UMP Library

As we delve into the heart of 2024, the Library and Information Service (LIS) team stands proud, reflecting on our journey thus far. The rhythm of the academic year brought with it the influx of new students and the return of familiar faces, our team kicked into high gear, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional service delivery. Whether meticulously planning at our workstations or collaborating as Task Teams, our goal remained unwavering: to provide outstanding services to our diverse user base, regardless of boundaries.

In an era dominated by technological advancements and a vast array of available materials, the role of the LIS team has evolved significantly. We serve as the vital link between users and information, promoting literacy and supporting lifelong learning. To stay relevant in this ever-changing landscape, continuous upskilling and adaptation are imperative.

Thus, our team remains committed to staying abreast of the latest trends, developments, and innovations through courses and certification programs. As guardians of knowledge, we embrace our role in bridging the gap between users and information, nurturing literacy, and fostering lifelong learning...... As we find ourselves at the cusp of mid-year, it is only fitting to pause and celebrate the fruits of our labor, the milestones we've reached, and the achievements that adorn our path.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire LIS team for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Working together as a cohesive unit to realize the strategic goals and mission of our university let us continue to be beacons of light, illuminating the path for others and advancing the noble cause of education.

As Henry Ford aptly said, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success."Read more

The Library and Information Services (LIS) joined the university in welcoming and orientating the first-year students. The students were prepared to commence with the academic term and use the information gathered to begin a new academic journey. LIS as a support division equipping the users with effective and efficient information services, planned a basic tutorial on how to search for information using the library catalogue. Along with the tutorial, there was also a library tour to show students the facilities and services offered by LIS. The students were delighted with the institution’s readiness and happy to learn that the library is available to support them. All these activities were supported by the Academic Support Division with the help of student mentors who are responsible for mentoring and guiding first-year students to successfully cope with university life. LIS will continue to work with mentors to ensure that our new students get the support they need.

The DH-IGNITE Northern Region Conference, organized by The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), supported by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), recently concluded with resounding success. This event, held to advance research practices and cultivate a community of practice in the digital humanities, saw enthusiastic participation from scholars, researchers, librarians and practitioners across various disciplines and academic institutions.

Representing the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), a dedicated delegation of staff members recently participated in the DH-IGNITE Workshop. The University of Mpumalanga's Library played a pivotal role in facilitating staff participation, sending a team of three professionals to immerse themselves in the latest developments in digital humanities scholarship. Ms. Kwetepane, Ms. Mashilo, and Ms. Nkosi, embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery,

eagerly embracing the wealth of knowledge and insights offered by the workshop. .....

Workshops and Presentations

The conference kicked off with a series of workshops aimed at empowering attendees with practical knowledge and tools. Participants immersed themselves in sessions ranging from data mining to text analysis tools, facilitated by industry experts. Ms. Kwetepane delved into the intricacies of data mining, while Ms. Mashilo explored the world of text analysis tools. Meanwhile, Ms. Nkosi embarked on a journey through visual storytelling, demonstrating how "A Picture Tells a Thousand Words."

Their participation in the DH-IGNITE Workshop underscores the University of Mpumalanga's commitment to fostering excellence in research and innovation. By equipping staff members with cutting-edge knowledge and resources, the institution reaffirms its dedication to advancing scholarly inquiry and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

In conclusion, the DH-IGNITE Northern Region Conference marked a significant milestone in the advancement of digital humanities scholarship. As we reflect on the insightful workshops and presentations, we are reminded of the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By equipping our staff members with cutting-edge knowledge and resources, the UMP library reaffirms its dedication to advancing scholarly inquiry and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in the digital humanities.Read more

The UMPLIS department seized a golden opportunity to make a meaningful impact, this time at the art exhibition held in the library courtyard on the 25th and 26th of April 2024. This innovative exhibition delved into the psychological effects experienced by our university community, and the library played a pivotal role in offering solutions and support. Collaborating with the School of Development Studies and School of Social Sciences, the library curated a thoughtful display aimed at addressing the diverse challenges faced by our students and staff. By showcasing relevant books and resources, we aimed to equip our community with lifelong solutions to navigate both their academic journey and beyond.

Assignment Writing Support: During the exhibition, students were reminded of the invaluable support the library offers in assignment writing. Promoting our Assignment Mastery and Information Literacy Programmes, we highlighted the role of the library as a vital resource hub for academic success.

Beyond Academic Books:While the library is renowned for its academic resources, it also serves as a haven for broader reading materials......At UMPLIS, we understand the importance of providing spaces for relaxation and contemplation amidst the challenges of academic life. During the exhibition, our team highlighted the library's luxury reading corner, complete with comfortable couches, as well as the vibrant learning areas. We emphasized that the library is not only a place for study but also a welcoming sanctuary for those seeking solace and quiet.

Library Collection and Psychological Wellness: Central to our engagement at the exhibition was our library collection, which encompasses resources relevant to the psychological well-being of our community. By facilitating conversations and interactions with students, we reaffirmed the depth and richness of our collection, ensuring that students are aware of the different resources available to support them in overcoming academic challenges. In essence, the art exhibition served as a platform for the library to actively engage with our community, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. As we continue our mission to serve as a beacon of knowledge and support, UMPLIS remains committed to enriching the academic journey of all who walk through our doors.Read more

May is Africa Month, a time when the UMP Community comes together to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of our continent. Each year, six African countries are chosen, providing an opportunity for students to engage in extensive research and immerse themselves in the unique traditions and heritage of these nations.

This year, our chosen countries were Chad, Botswana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ghana, and Egypt. Students dedicated their time and creativity to explore and showcase the vibrant cultures of these countries. Through various forms of expression—including traditional dance, attire, culinary delights, poetry, and drama—they brought the essence of each nation to life. This initiative aims to foster unity and a greater understanding of our African neighbors.

The aim of this initiative is not only to celebrate diversity but also to foster unity and instill deeper understanding in our communities.

By learning about and appreciating the cultures of other African countries, we strengthen our bonds and promote a sense of shared identity and mutual respect......

A special highlight was the collaboration between the Siyabuswa Library and the Naape-Monare residence in showcasing Egypt. This partnership was a brilliant example of how different parts of our community can work together to create meaningful and educational experiences. The library celebrated Africa Month by displaying books by African authors to commemorate the African month.

The grand celebration of Africa Day took place on May 23rd across both campuses, where each country's showcase was presented, the celebration included a colorful parade of traditional attire, energetic dance performances, a tantalizing food fair, and captivating recitals of poems and dramatic pieces that reflected the stories and histories of the chosen countries. Egypt's display emerged as the winner, impressing with its rich cultural presentation. Ghana followed in second place, with Botswana taking third.

The UMP Library continues to play a crucial role in these events, striving to remain visible and actively engaging with students through various collaborative efforts. By participating in such initiatives, the library reinforces its commitment to supporting the educational and cultural development of our community.

Our Africa Month celebration serves as a reminder of the beauty of cultural diversity and the importance of embracing and understanding our differences. These celebrations not only highlight the beauty of diversity within Africa but also strengthen the bonds within our UMP Community, promoting a sense of shared identity and respect for our rich heritage. We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating even more of Africa's diverse cultures in the years to come.Read more

As we reflect on the past year's library efforts, it's evident that the commitment to maintaining the integrity and accessibility of our library collections remains unwavering. In the final quarter of 2023, both libraries undertook the crucial task of annual stock-taking, a process integral to the upkeep of our libraries.

Following a familiar pattern, library staff diligently tackled allocated sections, ensuring a thorough inventory within a swift three-day period. Beyond mere counting, this process serves a vital purpose: to validate our collections, identify outdated materials, and address any instances of damage or loss. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that our patrons always have access to relevant and reliable resources.

In January 2024, the Mbombela library embarked on an innovative project known as the book scan-back initiative. Led Mr. Mjweni and Ms. Nkosi, this project aimed to meticulously scan all books on the shelves into our Library Management system. Completing this task within a commendable three-week timeframe, a total of 8256 books were successfully scanned back. This not only confirmed the presence of each book but also updated our catalogue, mitigating the risk of false fines for our valued patrons.

Transitioning into February, the circulation section team played a pivotal role during the registration period for first-year students from 5th to 9th February. With meticulous attention to detail, they manually registered each student on the ALMA system, alleviating the burden of individual registrations once the academic term commenced. This collaborative effort highlighted our commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for new students into university life.

Additionally, the circulation team actively participated in the orientation week for first-year students, conducting engaging library tours. By familiarizing students with our facilities and services, we strive to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment conducive to learning and exploration.

As we look ahead, these initiatives serve as a testament to our ongoing dedication to enriching the academic experience of our community. With continued collaboration and innovation, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower learners and foster a culture of knowledge and discovery.

An academic achievement worth celebrating

Congratulations on your graduation. You have achieved your goal of earning a bachelor's degree in library and information science through your perseverance, dedication, commitment, and hard work. This is an amazing accomplishment that will help you progress in your career. You deserve all the attention, recognition, and opportunities this brings your way. Well done and all the best.

On December 7, 2023, four colleagues Ms. Vuyokazi Sigadla, Ms. Penelope Mphephu, Ms. Zizipho Madibi, and Mr. Lulamile Mangali were honored with long-service awards. They received recognition in the form of a certificate and a long service bonus. The 2023 Long Service Award Ceremony and Year End Event was held at the Mbombela campus multipurpose hall. UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso presided over the award ceremony. The exceptional skills and unwavering dedication of these individuals have played a significant role in the success of our organization. We all recognize and value their commitment to excellence. We applaud their achievement of reaching this amazing 5-year milestone at UMP Libraries. Congratulations to all of you.

Ms. Hazel Mammeshi has been appointed as a Library Assistant: After Hours (Siyabuswa Campus). She holds a Bachelor of Information Science degree from UNISA. Ms. Mammeshi previously worked as an Assistant Librarian from 2019 – 2022 at UNISA, she started her career at Realogile High School as a Librarian from 2016 – 2018. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Mammeshi to the library.

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) Library recently had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Thandeka Stela Magadule, a student from the Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship at the University of Cape Town. This initiative was part of her practical training requirement, which is mandatory for all students in her department.Ms de Beer from the UMP Library was instrumental in coordinating this process. She liaised with the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) coordinator to finalize the dates and outline the expectations from both sides. The practical experience was scheduled from 10th to 21st June 2024.

During her time at the UMP Library, Ms Magadule was introduced to various sections, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of library operations. A detailed schedule was prepared, indicating the specific sections she would visit and when. She began her practical experience on 10th June, following the provided schedule. Her engagement included both back-office and front-office activities, offering her a well-rounded perspective on library functions.

Throughout her stay, Ms Magadule proved to be very engaging, eager, and willing to learn. She observed the acquisition process, technical functions required to make books available on shelves, and interacted with faculty and system librarians. She also gained hands-on experience at the circulation desk, participated in shelving and shelf reading, and engaged with after-hours operations staff.

Ms Magadule’s visit was a valuable experience for both her and the UMP Library, reinforcing the importance of practical training in the field of library and information science.