Page 4 - Unisa Library Flipbook

1. Message from Senate Library committee Chairperson
Access to information resources and services is essential for the achievement of superior academic skills in higher education. Therefore, the University of South Africa has made provision for the development, expansion and maintenance of library and information services. The growth of the resources of the library and specialised information services during the period under review were designed to enhance research, teaching and learning support to all clients.
The library is an integral part of the Portfolio: Research, Innovation, Post Graduate Studies and Community engagement and contributed to achieving the Portfolio’s mission to advance research and innovation at the University. The annual report highlights the services, facilities and resources of the Library in support of the research niche areas of the university. Speci c areas included knowledge generation and human capital development in response to the needs of South Africa and the African continent, the promotion of democracy, human rights and responsible citizenship, innovation and capacity building in science and technology, economic and environmental sustainability and Open Distance Learning.
The Senate Library Committee commends the management and sta of the Unisa Library on its achievements and has supported the library with its developments and initiatives.
PROF L LABUSCHAGNE
CHAIRPERSON: SENATE LIBRARY COMMITTEE
2. Message from Executive Director
The Unisa Library expanded its services and collections in all formats as detailed in the report. This was made possible with the ongoing support of Unisa Management and the professionalism and commitment oftheLibrarysta toclients. Thiswasalsoenhancedbythewell-developedcollectiondevelopmentpolicy and procedures and the collaboration with the colleges to ensure that the budget was spent on relevant and recent resources.
The major focus of the Library’s operations is to support research, teaching and learning. Highlights in the period under review include the 7th Research Symposium co-hosted with the Unisa Department of Information Science. The Symposium boasted an array of local and international speakers who all contributed to a conversation on how to successfully move the Library and Information Science profession to new heights of technology and information access in an ethical fashion.
In collaboration with the IFLA Regional O ce, the Unisa Library hosted the 9th IFLA Public Lecture on “African Librarianship in the 21st Century”. Other highlights include the 2016 Open Scholarship Seminar, the Library Technology event, various exhibitions, book launches and World Book Day celebrations.
DR B MBAMBO-THATA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: UNISA LIBRARY
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