Head of the Department of Information Science – Prof Marlene Holmner 

The School of Information Technology (SIT) comprises our Department of Information Science, Computer Science, and the Department of Informatics. Our Department, with the other departments in SIT, is an iSchool.

With great pleasure and excitement, I extend a warm welcome to both our new and current students in the Department of Information Science at the University of Pretoria. I am Professor Marlene Holmner, Head of the Department, and I am thrilled to share my vision for the future of our department with you.

My main objective is to take the Department of Information Science to new heights in terms of research innovation, academic excellence, and international recognition as we set out on this academic adventure together. I'm dedicated to creating an atmosphere where our lecturers and students flourish, adding to the international academic conversation and having a significant influence on the field.

In order to realise this goal, I'm committed to fortifying our relationships with esteemed academic associations and organisations in order to raise our profile and stature internationally. We intend to maintain active engagement with several national and international organisations, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), The African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AFLIA), ALISE, The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the iSchool Organisation, and the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). We want to stay on top of new developments in our field, so we encourage our personnel to be involved members and attend seminars and conferences.

My goal is based on guiding transformative change, leading with vision, and leaving a legacy of knowledge and creativity for Africa and beyond. I challenge each of you to actively engage in our common path, seizing the chances our department provides for development, education, and teamwork.

We are grateful to our current stakeholders and industry partners for supporting the vision of our Department.  Thank you for the opportunities you offer our staff and our students.  You make today matter through your innovative partnerships. 

I look forward to a successful and enriching academic year together.