Retirement: Farewell and New Beginnings: A Heartfelt Goodbye from Martha Muller

They say most people have at least five jobs in their career. I've been happily stuck at number three for 20 years now - right here at the UP Library. 

My journey with the UP Library began in March 2002, when I started as an hourly staff member, assisting the circulation team during the busy 4–7pm shift. In March 2003, I transitioned to a permanent part-time position (9am – 2pm), where I remained until 2014, when I moved into my current role.

My relationship with UP dates back to 1978, when I began studying for a BA.Ed in Pre-Primary Education (now known as Early Childhood Education) and became a resident of House Klaradyn (now House Nala). I lived there until I graduated in 1981, four years later. So, I’m a Tukkie in murg en been!  

After graduating, I worked as a pre-school teacher at a government pre-school in Mountain View for 10 plus years. In 1994, I transitioned to lecturing in Early Childhood Development at Atteridgeville Further Education and Training College, a role I held until my contract ended in 1999.

When I first started at UP, the library looked quite different. The circulation desk served various units and departments back then. Our team at the counter consisted of seven staff members: four handling circulation, one overseeing the Minolta/Xerox printing station and two managing the bustling Study Collection (which was located where the Book Nook is now), issuing books, course reserves and law case files.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed remarkable changes - ranging from new construction to system migrations, including the challenging transition to OCLC. Through it all, the circulation teams have remained a unique and dedicated group - always the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening, ensuring the door is always open to our users. With a strong leader who plans ahead, keeps multiple priorities in sync, and empowers everyone to excel in their strengths, the team has grown from strength to strength, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

I've thoroughly enjoyed working with students — helping them navigate their challenges, listening to their quirky comments, and hearing their creative excuses for late or lost books. One message I want to share with students is this: 

Don't just do it for your parents. Do it for yourself. Discover your passion, strive for excellence, and success will follow. Your parents will be proud of you, but most importantly, you'll be proud of yourself.

What I will miss most are the people - the colleagues who brought warmth and camaraderie to every day. I’ve always cherished the smiles, waves, and greetings as you passed by my office.

Now, it’s time for a new journey, and I’m ready to embrace it.