RLC Librarians on the Move

Co-Producers of knowledge

2011-10-27T16:13:00.003+02:00

It's the end of the first week since we left Mt Fleur. I hope we have settled in well after some time away. Now it's time to work work and work. Institutional goals and strategies and how to implement them and those who will be going to the US please let us know so that we can send our lists of goodies to be brought back!

I already miss all of you, don't forget Prof Foster - you are guardians, distributors and keepers of knowledge.

SUNDOWNERS

2011-10-27T15:49:00.006+02:00

Congratulations team, you did it!!!

Thanks Michael for taking us through the rough terrain.

Librarians to bring change and recognition to our profession

2011-10-26T09:51:00.006+02:00

After the academy, it is clear that what we have learned, is going to bring changes and improvement in our profession and as it is known that our profession is under threat and the aging workforce, it is up to us the new generation of librarian on the move to carry the torch of light, development and research shine. The impact of ICT in library operations should not overwhelm us but we need to embrace and be leaders in this field as the technology is being used everywhere (e.g. I Pads and Mobile phones). We need to be on top of our game and this team is the one that is going to change the library world and gain respect it deserves.

THANK YOU MONT FLEUR STAFF

2011-10-24T16:01:00.004+02:00

QUOTABLE QUOTES WEEK2 @ THE ACADEMY

"Librarians must understand user needs at their time of search", Ms Jenny Walker

"We need to be able to catalogue content to make it easier for eventual users, the way they want it, not the way we structure the library", Mr Richard Higgs

"Claim your space as librarians within content management", Mr Richard Higgs.

"Think about scholarly communication as a conversation", Prof. Moragh Paxton.

"Good writers capture ideas on the piece of paper, without worrying what the reader would say", Prof Chrissie Boughey.

"Writing is a process of discovering meaning", Prof. Chrissie Boughey.

"The function of copyright and intellectual property is to stimulate innovation", Dr Colin Darch.

"We need more patents because they are an indication of development", Dr Colin Darch.

"Doubt everything you read, unless you believe in it", Dr Colin Darch.

Farewell 21 October 2011

2011-10-21T08:14:00.003+02:00

I echo the sentiments of Dilshaad and Jacob. It has been a fantastic experience. I have met such wonderful people and learnt so much in the two weeks that I have been here. I did not suffer from 'information overload' as the programme was so varied and stimulating. Thank you for the words of comfort and reassurance I received while my husband was in hospital. I will miss this beautiful setting, the warmth and hospitality of the staff at Mont Fleur and the delicious food. I will also miss the company of my friends.
Thank you to everybody who have made this experience worthwhile.

Packing up

2011-10-21T06:10:00.000+02:00

The time has come to head home!I'll miss waking up to the twitter of the birds.

I would like to thank the following people for making the Academy such a memorable and rewarding experience: Joan Rapp and Pamela Snyman(and the rest of the UCT Law Library staff for holding up the fort in my absence. Karin, Colin & Pat for putting together an interesting, varied & stimulating programme. The participants for sharing their experiences and ideas and being such good company.

Not surprisingly, the Academy met my expectations.

Farewell to Mont Fleur

2011-10-21T02:23:00.003+02:00

One of the hardest things is to say "Goodbye" to the people you spend two weeks with. It was hard for me to say "Goodbye" because I will miss the warmth that I enjoyed being surrounded by 19 ladies what made sure that I become settled and enjoyed my stay at Mont Fleur and not feel isolated as the only man. It was good for me to experience life in the women's world as there was no single day where I could go to sleep without enjoying jokes, laughing and sharing family matters. It was an experience of a life time and I enjoyed every minute. Ladies, we will always meet on "Cyberspace". Thank you for making my stay at Mont Fleur one of the unforgettable memories.

Changing role of a librarian

2011-10-20T15:15:00.003+02:00

As Prof Christie has indicated in his speech, for South African Universities to compete equally in the academic world, libraries and librarians should play a pivotal role in supporting the research endevour in the research environment. How do we do this as librarians. Contentrate on PhD's. According to Prof Christie, "not only must our libraries be transformed to enable the writing of great PhD's by very many more people in South Africa than hitherto, but many more of our librarianss must themselves come to hold PhD's, whether in librarianship and informatics or in any academic subject under the sun". This is a challenge for anyone in the library sector to look at improving his/her educational qualification but fortunately those of us who attended the research academy, had an opportunity to endevour in this journey to start writing and to persue the ultimate goal of achieving PhD's in our field and beter still, being subject specialists in our fields. As we are supposed to support academics, Masters and Doctoral students, the notion that having the right qualification (PhD) means you will be able to talk the same language as your clients. Let's think about this????

Yoga

2011-10-19T20:56:00.003+02:00

After listening to all the wonderful and informative session for the day, to refresh our minds and bodies, Yoga was the answer and also prayers from "Sma" helped a lot.

2011-10-19T19:01:00.003+02:00

We can only do the best we can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGMW6YWjMxw

Getting your research ideas down, to published outputs

2011-10-18T23:49:00.001+02:00

Great stuff, Lucky thanks for posting the pics. Today's sessions were really outstanding. All 3 presenters (Prof Paxton, Prof Boughey and Prof Nassimbeni) touched to the core of the real matter.
I stayed up first part of the night just practicing free writing (thanks to Prof Boughey!)To be honest I found it difficult to stop after 5 minutes so I let my fingers carry on for a bit longer. Its great fun. I guesse this part of the brain just enjoys to be liberated. Lets keep the skill, or rather lets nurture it some more!

Let me retire now, am really exhausted after that mountain walk and seeing those breathtaking views! Its been an amazing day, and thank God we missed the storm!

Research writing , publishing & mountain climbing

2011-10-18T22:31:00.009+02:00

Today's day was outstanding. I just wish all the presentations heard today should have been done three or four months ago. This is what we all have been hungry for to write productive research, proposals and research paper. Prof Paxton just drove on Genres, and Prof Boughey flew with research writing. I need to start practising free writing and keeping a reading journal. The cream of the research cake was Prof Nasimbeni with research reviews. Boy my head was about the burst with information!

By the way today we retired the day with mountain walk again. This time I managed to reach the destination "top of the mountain".I'm very proud of myself. The mountain view was calling and the nature was so beutiful.

Will the internet kill the web?

2011-10-18T22:25:00.003+02:00

What do others say? In all other very interesting presentations, my heart went to the presentation done by Dr Colin Darch on this day.

"Let us be Radical Librarians"

2011-10-18T17:40:00.000+02:00

Librarians it's time for change,change is here and change is now! Let us not be scared of the changing technology. Let us take our reference desk to where the researchers congregate...let us teach, read,write and publish!

"Let us all stand on the shoulders of the giant"-Sir Isaac Newton

Tuesday 18 October 2011

2011-10-18T16:55:00.007+02:00

Chrissie Boughey gave us such inspirational ideas on how to write. I like the idea of free writing and the keeping of a journal.

Research Writing

2011-10-18T16:55:00.004+02:00

I found today's three sessions on Research Writing, Genre as a Resource for Writing, and Getting a Paper Published to be 'lifesaving' experiences.

Working with GENRES - Prof Paxton in Action

2011-10-18T16:52:00.003+02:00

Todays sessions was very informative. From GENRES as resource for the writing of Research to Research Writing to Getting a paper published. The circle was completed! Good luck with the article writing.

Raining! 18 Oct 2011

2011-10-18T07:14:00.003+02:00

It is raining today. Looks like we will not be going for our mountain walk.

The changing world of the library environment

2011-10-18T04:13:00.004+02:00

The sessions that we attended on Monday, 17/10 clearly highlighted the notion that the world of the library has changed a lot and it is still changing and it is up to us as young librarians to make sure that all the changes that are taking place in the library in terms of the new technology that is invading all spheres of life we embrace and we use it to our advantage and this clearly shows that must always be on top of things by acquiring all the skills related to the use of this technology. It is not worth it if we carry the mentallity of "it is not part of my job description" then I wont do it as this is a remedy for failure as the world will pass you and you will fade back into the dark ages and the library environment will become a nightmare for you. We need to grab every opportunity that is brought to our shore and utilize it so gain as much information as possible.

Monday 17 October 2011

2011-10-17T19:11:00.005+02:00

Apart from print and electronic information, librarians should also be aware of other data such as experimental and computational. This formed the basis of Yasien Sayed's talk. He also stated that from his experience students are moving away from printed to electronic information. Jenny Walker carried this idea further by stating that only 3% of students use the library website to search for information. They prefer a single search box for everything. Richard Higgs made an interesting point. He said that we should structure content the way users want to access it, not according to organisational silos. Colin Darch pointed out that in future libraries will have to deliver content to mobile devices. Real food for thought.

Wow what a moment!

2011-10-17T08:19:00.003+02:00

At the Water Front yesterday, we bumped into Freshlyground 'Nomvula' - musician.

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16

2011-10-17T00:46:00.005+02:00

Saturday, we had a short session, and most people went to their homes and relatives and I was on the remained behinds but I am telling you, we had movie afternoon and enjoyed the big screen and snack, by the blink of an eye, the day was gone. Sunday after breakfast we hit the road to the Waterfront and the girls had a serious jol and a bit of shopping therapy to take the week out of the system. The snippets

Friday 14

2011-10-17T00:31:00.007+02:00

Another interesting presentations day. Today I also met my former professor and supervisor Prof. Andrew Kaniki. The day was suppose to end with the sundowners on the mountatin, but the weather was too angry for outdoor. A glinch of action pics

Thursday 13

2011-10-16T23:33:00.012+02:00

Additional to the interesting presentations of this day. The Yoga session was a classic, I wish I had camera at hand to take photographs because I really don't know how explain the ladies abused looks from the session, while the instructor was very relaxed. Before the day ends the drumming began and was the best ever and the mountainswe responding to the music from the talented librarians. Zixoxwa ngezithombe( pictures can tell a lot

2nd Week of the Academy

2011-10-16T21:46:00.003+02:00

The Academy is meeting most of my expectations. I am looking forward to more interesting presentations and stimulating discussions next week

Sunday 16 October 2011

2011-10-16T18:32:00.002+02:00

We have been here for a week. Time has gone by so quickly. What an inspirational week it has been. Today we had a bit of R&R. Some of us made a trip to the Waterfront. We saw Freshly Ground performing and we even bumped into the lead singer while shopping! What a wow moment.

Drumming 13 October 2011

2011-10-15T21:08:00.004+02:00

After a day of concentration it was relaxing to do the drumming session .We all had fun.

Tea time @ Mont Fleur

2011-10-15T20:44:00.003+02:00

Thank you to all the staff for being so caring and friendly.

2011-10-15T18:49:00.005+02:00

16 October 2011

Good day everyone

We are having a great time in Mont Fleur. This is the most wonderful experience I ever had. Inspirational speakers, good hospitality and delicious food.

Yesterday morning we had a very interesting session on social media. Key technologies that were touched - Google Reader, Facebook and Twitter. It was very interesting to hear that these tools are not only for chit chat but also to discuss and engage with library users.

The afternoon was quiet, most people left as we are having a short break until Sunday. Today, those who left in Mont Fleur will be spending a day in Cape Town at the Water Front.

Saturday 15 October 2011

2011-10-15T15:10:00.003+02:00

We had an interesting presentation by Tony Carr and Janine Dunlop on using technologies. We were shown how to tweet. Research has shown that most students use twitter. The library can use this to their advantage in sending out library related information to students.

It was a very quiet day today as most academy participants went home for the weekend. But, at least we can catch up on our work.

QUOTABLE QUOTES OF WEEK 1 @ THE ACADEMY

2011-10-15T15:01:00.012+02:00

"You can not manage what you can't measure", Cyril Walters.

"Librarians should be champions of democratic knowledge", Prof. Donald Foster.

"Democracy can be mighty convenience for those in power, the struggle for information is the struggle for power", Richard Calland.

"We should open up debates of disciplines and not restrict our students into compartments", Prof. Lungisile Ntsebeza.

"It's difficult to built theory from a case study", Prof. Liesel Ebersohn.

"In order to make progress as a researcher, you need to learn to say NO, particularly to other people's interests", Lisa Kane.

"Just because people are illiterate does not mean that they are stupid", Prof. Juliet Armstrong

"There are no easy answers on where to start in research" Lisa Kane.

"Emotional traps limit us from moving forward", Shamiema McLeod.

"We do best when we do things once", Dr. Robert Morrell.

"Knowledge is a very fragile thing", Prof. Martin Villet.

"Innovation is not all about technologies, but how to do things better", Dr. Andrew Kaniki.

"Don't get excited if you don't get cited", Prof. Johann Mouton.

"The world of publishing is driven by Web of Science", Susan Veldsman.

"Going through peer review process is dramatic! it works on your self-esteem", Susan Veldsman

Friday 14 October 2011

2011-10-15T15:01:00.011+02:00

Martin Villet gave an excellent presentation on forensic entomology. It was interesting to note from Johann Mouton that universities throughout the world are accountable for their research output. In South Africa there are rewards and incentives in place to increase production. Susan Veldsman gave her account of the difficulties involved in scholarly publishing. There is a new South African database out called ScIELO.

Thursday 13 October 2011

2011-10-15T13:55:00.002+02:00

University of Pretoria's Dept of Education works closely with certain schools in providing knowledge. This formed the basis of Liesel Ebersohns talk. Teachers are elected to counsel children with emotional problems by way of 'body mapping.' Lisa Kane described her journey as a doctoral candidate, which can be very tough and lonely. Shamiema McLeod encouraged us to get rid of our 'fears.' Later on in the day we had a wonderful yoga and drumming session. These two were the highlights of the day for me, oh and off course the food.

The end of week one @ the Library Academy

2011-10-14T22:41:00.002+02:00

I just cannot believe that we are at the end of week one! Time has just been flying with the most interesting speakers and most wonderful and weird topics!! I have been exposed to so many interesting concepts, ideas and new initiatives. Each speaker being significant in what they presented.

There are more! We had fun with a ‘yoga’ session, drumming and a picnic lunch in the tranquillity of the beautiful gardens of Mont Fleur. The most beautiful sunsets, mountains draped in pink shades and and ….

Wednesday 12 October 2011

2011-10-13T08:58:00.008+02:00

Hugh Corder made an interesting point. As a professor of law he felt that it is imperative for law librarians to have a law degree in order to provide a professional experience. Adam Haupt spoke about copyright infringement especially with regards to music. I never realised that hip hop music can have a deep socio-political meaning. Diane Hilderbrandt provided a unique example of sending postgraduate engineers to the library for training. Postgraduates are given a bursary and sent to an overseas conference. M.Sc. students are asked to present their results at a local conference in order to provide them with the necessary exposure in their field of study. She also emphasised the importance of electronic journals and databases. Lungisile Ntsebeza gave an interesting account of his research concerning rural youth. While undertaking his research he found out that addressing tribal authorities and community members by his clan name elicited more information than addressing them by title. It automatically connected him to the community.

We had a wonderful picnic lunch.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

2011-10-12T23:49:00.003+02:00

Over and above the delicious food, interesting talks. my today enspiration presenter was Dr Kristina Bentley, taking about my rights to access to information even if I am an individual. From today, I am assured that I have my rights even to the Makana Municipality,or what ever supersised authority. Another inpirational talk of my day was from Prof Lungisile Ntsebeza, the urban and the rural youth, the transformation and the traditional leaders, clash due to transfomation. Very interesting reality research. My day was sealled by busking in the sonar and later a swim, what a refreshing night. Mount Fleur staff continously caring about each and everyone of us, with our diverse needs. I already had several stomach aches, it must have been the excitement, of course not food silly ! but they haven't gave up on me. The fact is that we need brain enlargement to accomodate the rest of the academy.Our facilitators are brilliant too.

RLC JOURNEY

2011-10-12T23:15:00.006+02:00

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Journey to education and leadership continues today. Lots of interesting talks, but my favourate of the day was Prof Donald Foster, talking about knowledge. Guys that man is a walking , talking, sleeping eating Psychologist. Very knowledgeble of the fileld, a brilliant lecturer too. He clarify our position as librarians in that from today onwards when people ask of what we do as librarians , we will have to answer that, "We are the co-producers of knowledge" I wouldn't miss his lecture even if its a downey in the cold Grahamstown weather. Our first session of groups was also one of the interesting potions of my day. Sharing common knowledge and seeing how diverse locations doen't affect the quality of production we provide. Common thinking. The day ended up with a guided walk, and the classic is I turned on the way before distination because I am mountain sick, my system refused the smell of different herbs, the great news is after I have turned back the group saw a snake, what a blessing in disguised. I am not friendly with snakes , but I had told the group ealiar that I will just catch it by tail and throw it away. What a pleasant weather in Cape Town.

2011-10-12T22:52:00.003+02:00

Tuesday 10 October 2011

Today we started listerning to different researchers talking about their specialised research fields and their interests All the speakers were brilliant very knowledgeble of their fields. We kicked off with Prof Archie Dick. Wow what an interesting talk,I never noticed the importance of having your research affected by your emotions, Then Jeanetta, the elephant guru. She is so passionate about doingher study with elephants, you just cant stand between her and the elephants, Very interesting research.I just liked the way Prof Herman Wasserman talked and praised the usefullness of the library in his jounalism research needs, noted though that we need to think of outsorcing the archived tabloid newpapers, Rolien will handle that, piece of cake to her. Big up to Rhodes library!

Tuesday 11 October 2011

2011-10-12T09:12:00.005+02:00

Stan du Plessis through his dynamic voice and presentation made a very boring topic (economics) very enlightening. He collaborates with librarians and this makes his work much easier !!!! An interesting point that he made was that he has a library in his office in the form of a computer as he can access all the e-resources that he requires. He also visits the library should the need arise. Juliet Armstrong gave a very interesting talk about her involvement with traditional Zulu homesteads and the marketing of traditional pottery. Donald Foster kept us enthralled for one and a half hours talking to us about the subject of psychology. He says that we should be co-producers of knowledge.

Monday 10 October 2011

2011-10-12T08:45:00.004+02:00

The talks given by the two US interns were very enlightening. What I would take back with me from Sunette Steynberg's experience is her example of the 'human boolean'. Interestingly she spoke about how much the mind can take in and expand. She sees herself not part of support staff but as a research partner. Cyrill Walters emphasised the idea of physical space which is so important to meet the needs of students. Students should love being in the library as is the case at UCT. What I would take back with me is the practice at Purdue Univ? where every student is matched to a librarian. Emails are sent by the librarian to every new student. Carla Tsampiras from the History Department, Rhodes Univ presented a very refreshing talk about her collaboration with librarians through her research process. Through her cooperation with librarians she has amassed a huge amount of information something that she would not have been able to do had she done it on her own.

2011-10-11T13:57:00.001+02:00

Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful venue, wonderful nosh and the great speakers!

2011-10-11T11:53:00.002+02:00

Finally here,
Sunday we got to know one another, very exciting. Wonderful people I am privileged to be here. Thank you all for the company.

Library Academy 1st day

2011-10-09T23:02:00.002+02:00

This first day in the Library Academy has been great. Warm welcome by the Mount Fleur staff members. The "know each other better" session , a been a brilliant way to break the ice and knowing each other better. It wasvery nice to know other collegues and their interest. I made lots of friends too. I loved it :) . By the way good food, complements to the chefs. RLC manangement you guys are great and a thank you to ours Directors and Managers for the opportunity. Big up to the library profession!

Sunday 9 October 2011

2011-10-09T21:56:00.007+02:00

Found at the foot of the mountains Mont Fleur is a hidden gem. The setting is beautiful and the staff so friendly. The academy participants arrived here around 2-3pm. We had a fun filled 'get to know each other' session followed by a scrumptious supper. We have a wonderful team and am looking forward to sharing the coming events with them.
Have to get to bed early to get up in time for my walk tomorrow morning at 6am with my SU colleagues.

Arriving at Mont Fleur - Sunday 9 October 2011

2011-10-09T21:46:00.008+02:00

Arriving at a place with the most beautiful surroundings, we passed through strawberry fields and vineyards heading towards the mountains and here at the foot of the mountain we found Mont Fleur http://www.montfleur.co.za/ Friendly and supportive personnel who helped everybody to their rooms to settle in.
At 17:00 'Getting to know each other' - was so nice to meet everybody and get acquainted - this was fun spending three minutes with everybody. At 18:45 spoilt with wine - and received a warm welcome.
Had a dinner to die for!! - Thank you so much. Looking forward to our stay and the learning experience.

RLC

2011-10-07T09:29:00.001+02:00

See you on Sunday.

Stellenbosch joined the Libguides community

2011-10-06T20:21:00.003+02:00

Stellenbosch recently subscribed to Libguides. At the moment we are busy customising our system and planning a template.

Would be great if all the Rhodes, Wits and UCT colleagues and everybody else with Libguides experience could bring and share ideas, procedures and standards to the Library Academy so that we could discuss what worked and what not during your Libguides implimentation projects. Questions I have is about the governance you have in place and what level of training was necessary to get everybody to use, create and market their Libguides subject guides.

Looking forward to hear about your Libguides experiences.

See you all on Sunday!

2011-10-06T12:00:00.000+02:00

Hi there

Hope you all get everything done before Sonday! I still have tons to get in place at home and at work. Elbie

At last Mont Fleur Meeting everybody and Learning more about research!

2011-10-06T11:41:00.002+02:00

Sunday is near and I am looking forward meeting everybody and to learn more about research. The drumming session sounds fun! Till then from Stellenbosch library - Marleen

Library Academy

2011-10-03T11:20:00.002+02:00

The reading list for the 2011 Library Academy has certainly broadened my horizons on the state of Academic Librarianship!

I am looking forward to the Academy...

First time blogger!

2011-08-01T09:08:00.002+02:00

Hello all 2011 RLA delegates,

I recently joined this blog as 1st time blogger & hope you all have a good week ahead of you. I wish to sincerely thank my employer the University of Cape Town: Libraries, especially our director Ms. Joan Rapp, for this opportunity. I hope I can live up to the standards set by previous candidates!

DianneS
PS: Thank you Caroline for the invite.

Google Scholar Citations

2011-07-23T09:49:00.001+02:00

Spotted on the Google Scholar Blog -

...use a statistical model based on author names, bibliographic data, and article content to group articles likely written by the same author. You can quickly identify your articles using these groups. After you identify your articles, we collect citations to them, graph these citations over time, and compute your citation metrics. Three metrics are available: the widely used h-index, the i-10 index, which is the number of articles with at least ten citations, and the total number of citations to your articles. We compute each metric over all citations as well as over citations in articles published in the last five years. These metrics are automatically updated as we find new citations to your articles on the web.

Here's the link to the full posting.

Thank you

2011-07-08T13:43:00.002+02:00

Hi Caroline
Thank you very much for inviting me. My name is Smangele Moyane, I'm the Subject Librarian at UKZN Westville Campus, specializing in Management Studies. I'm looking forward to be part of this team.

Thanks
Sma

Gwenda Thomas Appointed as Executive Director: UCT Libraries

2011-07-07T11:44:00.000+02:00

The University of Cape Town has announced the appointment of Ms Gwenda Thomas as Executive Director: University Libraries with effect 1 November 2011. She will be taking over from Ms Joan Rapp, who retires in October 2011.

Hi Everyone

2011-07-06T10:06:00.001+02:00

My name is Dilshaad Brey. I have been an Instruction and Information Services Librarian at UCT's Brand van Zyl Law Library since 2001. I am looking forward to welcoming you to UCT at the Roadshows and interacting with you at Mont Fleur!

2011-07-05T17:46:00.002+02:00

Hi Caroline

Thank you for inviting me to the RLC blog and making me a member of the community, I really feel honoured and like to say 'hi' to all of the invites. I am Maggie Moropane an information specialist at the Education faculty of the University of Pretoria, responcible for Humanities, Arts, Human Movements and Languages. The RLC could not have happened at a better time! I look foward to it with eagerness and will to learn from it.

Maggie

RLC Librarians on the Move - Busi Khangala

2011-06-28T10:31:00.002+02:00

Hi Caroline

Thanks for inviting me to join the blog. I'm looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead.

vacancy - UCT Libraries, Co-ordinator: Teaching and Learning Services

2011-06-27T11:29:00.002+02:00

We invite applications from qualified candidates for a newly created permanent post in UCT Libraries. The successful candidate will co-ordinate and manage library services which are focused on undergraduate teaching and learning and will give direction to and manage the marketing of library resources and services.

Requirements include:

· University degree in library and information studies
· 8 years in user services areas of a university library
· 4 years in a management role in university library public services
· Significant experience in marketing university library services
· Experience in coordinating and supervising library instruction in a large academic library
· Significant experience in support of focused and targeted undergraduate services
· Evidence of development and management of innovative undergraduate services
· Experience in developing services aligned to current technologies and understanding of international best practice in learning technologies

This post involves some evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities include:

· Management and co-ordination of library services targeted at undergraduates
· Co-ordination of library instruction
· Liaison with the Centre for Higher Education Development at UCT
· Management and coordination of the library marketing functions

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is negotiable between R344 130 and R404 849.

Application process:

To apply please e-mail the completed UCT Application form and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, to Ms A Botha, UCT Libraries, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700.

E-mail: amanda.botha@uct.ac.za; Telephone: +27 21 650 3100; website: www.lib.uct.ac.za

The application form can also be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Reference number for this position: SR138/11

Closing date for applications: 13 July 2011

UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at http://hr.uct.ac.za/policies/ee.php.

RLC Librarians on the move - Joining

2011-06-19T14:39:00.003+02:00

Dear Caroline.
Thank you for inviting me to the blog. My name is Nicolene Mkhathali. I am presently employed as a Faculty Liaison Librarian for the Humanities & Education at Rhodes University. I started working at Rhodes University in July 2000 as a Cataloguing Librarian. In 2010, I was appointed as a Librarian in the Faculty Liaison Team for the Humanities & Education Faculties. The departments I am dealing with are Education, Chertl, Sociology and Anthropology.
I am very excited to be part of the Library Academy and looking forward to it.

Pre-print article in College & Research Library

2011-06-19T13:57:00.002+02:00

An interesting pre-print paper in College & Research Library which just goes to show that South African academic librarians not the only ones grappling with this issue.!

Assessment of the Research Learning Needs of University of Saskatchewan Librarians: A Case Study

Alvin M Schrader, Director of Research ,

Ali Shiri

Vicki Williamson

As academic librarians with faculty status increasingly embrace research engagement as a core value and requirement, one of the little studied questions is the extent to which they possess the requisite knowledge and skills to conduct high quality research and scholarship, and what further learning needs they might have within the organizational setting. This paper summarizes an institutional case study of the research knowledge of academic librarians employed at the University of Saskatchewan, encompassing their current research interests, experiences, competencies, environmental context, and learning needs. The goal was to develop a framework for additional educational activities and institutional supports that would enhance their knowledge and skills.

RLC Librarians on the Move - Joining

2011-06-15T08:12:00.000+02:00

Hi Caroline,
My name is Isobel Rycroft and I am the Librarian of the Music Library at the University of Pretoria. I have been here for 17 years of which 10 years as the Information Specialist. I look forward to the Library Academy and know that we will all learn a lot. I think it is a wonderful opportunity to share and work with other librarians and to know that we can go back and be better librarians to our departments and an asset to the University.

vacancy - UCT Libraries, Manager: Access Services

2011-06-10T15:47:00.002+02:00

UCT LIBRARIES
Manager: Access Services
(Payclass 11)

We invite applications from qualified candidates for this permanent post in UCT Libraries. The successful candidate will manage the Access Services Division of UCT Libraries, which includes Circulation Services, Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery, Short Loan, and Stock Management.

Requirements include:

· A university degree in library and information science
· Six years’ experience in managing Access Services areas in a large academic library with successful management experience in all lending/borrowing units – including circulation, short loan, and interlibrary loan
· Knowledge of Sabinet and other international lending protocols, policies, requirements, and systems
· Professional-level experience in an information services/reference area
· Excellent communication skills
· Significant experience with and in-depth knowledge of the Aleph online library system
· In-depth knowledge of South African copyright law as it relates to reproduction and use of copyrighted materials

This post involves some evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities include:

· Managing and supervising units which provide access to UCT Libraries’ collections and to materials from other libraries nationally and internationally
· Developing and ensuring implementation of policies with regard to access to the Libraries, their collections, and their services in all branches and locations of UCT Libraries
· Providing leadership with regard to relationships between UCT Libraries and clients, by ensuring that access and information policies and services align to strategic plans and goals
· Participating in the overall management of UCT Libraries

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is negotiable between R344 130 and R404 849.

Application process:

To apply please e-mail the completed UCT Application form and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, to Ms A Botha, UCT Libraries, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700.

E-mail: amanda.botha@uct.ac.za; Telephone: +27 21 650 3100; website: www.lib.uct.ac.za

The application form can also be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Reference number for this position: SR131/11

Closing date for applications: 27 June 2011

UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at http://hr.uct.ac.za/policies/ee.php.

Hi everyone

2011-06-10T15:34:00.004+02:00

Hi Caroline, Thank you for inviting me to the blog. I am Vuyo Gontshi currently working as a Faculty Liaison at Rhodes University at the Commerce Library. I have worked at UCT Main Library for about 10 years in different faculties. I spent 11 months at the UCT Graduate School of Business as an Information services Librarian before joining Rhodes. My main role was training everyone on campus on the use of the virtual Library.
I am excited to be part of the Academy and I look forward to participate fully in it and to meet everyone.

RLC Librarian on the Move - New Member

2011-06-08T10:51:00.002+02:00

Dear Caroline,

Thank you for inviting me to this blog. I am Nabisa Mbali a faculty liaison librarian for Education & Humanities at Rhodes University. I worked at UKZN as a subject librarian for Science and Education. I also worked at Helderberg College as a reference librarian and technical services librarian for 10 years. I have been selected to attend the RLC in Stellenbosch, October 2011.

Joining - RLC Librarians on the Move - Susan Scheepers

2011-06-07T10:30:00.002+02:00

Dear Caroline - thanking you for inviting me to contribute to the RLC blog.

My name is Susan Scheepers. I work in the Health Sciences Library, University of Pretoria for the past 15 years, the last 8 years being an Information Specialist. The departments I am responsible for: Nuclear Medicine, Radiogy, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition.
I am so privileged to be selected to attend the Library Academy and I am looking forward to this opportunity with such excitement, to learn, gain experience and share with other librarians. I am sure the experience will be of great benefit to me, my researchers and my institution.

RLC Academy

2011-06-07T08:55:00.002+02:00

Dear Caroline,
Good morning and thank you for the invite. Opportunity knocks once, and when it does, you grab it and run! The RLC is one such opportunity for me, and I am very blessed to be apart of this group. Looking forward to the challenge.
Margaret.

Lucky

2011-06-06T15:40:00.006+02:00

Hi Bloggers

Lucky is my name. I am a Law Librarian at Rhodes University, Grahamstown Eastern Cape. I love sharing things that make interest on libraries especialy law libraries , cause that is where I am . Well I have ten years expirience as a Law librarian but that does not make me an expect. In this field we will all agree to learn something new every day, but I am available for if and when needed for help and I would like to know and connect with people of similar interests. It is my wish to be always updated with what is happening in the legal field all over the world though specifically my joint RSA and to update my library as well. I hope this is any librarian dream too. So let us keep each other abreast with current information, workshops, conferences, and share share share.

Library academy Oct 2011

2011-06-06T12:54:00.003+02:00

Hi all Library academy candidates (Oct 2011)

I am looking forward to the Library academy at Mon Fleur in beautiful Stellenbosch this year.

Academy

2011-06-06T12:44:00.000+02:00

Dear Caroline

Thank you for inviting me, I am looking forward to be an active participant in the Academy.The overseas pictures are so beautiful. Thank you.

Infographic: Anatomy of a Librarian

2011-05-05T09:17:00.000+02:00

Infographic: Anatomy of a Librarian

Dr Raj Patel - Inspiring keynote at the ACRL 2011 Conference

2011-04-01T21:18:00.004+02:00

Raj Patel succeeded in doing exactly what is expected of a keynote speaker –challenge traditional perceptions and inspire new ideas and thinking. Dr Patel,activist, academic and speaker, interpreted the ACRL 2011 conference theme of “interdependence” into his world of economics, democracy and food crises. This had us taking a step back from our present everyday professional concerns, to acknowledging a much bigger encompassing global reality. With charm, eloquence and audacity, he managed to create the kind of energy that is essential for going beyond the mere sharing of experiences to the creation of new perspectives and opportunities. Great, inspiring! PS. Dr Patel, an Oxford graduate, is currently a visiting scholar at the University of California –Berkeley and an a Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in SOUTH AFRICA! With luck, we could probably convince him to speak to librarians in South Africa one day as well.

PowerPoint karaoke

2011-03-31T04:23:00.004+02:00

A really fun event at the ACRL conference in Philadelphia this year, is Battle Decks. It involves participants presenting PowerPoint presentations they haven't seen before! Five or six participants compete for a grand prize (an iPad, of course) by "talking to" a library orientated presentation consisting of 10 slides. They have to do this in 5 minutes and are judged in categories, such as flow, audience participation, completion, etc. Hilarious stuff!

Postgraduate Supervision Conference at Spier

2011-03-24T19:49:00.002+02:00

The third bi-annual international conference on “Postgraduate Supervison: Promoting a culture of postgraduate scholarship” will be held on 18 – 21 April 2011 at Spier. The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers and practitioners of postgraduate supervision to share research results and excellent practices. The conference is organised by the Centre for Higher and Adult Education at the University of Stellenbosch.

Here's a link to the programme - of particular interest to us, as academic libraries supporting research, is Theme E: Support roles – promoting the scholarship of postgraduate supervision

The Postgraduate Supervision Conference almost slipped under the radar (for me, at any rate).
And in fact, this is so relevant for us as RLC Librarians! Hope that some of us get the opportunity to attend.

A web of words

2011-03-23T02:36:00.002+02:00

This wonderful student art work, made from pages from a discarded encyclopedia, has been suspended from the staircase in the Perkins Library at Duke. From above it looks like a giant spiderweb, caught in the spiral structure of the staircase, but from below it looks like jellyfish tentacles, swaying gently back and forth in the currents of the sea. It's great to see student art displayed like this in the library because it gives the art students an opportunity to showcase their work to students and staff who wouldn't normally see it.

DrupalCon 2011: The Future is Greater Than Features | American Libraries Magazine

2011-03-21T11:23:00.000+02:00

DrupalCon 2011: The Future is Greater Than Features | American Libraries Magazine

Thank you, Mortenson!

2011-03-02T05:54:00.004+02:00

Tonight was our farewell dinner at the Mortenson Programme. And, in one way, it is like saying again goodbye to "home" - because, Ashton Woods and the Illinois campus (and especially the Yellowhopper bus) became an important part of our life here in the USA! A very special word of thank you to Barbara, Susan, Katie and Jamie - thank you for making these nearly three weeks of our stay unforgettable! We are going to miss you!

Research Consortium Group in Purdue on Friday with Barbara Ford, Director of the Mortenson Center in Champaign Illinois (photo courtsey of Lucia Schoo

2011-02-21T04:51:00.002+02:00

Wow!

2011-02-19T02:14:00.001+02:00

We reached the end of our first week in the USA, and I cannot believe how much I learned already. When looking at the wonderful research and learning focussed facilities at Perdue, I once again realised that we need to rethink our services and approaches towards our users. I also enjoyed listening to Scott Brandt informing us on all the wonderful digital and data curation projects they are involved in. It was also interesting to listen to Megan Sapp Nelson's interesting research projects and work.

At least, we arrived and departed in style and glamour - just look at our limo!

2011-02-18T04:51:00.003+02:00

We had an interesting discussion today with three graduate students in the LIS and African Studies dual degree programme. Biziwe even had a chance to speak some Zulu with two of them! The day was ended on a cultural note with a visit to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for some jazz, snacks and wine tasting. The barman had been to Stellenbosch, Neethlingshof and some other wine farms - he recognized my SU badge!

Our USA Team

2011-02-16T19:27:00.000+02:00

It seems as if you are going to have a very exciting time. We are waiting in great anticipation and will look at your blogs to follow your experiences and knowledge obtained.

Good luck
Julene Vermeulen (UP)

A wonderful visit to the Ames Library in Bloomington

2011-02-16T04:53:00.006+02:00

Today we visited the beautiful Ames Library of Illinois Wesleyan. This was really a wonderful experience. The personnel were very friendly and informative. They are really doing things in a very proficient way and I learned a lot especially from the outcomes of an anthropology study recently done on their user's searching habits. I have also seen that more than just books can be issued.

Our first few days in Illinois

2011-02-16T04:16:00.007+02:00

We're only a few days in Illinois and we've already orientated ourselves with the bus system and the shopping malls. Although a little bigger and a larger variety, things are not so much different!

We were introduced to the Mortenson programme yesterday. An informal discussion and quick tour through the undergraduate library as well as the main library made me realised that we share more or less the same concerns and problems.

The main focus here, however, is on the comfort and needs of clients, namely the students, researchers and faculty staff. The university has also an obligation to support the needs of the general public. The physical design, services delivered and sources provided are all centered around supporting user needs.

The University of Illinois has several unique collections, such as the Slavery and East European collection, the early documents of the American Library Association (ALA) in the archive and a wonderful movie collection.

Users can also borrow technology, such as video recorders, Play stations, digital cameras and labtops from the library. There are also a large game collection (my son will just love this!) and game nights are held from time to time in the undergraduate library.

Today we went to the most beautiful library, namely the Ames Library at Illinois Wesleyan. This library has everything to contribute to the highest academic performance. The librarians here are also focussed and in touch with user needs.

We learned about the Ethnographic Research Illinois Academic Libraries (ERIAL) study which gave more insight about the needs and abilities of students, as well as digital repositories, library instruction and how they manage their e-journal collection.

I'm looking forward to the next day in Illinois...

Univ of Illinois Library (Champaign) Quick tour

2011-02-15T13:43:00.002+02:00

Barbara Ford gave us a quick tour of the huge Library (in two connecting buildings) on Monday. What I found especially impressive was the friendly, team spirited nature of the librarians; a visible dedication; lots of common sense applied and convenience for the students! I took only a few pictures, which is generally not allowed, to remind myself of some of the practical things we saw.
https://picasaweb.google.com/luciaschoombee

A white carpet welcome to the States

2011-02-13T21:04:00.004+02:00

A wonderful surprise to touch down at O'Hare airport in Chicago in the snow. A thick white carpet welcomed us all the way into Champaign. What a lovely start to the trip!
See pics at
https://picasaweb.google.com/luciaschoombee/USATrainingVisitChampaign

US PARTICIPANTS

2011-01-30T12:15:00.002+02:00

To All US Participants

Have a wonderful trip and a splendid time in the US!

Travel safely!

My blog

2011-01-25T11:06:00.002+02:00

How is everyone feeling? I hope as excited as I am!

I am starting a personal blog here http://solvejvorster.tumblr.com/ to record my trip experiences.

Managing your boss

2010-10-21T11:35:00.002+02:00

Following several discussions about different management issues, I came across an article from the Harvard Business Review. First published in 1980, it has become "a staple at business schools and corporate training programs worldwide". Reading through it myself, I found that it provides many good tips and promotes common sense thinking that I could use in managing all my relationships.

Here's the reference to the 2005 reprint:

Gabarro, J. & Kotter, J. 2005. Managing your boss. Harvard Business Review. 83 (1): 92-99.

I downloaded it from http://www.slmgtgroup.com/protected/Archives/Harvard%20Leadership%20Articles/Managing%20Your%20Boss.pdf

Looking Back

2010-10-20T12:08:00.002+02:00

It's good to be home but I miss the Academy dearly - Mont Fleur, All of you, the stimulating lectures, Pat's clockwork organising. What a wonderful experience!

Enjoy the pictures and the memories.
http://picasaweb.google.com/116037142212621528768/RLCAcademyMontFleurOct2010

Back home after the academy

2010-10-16T15:33:00.002+02:00

It is wonderful being back home again, but I do find myself thinking back about all of you all the time. Thank you so much to all of you. Everyone attending and presenting were contributing to a wonderful experience for me.

UKZN Research Commons turns two years old

2010-10-15T12:18:00.003+02:00

Read about it on the Research Commons Conversations blog at http://rlcresearchcommons.blogspot.com/. RLC librarians, please send me an email if you would like to be able to post to the RC blog - Caroline Dean at UCT.

Day One and Day two of Week 2

2010-10-13T07:54:00.001+02:00

This is the week when we look at developing skills for supporting research. There were some good "takeways" (food metaphor again!!)

Karin stressed the importance of knowing about the mechanics of research. And asked whether we were radical librarians who were subject specialists - or at least owned our subjects, reading subject literature and constructing bibliographies. While Colin reminded us that academic librarianship is a specialisation. There was a discussion about the tradition of "scholar-librarianship".

And he asked whether the LIS schools are teaching the right competencies, and what some of the problems within the LIS education sector were:
* too many confusing qualifications * too early as a professional degree * too much "management" * too much technology and too little technosavvy * too little subject knowledge and * too little research experience.

Johann Mouton spoke about knowledge production of SA universities, in some cases, echoing and taking the opposite views of earlier speakers. Real food for thought!!!

And Tuesday's speakers addressed issues related to access to information, intellectual property and research ethics.

(follow #libacademy on twitter for updates...)

Week2@MontFleur

2010-10-12T08:15:00.003+02:00

This week started with winter weather and likewise a complete change in direction. Monday, the focus was on what the library needs to do to partner in enhancing research. From the challenges of the new "radical flying librarian", to understanding the new "wild user" , to a hindsight comparison of the German "referenten". Very challenging and motivational. Prof Mouton explain Knowledge production in SA in such a manner that I could understand which trends can be deducted from interpreting statistics.
All in all, again a very valuable day .

One week later...

2010-10-12T00:25:00.002+02:00

One week at the Academy and cannot believe what I've learned! I just enjoyed today's presentations - all about the research environment - specifically in South Africa - and journals and ScIELO - making the life of a researcher easier, faster and better with Open Access...
To all my "30 seconds" friends - I'll miss you next week!
Have a look at the Mont Fleur Photo collection on Facebook - nice pictures of the picnic of last week.

New week at the Academy

2010-10-11T17:38:00.003+02:00

This new week at the Academy seems to be a whole new ball game. It is much more focused. I have a list for new ideas picked up here and things that I would like to implement at my institution. This list grew by leaps and bounds today. I think I need a new 'research diary'.
Sunette

Chillin' at the Academy - some photos

2010-10-10T11:38:00.004+02:00

Vacancy: UCT Libraries, Executive Director

2010-10-09T13:29:00.003+02:00

The University of Cape Town invites applications for the position of Executive Director: University Libraries. The campus seeks an innovative and dynamic leader, with a proven record as an effective manager, who is able to articulate and implement a clear vision for a major, next-generation research library in support of the University’s strategic plan. See the full advert at http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/about/intro/vacancies/execacad/2010/Libraries_ExecutiveDirector_Oct10.doc

Illustrated guide to a Ph.D

2010-10-08T22:43:00.001+02:00

Spotted this on a number of blogs - The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D.

http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/

Enjoy!

First week at Mont Fleur

2010-10-08T19:14:00.003+02:00

Wow, I cannot believe it is only one week here at Mont Fleur. I have learned so much from the lectures/presentations, but also during the group discussions with collegues from other institutions. I think the program is excellent, diverse and thought provoking. I am very much looking forward to the second week. But, first I am going to enjoy the weekend and get some sleep.

This Academy's relaxation seems to be '30 seconds' with all the fun and laughter going with it. It is wonderful to also get to know the other delegates in such a relaxed way.

Sunette

Day 4 and Day 5

2010-10-08T18:12:00.002+02:00

These two days have been really full of brilliant speakers ... I need time to digest everything, but some takeaways:

Dr Eugene Cloete, Dean of Science at US: Imagine having a university on the web using what is out there on the web already. The possibilities are endless.

Prof Renfrew Christie : We were given print copies of the talk, which I am certainly going to share with my colleagues in my library. Again, challenging .. SA University research is inadequate to serve the needs of a country of 50 million people and an economy which is in the top thirty of the world. Good specialist research librarians get Ph.ds. And what makes a Ph.d friendly library?

Dr Robert Morrell sharing his research journey, as didDr Gaelle Ramon, from the UCT Research Office. "Library" did not feature on the list of advice and services the Research Office tells their researchers about .. so here is something for the UCT Librarians to take back and work on. (Although talking to our other colleagues afterwards, the connections between the other libraries and the institutions' research offices are the same - so a challenge for all of us!)

And the very practical advice that came from Prof Chrissie Boughey about writing.

And today?
Wowee! The presentation by Prof Martin Villet on forensic entomology was fascinating, while Dr Andrew Kaniki demystified the NRF and flagged some issues for research librarians where they can support their researchers, which included the liaison with the institutions' research offices. Dr Andrew Nash compared Excellent Universities with Honest Universities, while Dr Adam Haupt introduced his research about HipHop (which I must admit I know very little about - maybe a generational thing?)

But the Wow today was Prof Adam Habib (DVC Research at UJ) with his thought-provoking, at times radical and controversial comments. We need to keep the South African context in view at all times. Yes, look internationally but keep the local context in view - in fact, start with the local context and what our students and academy needs.

A really radical thought was to use a public system to purchase access to journals, as is done in Brazil and Chile amongst other countries. That the journal budgets for all the libraries are combined and that access is purchased that way and that everyone (all institutions) have access. He raised the question of why the academic libraries were chasing international partners when we should also be looking at local partners. We need to act as a system, not individuals.

(Can I please get away from these food metaphors!!!)

2010-10-08T02:49:00.002+02:00

Day 4 @ MOnt Fleur

Pof Eugene Cloete blew my mind : a paradigm shift in tersiary education which is working smarter with what is already out there on the Net to provide a win win solution. We will gladly follow his steps to free time up for supporting researchers at our institutions. Using teaching of the highest quality from the Net and ensuring that undergrads are having FUN at learning . Its all about us finding the "fun" in our jobs too.

Prof Boughey yet again blew my mind , Where was this all my life? She unlocked the secrets of writing to us all. I am definitely starting a "Dear diary" asap to improve my writing skills and applying the pre-writing, drafting and editing steps to the process.

The yoga and drumming was a magnificent stress releasor. We could tap into our inner child to restore our energy for the rest of this uplifting Academy. Lovely rain, dramatic wind sounds and billowing clouds created an exciting backdrop to our day.