“A humanitarian spirit drives me,” says Isobel Rycroft, senior information specialist in the Department of Library Services, who has been with UP for 30 years. She chats about her many years of service.

Isobel Rycroft, senior information specialist in the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Library Services, will retire this year after 30 years of service. She talks more about how she came to work at UP and what drives her.

Where did you work before joining UP?

Before joining UP, I spent two years at the Defence Force Archives. Following that, I dedicated my time to caring for my two children until they began school. In 1994, I embarked on my journey at the Music Library.

My formative years were rooted in Sasolburg, where we lived for over 20 years. I attended Fonteine Primary School and Sasolburg High School, where I matriculated in 1977. In 1981, I obtained a BA degree in languages, later complemented by a BBibl degree.

What attracted you to UP?

From my earliest days, I wanted to work in a safe and picturesque environment. The allure of the campus, cherished since my student years, drew me back. When the opportunity arose, I embraced it wholeheartedly. I am forever grateful for being able to be part of UP for 30 years.

What do the slogans THE UP WAY and Make Today Matter mean to you?

They embody the essence of UP, which is a hub for cultural exploration, diversity, knowledge sharing, innovative thinking and global influence.

What does your work entail?

As an information specialist (formerly librarian), my clientele is undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and academic staff. My work ranges from searching for music pieces and articles, doing searches, offering advice, training and building relationships, and nurturing students to realise their full potential. Additionally, we collaborate with universities locally and abroad.

I'll be celebrating my 65^th birthday in August, which is when I will retire, marking the end of a fulfilling 30-year career. It is the close of a truly remarkable chapter in my life.

ow did you come to perform this kind of job?

My affinity for music and having it as a matric subject prompted me to pursue a position at the Music Library. I owe a debt of gratitude to Annie Pienaar, who encouraged me to pursue a degree in Library and Information Science, which I completed in 1999. Starting as an information officer at the circulation desk, I eventually ascended to head of the Music Library and information specialist. Here, I also met my soul mate and late husband, Eric Rycroft.

As a child, what did you want to be?

Originally, my aspirations leaned towards a career as a language editor, but my childhood games of playing “library-library” with my sister and stamping books must have had some influence in steering me towards librarianship.

What is the best advice you’ve received? 

To get a degree in Library and Information Science – I could study after hours while I was working.

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

I envision an expanded, modernised Music Library and a revitalised Music Department with state-of-the-art facilities, consolidating our resources dispersed across the campus due to space constraints.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

Interacting with clients, fostering relationships and aiding clients in accessing resources fuel my passion. A humanitarian spirit drives me: I am always willing to go the extra mile to fulfil their needs.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

Daily administration, like keeping statistics.

What do you do in your free time?

I read, listen to music, sing and enjoy nature. I cherish visits to my family – in Singapore, Johannesburg and on the Onrus River.

What are your likes and dislikes?

I like baking, bird watching, singing and walking. And I have a deep-seated passion for animals. I dislike any form of cruelty towards animals and children.

Quick quiz:

Sport: Tennis, Sevens rugby and athletics

Food:  Anything – but a good stew is always nice

Movies: Pretty Woman, and true-life stories

Actors: Richard Gere and Meryl Streep

Musician: Beethoven

All-time hero: My late husband