Unisa made a significant impact at the 2024 Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) conference, held from 1 to 4 October at the Durban International Convention Centre. This prestigious event, themed Libraries in an Age of Democracy, brought together educational institutions, public libraries, and industry leaders to explore the role of libraries in fostering access to information, community involvement, and knowledge sharing in democratic societies. Additionally, Unisans won top prizes for their exceptional dedication and commitment to their profession.
Unisans at the LIASA conference
Celebrating leadership and innovation
Ahead of the annual conference, a dynamic preconference workshop was hosted at Unisa’s KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Region through the collaborative efforts of the Clarivate User Group, Unisa Library and Information Services (LIS), LIASA, and the University of the Free State. The preconference provided attendees with training and skills, facilitated by leading experts in the field. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure library professionals stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape, gaining the tools and knowledge needed for modern information management.
Trusted leaders in the profession
During an award ceremony, three Unisans stood out best amongst other recipients in receiving the highest accolades. Mokgadi Senyolo, Acting Head of the Subject Branch, Muckleneuck Campus, won the Influential Library Leader Award for her exceptional leadership, while Lindi Nhlapo, Head of the Florida Subject Branch Library, was honoured with the Patience Maisela Selflessness Award for her dedication to commitment to service and her selfless contributions to the community and the library and information services sector. Additionally, Sbongiseni Ngubane, Library Manager at the university’s KZN Region, was a Librarian of the Year finalist – a testament to his outstanding contributions. These recognitions underscore Unisa's leadership in promoting innovation and inclusivity in the library and information services sector.
Mokgadi Senyolo and Prof Mpho Ngoepe
In his congratulatory message, Professor Mpho Ngoepe, Executive Director: LIS, emphasised the importance of dedication and service in the library profession. He praised the recipients for their hard work and commitment to advancing the field, highlighting that such recognition is a testament to their influence and ability to inspire others. "Your achievements bring pride not only to Unisa but to the entire academic community,” he said. “As trusted leaders in the profession, your contributions help shape the future of library services, and together, we can address the challenges we face while building a stronger foundation for the future.”
KZN MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies into information sharing and storage. He emphasised the government's commitment to making libraries accessible to all communities of KZN.
Dr Matlala Mahlatji, a lecturer in the Department of Information Science, presented on Preparing future information professionals for Society 5.0, while Senyolo and Dr Daniel Mosako, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Science, presented on Adapting LIS education to meet the evolving demands of society: Trends, challenges and opportunities for curriculum development and professional development. Through his presentation, Mosako shed light on incorporating of new technologies in the LIS sector to advance the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in the educational and professional world.
From left: Prof Samuel Mojapelo, Prof Mpho Ngoepe, Mosadi Malekana, Kefilwe Molefi, Sekhutlo Dikhoba, and Itumeleng Mpete
Dr Mduduzi Ntetha, a non-commercial digital resources developer at LIS, presented on Services, competencies, and responsibilities: case of research in academic libraries in South Africa. His paper recommended that research libraries should engage in vibrant marketing operations to stimulate the users’ awareness of the library services and products and to teach them how to make the best use of the library. Dr Lethabo Ledwaba, who received the award for Best Oral Presentation, spoke on Education and training for information organisation, sparking crucial conversations about the future of LIS education.
The LIS and the Centre for Lifelong Learning drew visitors to their exhibition booths through showcasing, among others, the Programme in Archival Studies and the Programme in Children and Youth Librarianship, as well as significant milestones accomplished in the past three decades of the country’s democracy.
With discussions focusing on digital transformation and the future of libraries, the 2024 LIASA Conference was deemed a resounding success, reaffirming the vital role libraries play as community hubs for knowledge, learning, and innovation.
* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Officer, Department of Library and Information Services, with assistance from ChatGPT
October 28, 2024 | Category: Tell us
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