that students are guilty of self-plagiarism when they submit their research to the Institutional Repository rather than to the publisher first. After some consultations with the Higher Degrees Office, it was clear that there was a need for an Embargo Form for students wanting to first publish their research in a journal. The form was developed in conjunction with the Higher Degrees Office and approved by the NWU Senate committee. 2.4.2 Open Journal System (OJS) project In collaboration with NWU IT, the LIS assisted two NWU researchers to set up individual Open Journal Systems: South Africa Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation (SAJRSPER) Editor – Prof Hanlie Moss Journal of Well-being and Leisure in Africa (JWLA) Editor – Prof Stefan Kruger NWU Library and Information Services
Technology and e-Strategy 17 The OJS platform is ready for use, and editors can start publishing on the platform. The LIS provides technical assis- tance, while the editors will be responsible for editing content and managing the journal. 2.4.3 Figshare In 2019, the NWU decided to use Figshare as its Research Data Management (RDM) tool. The LIS collaborated with NWU IT and the eResearch Office to acquire Figshare as platform to preserve and share NWU research data. After implementation, training on the use of Figshare was done by Figshare personnel. A Figshare naming competition took place in October 2019 and the winning name for the NWU Figshare repository was Dayta Ya Rona, meaning Our Data. 2.5 Staff Development LIS staff are a crucial asset in driving LIS services. The development and professionalisation of staff needs constant attention to keep them updated and skilled. A number of staff members are registered for professional degrees, mostly via UNISA. Staff had the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences. Apart from attending such events, staff also presented at the ICIL Conference, LIASA Conference, SAOIM, and International Open Data Week (Botswana). They were also actively involved in the presentation of data carpentry and Atlas.ti workshops. 2.5.1 Conference papers delivered by LIS staff Staff made use of the opportunity to make the LIS visible by presenting papers at different national and international conferences. The fact that the LIS presented the ICIL Conference in September, gave a number of staff the opportu- nity to do their own presentations. i. Bangani, S., Moyo, M. and Mashiyane, D. 2019. The utilisation of library spaces by postgraduate students at a university in an African country. Paper presented at the 40th IATUL Conference Perth, Australia. ii. Bangani, S., Mashiyane, D., Moyo, M., Masilo, B. and Makate, G. 2019. Students’ evaluation of librarians as teachers of information literacy at the North-West University. 1st ICIL conference, South Africa. iii. Mashiyane, D., Bangani, S. and van Deventer, K. 2019. Academic librarians’ awareness and application of multimedia content for information literacy instructional practices. 1st ICIL conference, South Africa. iv. Bangani, S. Noma Dolo, Nyameka Mila, Dina Mashiyane, Vuyokazi Kiva-Johnson and Veliswa Tshetsha. 2019. The visibility of research in academic social media platforms at S.A. universities. Paper presented at the 20th LIASA conference, Durban. v. Kaunda, N., Pretorius, H., Thulare, T. and Tshenye, M. 2019. Comprehensive Library and information service model for the blind and partially sighted: A collaborative approach. 1st ICIL conference, South Africa. vi. Van Rensburg, Zander, Coetzee, Anneke, Andrianatos, Kristien, & Scheepers, Corné. 2019. A holistic approach to referencing skills in a blended-learning environment: ask Referella, the interactive referencing assistant. 1st ICIL conference, South Africa. vii. Rood, Erika and Pretorius, Hendra. 2019. Roadmap for Information Literacy at North West University Library Information Service. 1st ICIL conference, South Africa. viii. Martin Dreyer & Zine Sapula. 2019. Put the researcher first: reporting on an enabling journey. Paper presented at e-Research Africa conference 2019, Capetown. 2019 annual report
18 Staff Development 2.5.2 Journal articles by LIS staff during 2019 The following articles were published in accredited journals: i. Bangani, S., Moyo, M and Mashiyane, D. 2020. The utilisation of library spaces by postgraduate students at a university in an African country. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication. https://www. emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/GKMC-07-2019-0075/full/html. ii. Bangani, S., Mashiyane, D., Moyo, M, and Makate, G. 2020. In/gratitude? Library acknowledgement in theses and dissertations at a distinguished African university. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-33. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/3596/ iii. Bangani, S., Mashiyane, D., Moyo, M., Masilo, B. and Makate, G. 2019. Students’ perceptions of librarians as teachers of information literacy at a distinguished African university. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/GKMC-09-2019-0111/full/ html iv. Bangani, S. and Moyo, M. 2019. Data sharing practices among researchers at South African universities. Data Science Journal, 18(1). http://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2019-028 v. Bangani, S., Masilo, B., Makate, G., Kekana, M. and Moyo, M. 2019. LibGuides as a collection development tool: the case of North-West University, South Africa. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-21. https://dig- italcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2944/ vi. Bangani, S., Masilo, B., Makate, G. and Moyo, M. 2019. The impact of a university’s language policy on its library’s print collections. Mousaion, 36(2): 1-20. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-15cb78f1f3 vii. Kaunda, N. 2019. Strategic library and information services models for the visually impaired persons: The South African Library for the Blind perspective. NWU Boloka Institutional Repository.http://hdl. handle.net/10394/32209 https://doi.org/10.1080/15367967.2019.1571923 2.5.3 Formal studies registered for 2019/2020 Nine staff members are registered for master’s degrees in Information Science; two completed their studies. Seven staff members are registered for professional degrees or diplomas in Information Science, all via UNISA. Another staff member is registered for a master’s in Public Administration at the NWU. 2.6 Governance and Leadership 2.6.1 Policies A Draft Policy on Research Data Management (RDM) was developed by the task team (LIS and NWU Academic Services IT) as a contribution to the Open Science Policy, which has to be finalised by the Research Office. The purpose of this policy is to guide researchers on how to store, secure and share their data in a protected institutional data repository platform according to the FAIR guiding principles of research data management. NWU Library and Information Services
Governance and Leadership 19 2.6.2 Information resources budget The Information Resources budget was allocated to faculties using a scientific formula, enhanced through further scientific investigations and calculations, across the three campuses. Although the actual spent of the budget was 92%, it got to 100% when processed recommendations were added. An industry integrated study was conducted with the Centre for Business Mathematics Informatics (BMI). The student project team, supervised by Prof Philip Mashele, collaborated with the LIS to investigate whether the current budget variables sufficiently described expenditure, and if the associated weights could be determined mathematically. The project was a success and contributed to the final mark of the master’s students. This project promoted internal stakeholdership and enhanced utilisation of specialised skills brought forth by other stakeholders, such as data management, statistics, mathematics and software development. This expertise complemented the librarians‘ skills sets. 2.6.3 Quality Assurance 2.6.3.1 NWU Doctoral Self-review The NWU Quality Enhancement Office administered the NWU Doctoral Self-review as part of the National Doctoral review. The aim of the survey was to measure the experiences of doctoral students throughout their engagement with the NWU – from registration to graduation. The LIS was involved in the compilation of the survey. The outcomes will give an indication of the experience and satisfaction of PhD students regarding the resources, ease of resource access, facilities and services of the LIS. The full report will be available in March 2020. 2.6.3.2 Benchmarking activities Five benchmarking exercises were conducted by the LIS with the LIS professional sector in terms of the supply chain process of textbooks between faculties, suppliers and the libraries. Benchmarking was also done in terms of makerspaces, robotics, services for students with disabilities, and research support services. These were: • Online Textbooks project with the Faculty of Education (ODL) • Makerspaces and Robotics in libraries at the University of Pretoria (UP) • Project planning with NWU IT and the Business Analyst dedicated to the LIS. The Computer Science department will be involved and perhaps the Engineering department, should it become necessary to make and pilot our own robot. Consultation will take place with all affected by the project. • A visit on 3 May 2019 was a joint effort between the Library and Information Service (LIS) and the NWU Disabilities Rights Units (DRU) to benchmark services, infrastructure and resources for students with disabilities. It was necessary to seek opportunities to share expertise as outlined in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between NWU, the South African Library for the Blind (SALB), and the Department of Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA) North-West (NW) Provincial Library, Information and Archives Services. Facilities at Wits DRU are modern and address the learning and research needs of students with disabilities. The Wartenweiler library, which is the Wits main library, has a dedicated integrated Disabilities Section on the ground floor. NWU and Wits will promote and foster collaboration between the institutions and look forward to maintaining a partnership both within and outside of the university community. Full blog post available. 2019 annual report
20 Governance and Leadership • At a Library Management Meeting (LMC) in April, the CPUT was identified to conduct a benchmarking activity in terms of research support services, research data management, ICT services, and quality assurance. LIS staff had the opportunity to attend CPUT on the 21 – 22 August 2019. This was a fruitful exercise where the LIS did not only have the opportunity to learn, but also to share. The full benchmarking report was provided to the LMC, and a blog report was posted. 2.6.4 Strategic Planning Senior LIS staff had their annual planning session on 6-7 November 2019 at the NWU Business School in Mafikeng. The main aim of the workshop was the development of a LIS Annual Performance Plan for 2020. The motivational speaker was Prof Yvonne du Plessis from the Business School in Mafikeng. Mr Shakes Scott, IT Director: Academic & Office Solutions also attended the workshop and provided valuable input together with Prof Liqhwa Siziba, Senior Lecturer in Academic Literacy at Mafikeng. During the closing session, Dr Moyo confirmed that goals had also been identified to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution. He reminded attendees to visit the Ideas Store as populated by LIS staff. The new initiatives would add value to what we do. Link to full report. NWU Library and Information Services
Conclusion 21 3 Conclusion This report has demonstrated how the LIS performed in 2019. It has assembled all the building blocks which had allowed the LIS to excel in the previous year. All support in Teaching-Learning, Research and Community Engagement were clearly demonstrated. The LIS core services of acquisition and processing of information resources in support of the university’s core business were demonstrated. The report ends with highlights from our November 2019 strategic planning session, which prepared us for the year 2020. The university executive has said that the year 2020 is for consolidation of our previous gains and building on success, which sits extremely well with us in the LIS environment. While we celebrated our past gains, we are working hard to ensure that 2020 will be another successful year. We hope to develop new and innovative ideas, particularly during this time when the world is faced with the devastating coronavirus pandemic. Our job is focused on supporting the academic project during these difficult times and we are closely monitoring our online support in order to ensure business continuity. May all our ideas to overcome this challenge work! 2019 annual report
library.nwu.ac.za
You can also read