Decolonising the Library Collection and Fostering Inclusion

The University of Pretoria (UP) is actively pursuing transformative initiatives, including the decolonisation of its library collections, to promote equity, inclusion, and the amplification of historically marginalised voices. This critical theme was the focus of a recent hybrid seminar hosted by the Department of Library Services (DLS), drawing a diverse audience of librarians, archivists, students, and academics.

The DLS Director, Ms. Lindiwe Soyizwapi called for a reflective dialogue on the essence of decolonising library collections and the shared responsibility it entails. The seminar aimed to foster best practices, facilitate critical engagement, and surface pressing issues surrounding this imperative.

Professor Mpho Ngoepe from UNISA delivered a thought-provoking keynote titled "Decolonisation and (Re)Africanisation of Library Collections in the Digital Era". Drawing on his publication, Indigenous Archives in Postcolonial Contexts (2024), he reinforced the role of cultural traditions such as oral histories, songs, and rock art as vital repositories of heritage. While acknowledging the challenges in integrating these elements into academic libraries, Professor Ngoepe highlighted digitisation programs as a practical solution to preserve indigenous languages and cultural practices. He emphasised the importance of securing funding to support policy shifts required for such transformative projects.

A panel discussion led by UP experts examined the university’s Anthropology Collection, a unique historical resource. Dr. Jimmy Pieterse advocated for preserving the integrity of this collection by relocating it to the Special Collections unit. Professor Tanya van Wyk from the Theology Department inspired critical reflection, urging attendees to reconsider traditional patriarchal viewpoints and adopt more inclusive perspectives.

Ms. Marguerite Nel, Head of Acquisitions in the Department of Library Services, detailed the library’s strategies to optimise space through decentralisation of lesser-used titles, maintaining close collaboration with faculties to align collection development with academic needs. She reassured attendees that curriculum requirements remain central to acquisitions decisions. While some participants expressed concern about retaining physical books, the panel discussion exemplified the critical dialogues necessary to ensure diverse and comprehensive library collections.

The seminar also featured contributions from international experts. Rachel Hosker from the University of Edinburgh shared her institution’s efforts to engage faith communities in collection curation and advocated for cataloguing as a tool for activism and representation. Wynand van der Walt presented a compelling case for adopting African-centric lenses in ontology and taxonomy development. He challenged attendees to create new epistemologies and take steps toward “decolonising” the internet, a bold and transformative vision.

This seminar exemplifies UP’s commitment to critical engagement and innovation in decolonising knowledge systems, setting the stage for meaningful progress in reshaping library collections to reflect diverse voices and perspectives.