Department of Library Services Virtual Year end function 27 November 2020

For most people 2020 began like any other year: resolutions were made, some aimed to work towards self-improvement and others wanted to eat and live healthier. Even the DLS had strategies in place to take academic librarianship to the next level, however, Covid-19 force us to change our habits and ways of living and working.

Nobody expected to be forced to wear masks and to sanitise constantly, or to be prohibited from visiting loved ones, churches or workplaces! Yet within these restrictions we resolved to be more creative and innovative, and if there is one thing 2020 has taught us, it is that things can be done differently – and the year-end function was no exception.

With continued lockdown restrictions a traditional year-end function was not be possible, so The ILL team, responsible for organising the 2020 function, resolved to host a virtual year-end celebration on Zoom on Friday, 27 November 2020.

Mr Modisa Khosi, the deputy director, welcomed everybody who attended the function. After a brief introduction, a short presentation followed in which staff members who joined the DLS in 2020 were welcomed. The presentation also paid tribute to staff members who had left the institution throughout the year.

The main item on the agenda was a vibrant and inclusive presentation in which we reflected on the year and celebrated our achievements. Hoping to end the year in good spirits, the organising committee asked every team to create one positive PowerPoint slide with a message for the rest of the library. These slides were added to the presentation and were very encouraging and inspirational.

The Library Director, Ms Lindiwe Soyizwapi, gave a very inspiring message, thanking all staff members who, in spite of very difficult circumstances and limited resources, made a positive contribution to the university community as well as a valuable impact on the life of our clients, co-workers and the broader community.

The function concluded on a high note and all staff were informed about the beautiful gifts that were waiting for them in the library.

Mr Chipa Maimela was the master of ceremonies and closed the event with a few words of thanks. We look forward to the 2021 year-end function, which is scheduled to be organised by the Scholarly Communications Unit.