Gerda Ehlers’s almost 40 years of service are a testimony to her dedication to UP. She tells Tukkievaria about her role at the Department of Library Services and her long career at UP.

“Some think that one should not work for longer than five years at a company or institution – my opinion is that stability has a bigger advantage for growth and development,” says coordinator and senior information specialist at the Learning Centre, Department of Library Services, at the University of Pretoria (UP), who details her long career path and loyalty to UP.

Tell us a bit about your background.

My journey with UP started in 1979 when I enrolled for a BA (ed) in Pre Primary (nursery school teaching). I stayed at Jasmyn house (currently House Khutso) for two years, which made me a stronger and more independent individual. I majored in History, Psychology and Pedagogics. 

I was offered a permanent position as a nursery school teacher after I had completed my four-year degree. I loved teaching and I still have a passion for educating small children. However, after two years, I decided to do something else and started to work at the National Library. 

I had already developed a love for teaching, libraries and books when I was young, and teaching and librarianship were the best professions for women at the time. It is against this background that I decided to further my studies in Library and Information Science at UP, which I carried out after hours while working at the National Library. It was very difficult to work a full day, attend classes in the evenings as well as write tests and exams, and do assignments. During my studies, I was invited to interview for a permanent position at the UP Library. I began my career at UP on 1 August 1985.

Which positions did you occupy prior to your current one?

I started in the Interlending Office while completing my degree in Library and Information Science. I then did my honours degree. After that, I was moved to the General Reference section. After one year, I became an information specialist in the Natural and Engineering Sciences Faculty’s library, where I delivered information services to most of the Natural Science departments, such as the Geology, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Consumer Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Mining Engineering departments. 

I attended a variety of management and leadership courses that helped me to develop my leadership and management skills over the years. I will be forever thankful for all the opportunities I received at UP to develop myself and grow in my career.

How rewarding is your career?

The greatest reward is acknowledgment from my clients and is proof that I helped them. “I could not find the article and you assisted me to find it – thank you so much for that,” are words that warm my heart.

What attracted you to UP and how long have you been here?

My loyalty to UP started during my student years. As an alumnus, I developed a love for the University, and after 39 years, I will continue to be loyal to UP, which is where I spend a large percentage of my life. UP will remain part of me until I die; I will always be thankful to God for my career and life at UP.

Considering your years of service, could you offer some tips on how to remain a loyal employee?

Some think that one should not work for longer than five years at a company or institution. My opinion is that stability has a bigger advantage for growth and development. I developed a passion for my work and interaction with the students. It is important to me to treat every colleague with respect and dignity. Always walk the extra mile and give your best. Never be content with what you have achieved; grow and develop your skills continuously.

What would you like to improve in your section/department and why?

The needs of our clients change continuously. I would love to modernise and create more spaces that will address the needs of our current clients. We need to keep up with the rapidly changing technological environment.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I enjoy helping students who struggle to perform and encouraging them not to give up. One of my roles is to train students on plagiarism, academic writing, referencing, etc. There is a huge gap between Grade 12 and university studies. Some students struggle to cope with the tertiary environment, and I enjoy helping them to overcome these barriers and support them in achieving their goal of obtaining a qualification.

One of the strategic goals of the library is to support students academically to achieve their goals. It is my privilege to contribute to this strategy and to align it with the strategies of UP. It is so satisfying when students acknowledge me. They will say things like: “Ma’am, I remember you trained me in 1990 when I struggled with my studies” or “Ma’am, I graduated and am now busy with my PhD; I remember how you helped me.”  

Not one day is the same. I work with a variety of students, from a first-year to a 90-year-old who needs assistance with a book he is writing.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

The least favourite part of my job is the technology that does not work and the slow network. The perception that libraries are no longer valuable and necessary also bothers me. Also, I never want to work in the back office. I prefer the interaction with students and clients.

What are your personal likes and dislikes?

I do not like people who lie and gossip. I love the sea. I feel close to God when I sit or walk along the beach. I would love to retire on the coast. I also like to socialise.

What do you do in your free time?

Read books, walking and watching movies. I also enjoy spending time with my family.

Favourites:

Sport: Rugby and one-day cricket

Food: I love milk tart, anything with coconut and traditionally cooked food, the kind we used to eat on a Sunday afternoon when I was a child, like leg of lamb with baked potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans.

Movies: There are so many good movies, but I loved Braveheart, The Notebook and The Passion of the Christ. I also love romantic movies like Persuasion.

Actors: Richard Gere, Meryl Streep, Russell Crowe and Mel Gibson

Musicians: Engelbert Humperdinck and Luciano Pavarotti; I also love classical music.

All-time heroes: There are many people who are heroes – individuals who work hard and achieve so much against all odds. I admire people who grow up in less privileged environments but have courage. My all-time heroes are my father and mother. They were hard-working, dedicated parents who taught me to love God, and live an honest and righteous life. They also taught me strong values and to be determined to achieve my goals in life.