UP’s Department of Library Services is currently commemorating South African Library Week, under the theme ‘Libraries foster social cohesion’.

This year, South African Library Week, which began on 18 March and runs until 24 March, features the theme ‘Libraries foster social cohesion’. The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Library Services comprises nine libraries across five campuses – on Hatfield, Groenkloof, Mamelodi, Prinshof and Onderstepoort campuses. 

During South African Library Week, the department takes pride in its role in fostering social cohesion. By providing spaces for work, relaxation and social interaction, the libraries contribute to a vibrant and connected academic community. The department exemplifies how libraries contribute to social cohesion in various ways.
Providing inviting spaces: The libraries offer diverse environments for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to study, gather and socialise. Students can reserve discussion rooms online for collaborative assignments, while the Book Nook with its comfortable beanbags provides a relaxed atmosphere for unwinding.

“I mostly book out the Discussion Rooms on level 1 using the ‘seat and space’ booking system on the website, so we can have our project group discussions in an enclosed area where we will not be disturbed,” says undergraduate Samukelisiwe Twala. “The booking system is efficient, easy to use, quick and very convenient. It is also useful for meetings with the Climate Justice Society that I am in, so we can hold our executive committee meetings there in private. Additionally, the rooms are useful for group study sessions where we can be productive together – studying collectively motivates us.” 

The Research Commons on various campuses serves as a hub for social dialogue and scholarly exchange, providing areas for socialising, lunch and relaxation, and group study rooms to facilitate brainstorming sessions.Providing innovative spaces such as the Library MakerSpace and the XR Toybox: The MakerSpace encourages collaboration and creativity among students. It’s equipped with 3D printers, scanners and various hardware tools. The XR Toybox, launched in May 2023, allows staff and students to explore cutting-edge extended reality (XR) technology, promoting experiential learning. “We have visited the XR Toybox in the new medical library and such innovations are stimulating,” says Thokozani Simelane, an undergraduate student.

Providing access to information and technology: In the digital era, libraries play a vital role in providing access to information and technology. The libraries offer internet connectivity and a wide range of resources to support students' academic endeavours. Through both online and in-person group training sessions, students gain essential skills to navigate library resources effectively. 

The Learning Centre focuses on undergraduate support, offering training sessions for academic success. “[The libraries] offer so much, like computers and books that I usually use for my assignments,” says undergraduate Lerato Ngobeni. “It pushes me every day to have digital literacy skills and literacy in general.”

Hosting educational and cultural events: The libraries host events on various subjects, bringing together students and researchers to exchange knowledge and expertise. These events, such as discussions on the National Budget speech, foster engagement and collaboration. Live video coverage via Facebook streaming ensures broader participation. 

Over the past year, notable exhibitions such as the Philately exhibition and the Ancestral Voices event have showcased significant projects undertaken by South African Heritage Publishers. “I was at the library for one of their events and I had come with some people from my residence,” postgraduate student Sinekhaya Fikeni recalls. “This gave me an opportunity to engage better with them better and break the ice. We ended up laughing with each other and finding new opportunities to hang out.”

Don’t miss out on our South African Library Week competition! Enter to stand a chance of winning exciting prizes from Bookmark and Artisan Coffee bar & Restaurant. Enter here.