Department of Library Services Newsletter - Issue 1 - 2024

Welcome and opening remarks by Ms. Lindiwe Soyizwapi, Director of the Department of Library Services

The week of 15 – 19 April 2024, ushered academics into an extraordinary journey into the realm of teaching and learning, courtesy of the Department of Library Services (DLS).

Through a series of enlightening presentations as part of Teaching and Learning Week, academics embarked on a hybrid learning experience, encompassing a diverse array of topics. These sessions underscored the unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation.

Each of these sessions served as a beacon of knowledge and growth, enriching the understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the realm of teaching and learning. By harnessing the collective wisdom of national and international speakers, the DLS took significant strides toward creating a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative educational ecosystem.

Here are some of the highlights from this week:

• Inclusive Education: Keynote speaker Ulviyya Mikailova from ADA University in Azerbaijan illuminated the path toward inclusive education, advocating for a learning environment that embraces diversity and empowers all learners to thrive.
• Social Justice in Education: Professor Daniela Gachago from the University of Cape Town delivered a thought-provoking address on social justice in the South African educational landscape, emphasising the importance of equity and fairness in education.
• AI Upskilling for Academia: Dr. Lo from the University of New Mexico provided invaluable insights into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling for academia, shedding light on the transformative potential of AI in enhancing educational practices.
• Harnessing AI for Library Services: Mr. Bonza Majozi shared his expertise on the integration of AI in the University of Pretoria environment, demonstrating how AI can revolutionize library services to better cater to the evolving needs of clients.
• Generative AI in Libraries: Robert O’Brien and Ruth Jenkins from the University of Edinburgh showcased the innovative use of generative AI in library services, particularly in areas such as referencing and research assistance, opening new avenues for efficiency and effectiveness.
• XR Literacy: Koos de Beer explored the fascinating realm of Extended Reality (XR) literacy, highlighting the role of the Toolbox at the UP Health Science Library in developing skills for navigating virtual reality environments.
• AI-Enhanced Databases: Marguerite Nel and Maritz Visser unveiled new databases enhanced with AI capabilities, offering insights into the evolving landscape of online resources and addressing key issues surrounding their utilization.
• Digital and Academic Literacies: Dr. Tabisa Mahisela and Dr. Heather Goode delved into critical topics concerning digital literacies and academic literacies, respectively, emphasizing the importance of equipping learners with essential skills for success in the digital age.

As we reflect on the insights garnered from these invaluable presentations, let us continue to champion excellence in teaching and learning, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

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