Current awareness is the term used to describe staying informed by keeping up to date with the latest publications, research and news in your field.
The perspective of current awareness is the present and the forthcoming, as opposed to the retrospective.
Current awareness ranges from looking for information on specific topics on a regular basis (and this usually involves the assistance of your Personal Librarian to help you set up a search profile matched to your research interests) to embracing a wider, more general, and cross-disciplinary view that brings an element of serendipity into your search for the latest information.
Informally, researchers remain alert in all contexts for useful information and insights that will inform their daily practice, their research, and spark off innovative and creative ideas for new avenues of research.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations
'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.'
‘Inspire and unify civil society, business, government and the media to build the reputation of South Africa, and contribute to its global competitiveness.’
Highlights
The year is marked with many special days, weeks, and months dedicated and devoted to raising awareness about important issues.
This monthly post, compiled by the Information Search Librarians Team, will note special dates and themes, and draw your attention to possibly interesting cross-disciplinary topical references intended to inform and to inspire ideas for research.
02 March 2017
Esther Mahlangu tribute to Mandela, The Melrose Gallery, Johannesburg
Globally acclaimed South African artist Esther Mahlangu will unveil an important series of works based on drawings by Nelson Mandela.
04 to 12 March 2017
RapidLion - The South African International Film Festival, Newtown
Now in its second year, RapidLion also known as The South African International Film Festival celebrates the magnitude of BRICS and African filmmaking with a special emphasis on South African cinema.
10 March 2017 - 20 May 2017
Sarafina, South African State, Theatre in Pretoria
Sarafina! is a South African musical by Mbongeni Ngema depicting students involved in the Soweto Riots. It was adapted into a 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Leleti Khumalo and premiered on Broadway in 1988.
12 March
Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly The Argus)
What started out as a peaceful protest to raise awareness about the need for bicycle lanes in South Africa in 1977 has evolved into the largest individually timed cycling event in the world.
13 to 17 March 2017
Engineering Week, Johannesburg
The Engineering Focus Week is a showcase of the wide range of careers available in the industry and provides a platform for learners and educators to interact with the industry.
14 Mar 2017 - 15 Mar 2017
The Royal Moscow Ballet, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg
The programme is a Tribute to the Great Russian Composers.
21 March
This national day-off is both a stark reminder of the tragic Sharpeville massacre and a celebration of South Africa’s unique constitution, which gives equal rights to all.
23 - 26 March
Eco Film Festival, Cape Town
The annual South African Eco Film Festival brings to the foray the best local and international eco documentaries.
24 March - 30 July 2017
Big Bug Expo, Sandton
The Big Bug Expo showcases and presents the lives of insects in a uniquely entertaining manner. Gigantic models of various bugs, alongside metal, plastic, wood and glass sculptures.
25 March
Earth Hour is a global call for the protection of the planet and for people to take a stand against climate change. It is a worldwide symbolic event focused on switching off the lights for one hour and to take climate action.
Top stories
South Africa
Africa
World
Should you wish to read Current Awareness guides of previous years, visit the Archive.
If you are looking for 2017's forthcoming conferences, the following websites are helpful:
This month's articles of choice
International Protection of Human Rights
John P. Humphrey
The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 255, Foreign Policies and Relations of the United States (Jan., 1948), pp. 15-21
The Energy Situation in South Africa
T. Malan
Africa Spectrum, Vol. 9, No. 2 (1974), pp. 152-174
Alternative Energy Sources for Africa: Potential and Prospects
David Hilling
African Affairs, Vol. 75, No. 300 (Jul., 1976), pp. 359-371