A colloquium on Web 2.0 technologies, held jointly by the CPUT and University of the Western Cape (UWC) Libraries, provided a forum for both institutions to explore new technologies that could improve their service to library users.

Web 2.0 refers to recent advancements in World Wide Web technology that provide the ability for users to collaborate and share information online. It is a topic currently garnering the attention of university libraries worldwide, as the role played by these technologies in the lives of students continues to increase.

The CPUT/UWC colloquium took place at the UWC Library Auditorium on 25 November 2009. Johann van Wyk, Education Library Manager at the University of Pretoria (UP), was Guest Speaker, and opened the colloquium by discussing the strategic plan that his library had rolled out in order to better utilise Web 2.0 tools and the generally positive response of UP students

Van Wyk provided examples of blogs that Library staff members had set up in order to provide online forums for literature discussions and environments for collaborative bibliographies.

“The environment has changed. A new virtual world exists. We cannot wait for them to come to the library. We must take ourselves to them,” he said.

The colloquium included addresses by UWC Library Director Pateka Matshaya, CPUT Informatics and Design Lecturer Prof Melius Weideman, UWC Lecturer Sandy Zinn and Nikki Crowster of Calico. CPUT Libraries Deputy Director Michiel Moll provided the closing address.

According to Moll, the CPUT and UWC Libraries are embarking on a process of increased coooperation between the two units.

“We feel that together we can achieve more and, as libraries, we are not in competition with each other, but both are there to serve our users. Projects such as this colloquium, closer working on an individual level and further joint projects are envisaged,” he said.

Matshaya said that she foresaw the two institutional libraries working together in the areas of staff training and development and in the sharing of expertise, innovations and IT solutions.

Commenting on discussions she had held with CPUT Libraries Director Dr Elisha Chiware, she said: “I strongly believe that, taking this relationship forward will be the responsibility of our staff as that approach will ensure long-term sustainability.”

The Web 2.0 colloquium was organised by Sulaiman Majal, Janine Lockhart and Yunus Omar of CPUT and Lilian Mitchell-Kamalie of UWC. The event was sponsored by Emerald, SWETS and Springerlink.

By Ilana Abratt

Photograph: Attending the CPUT/UWC Web 2.0 Colloquium were (left to right) CPUT Lecturer Prof Melius Weideman, UWC Library Director Pateka Matshaya, Library Manager at the University of Pretoria Johann van Wyk and CPUT Libraries Deputy Director Michiel Moll.

Written by CPUT News
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A new website, launched by CPUT Libraries will help the institution’s staff and students find an international audience for their research papers, presentations and theses.

The site, known as Digital Knowledge, was launched on 22 September 2009. It includes facilities that allow any staff member or student to upload items to an online library of academic work. The site is searchable via Google and Google Scholar, enabling academics from Universities around the world to access CPUT research output.

Welcoming guests to the Digital Knowledge launch event, CPUT Libraries Director Dr Elisha Chiware described the historical role of libraries as a centre for storing and organising works and looked at the various methods libraries have used over the centuries to accomplish this purpose –from indexes to abstracts to today’s online search engines.

He drew attention to modern society’s demand for immediate access to information and stated that web presence is becoming a key factor in rating academic institutions.

“Through the Digital Knowledge platform, CPUT will not only increase its web presence but will also attract top academic staff,” he said.

CPUT Vice Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, also addressing the audience at the event, took the opportunity to formally welcome Dr Chiware, who joined CPUT as Library Director earlier this year.

She said she was elated with the development of the new site and thanked senior library staff for their hard work in bring the project to fruition.

The Digital Knowledge site is hosted by USA-based online publisher Berkely Electronic Press and uses the organisation’s Digital Commons platform. Other institutions with research repositories based on Digital Commons include Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon Universities in the USA, the Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland, and Bond University, Australia.

CPUT Libraries signed a three-year hosting contract with Berkely Electronic Press in January 2009 and worked in conjunction with the company to develop the repository according to CPUT’s needs.

Library staff member Deborah Becker served as Project Co-ordinator with Imraan Baderoen assisting with information uploads.

Several staff members and students have already uploaded their work to Digital Knowledge and have witnessed a rapid turnaround in international interest. A thesis on Managing Absenteeism written by Library Staff member Janine Lockhart was recently uploaded to the site and was downloaded 53 times within a two-and-a-half week period.

Staff, students and other users can access and contribute to the Digital Knowledge site by clicking the Digital Knowledge button on the CPUT Libraries web page, or by visiting http://dk.cput.ac.za

By Ilana Abratt

Photograph: (top) Attending the launch of Digital Knowledge were CPUT Libraries staff member Michael Smith, Libraries Director Dr Elisha Chiware, Digital Knowledge Co-ordinator Deborah Becker, CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo and CPUT Libraries staff members Michiel Moll and Janine Lockhart. (lower left) Part of a screen shot from Digital Knowledge (lower right) The CPUT Libraries home page

Written by CPUT News
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Navigating CPUT’s academic library’s thousands of books, online journals and databases can be a daunting task for students.

But thanks to library staff, students are being shown step by step, how to find their way around any of the institutions 11 libraries.

The library developed the Information Literacy short course and Librarian Janine Lockhart says over just five modules students are trained to identify information, evaluate it and how to use information legally and ethically as well as how to reference.

Lockhart says these skills form a key component of academic life and a base for those who will pursue postgraduate studies.

Already 2 700 students have completed the course since its launch last year and recently the Library Director, Elisha Chiware, recognized a group of Analytical Chemistry students who were among the first to ace the course.

When starting out at CPUT, student Qiqa Mevana says she never considered the important role the library would play in her studies.

“I always relied on Google and never knew that I could access online resources such as Google Scholar, where I could find referenced information,” says Qiqa.

“The course taught us simple ways to research information, rather than having to go through hundreds of books or websites to find what you are looking for.”

Annually the library invest R13 million into new resources and currently boasts 265 327 books, 22 919 e-books, 43 Elsevier e-text books as well as 31 platforms which provide access to a total of 100 databases that includes numerous e-journals.

Director of the Library Elisha Chiware says this course is just one of the many initiatives to ensure students make use of these vast resources.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

CPUT Libraries, in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), recently joined the global celebration of World Book and Copyright Day under the theme "Read Your Way”.

This annual event is observed worldwide, and it serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of books and authors, while also highlighting the importance of copyright protection in fostering creativity and innovation. The World Book and Copyright Day holds profound significance, tracing its roots back to UNESCO's decision in 1995 to commemorate April 23rd as a day of literary celebration. This date was chosen to honour the birth and death anniversaries of renowned authors, including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, underscoring the universal appeal of literature and its timeless impact on human culture.

At the heart of CPUT's celebration were esteemed guest speakers, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students, all gathered to partake in a series of enlightening discussions and presentations. Yunus Omar, Library Manager of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, set the tone for the event, emphasising the importance of reading as a transformative force that enriches the mind and broadens the horizon. Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of writing and storytelling, stressing that it is crucial to create avenues where individuals can share their narratives and contribute to the rich tapestry of literature. Maphumulo also highlighted the critical role of access to books in empowering individuals to chart their intellectual journey. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts, such as this event, to bridge the gap and make educational resources more accessible to students.

There were also insightful presentations by guest speakers, Ntombozuko Bota- CPUT alumna and author of a book: A Seed Grown Into Flower and motivational speaker and Musa Tshabangu- first-year student and author, who captivated the audience with their inspiring journeys and invaluable insights into the writing, publishing process, and importance of copyright. With firsthand experience and expertise, they shared practical tips and financial considerations essential for aspiring authors, shedding light on the intricate path from conception to publication. Musa has authored two books, Decision Making and Koke ngaphasi komthunzi welanga kune skhathi sakho.

Under the adept direction of Regina Sikhosana, Library Manager, Faculty of the Engineering and Built Environment, the programme unfolded seamlessly, providing a platform for dialogue, learning, and inspiration. Janine Lockhart, Scholarly Communication and Digitisation Services, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their contributions and commitment to promoting information literacy as a skill taught in libraries to support learning and teaching, and protection of authors’ copyright and intellectual property following the Protection of Personal Information Act.

Ntombekhaya Gwaqa , Marketing Librarian, said the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day was a testament to the institution's unwavering dedication to fostering social cohesion, a culture of reading, learning, and creativity. “Through collaborative endeavours and insightful discourse, it reaffirms the enduring significance of books as vessels of knowledge and the indispensable role of copyright in safeguarding the fruits of human imagination. As we reflect on this commemorative day, let us renew our commitment to cherishing literature, nurturing talent, and upholding the principles of intellectual integrity and cultural diversity.”

Written by CPUT News
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