Participation of Humanities Information Specialists in the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum Exhibition

The Humanities Faculty Library had the privilege of being invited to participate in the 2023 Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum Exhibition! The exhibition was hosted by The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) under the theme: "The current state of global peace and security architecture - utilization of existing capacity by peace institutions." 

Ms Boitumelo Masilo, the Information Specialist for Political Sciences and International Relations, as well as Ms Nomthandazo Dyantyi, the Information Specialist for Gender Studies, represented the Humanities Faculty library on the day of the exhibition at DIRCO. Together, they worked with different departments at the university to source material for the exhibition. The Department of Political Sciences generously donated two boxes of journals on mediation, while Ms Dyantyi and Mrs Fundiswa Buthelezi, from the Department of Gender Studies, arranged for several boxes of books to be displayed and given away at the exhibition, from their department’s collection.

The event was attended by high-profile guests, including Minister Naledi Pandor, and ambassadors and delegates from various countries. It was marked by vibrant discussions that were centred around the role of women in peace and mediation initiatives. The display was well received and sparked interesting conversations between delegates and the information specialists present. The event also presented the opportunity to showcase the Department of Library Services (DLS) products, services and resources. Attendees were impressed by the titles on display, which were chosen due to their relevancy to the theme and were handed out at no additional cost. After the event, exhibitors and librarians had the opportunity to tour the DIRCO library and its facilities. 

It was a worthwhile event that not only enhanced the relations between the DLS and other libraries but also presented opportunities for future collaborations and showcasing of our libraries.

Delegates viewing the UP DLS exhibition: engaging and receiving free books.

Boitumelo Masilo and Nomthandazo Dyantyi at the UP DLS exhibition table.

Boitumelo Masilo, Nomthandazo Dyantyi and Claudine
du Toit. The UP and DLS information specialists and the DIRCO librarian.