Almost half-way up the mountain ...

Friday (16 April 2010):

Never realised it as clearly as today - we are actually in a very competitive money-making business ...

Dr Gansen Pillay (Vice-president: Research and Innovation Support and Advancement, NRF) gave a most inspirational/motivational talk. As with academic researchers, librarians also need to conduct research to inform what they do, and stay abreast of new technologies and support services. We definitely have an impact on the bigger picture. Take decisions that are best for our country, and not only for an individual university. I also want to make a difference! Once I go back I want to inspire others to also do research, and further their studies. Remember to put one foot in front of the other ...

Susan Veldsman (Director: Scholarly Publishing Unit, ASSAf) introduced us to global and developing world publishing. Currently 7 open access journals (41 issues, 735 articles) are hosted on SciELO. These journals need to adhere to specific criteria: need to be DoE accredited, ISI or IBSS rated. My suggestion: Feminist Africa. When asked afterwards she told me that they encourage universities to host journals e.g. on OJS, so that they at least become visible and articles are cited.

Prof Johann Mouton (US, CREST) explained bibliometrics, the impact factor and university rankings. Need to have discussions with him re how SUNscholar, CREST and the SU Research Office can work together ...

Prof Adam Habib (UJ, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Teaching) shared his passion for helping students without the necessary resources with us. He is also a huge supporter of open access! In his words: "We should become part of the global access movement!" We must become innovative in finding solutions for local problems, and start functioning as systems: "Act as a system, or fail as an institution".
My personal experience: Have been trying very hard to establish a CoP in the form of IRSpace/IRTalk in SA, presented lots of workshops on IR's. Only one or two "share" - others keep info to themselves ... Competitiveness?

Group work: If you have to go back to your university, what is it what you want to change, and how will you change it?

Ina

Some photos from our "sundowners on the mountain":

Carnegie Day 5

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