CPUT Libraries Celebrates South African Library Week
CPUT Libraries joined the rest of the country in celebrating South African Library Week (SALW) from 17 to 21 March, under the theme Libraries for Sustainable Communities.
As centres of lifelong learning and social support, libraries play a crucial role in South Africa's journey toward building sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities for all.
One of the highlights of the week was an exhibition at Wellington Library, which showcased student-led recycling and sustainable community projects. These initiatives, focused on recycling, reuse and waste management, demonstrated the innovative work being done by students. The exhibition was a testament to the dedication and creativity of students working to make a tangible difference in promoting environmental awareness and action.
Another memorable event during Library Week was a visit by learners from Balvenie Primary School to the Bellville Campus Library. The learners spent a day filled with educational activities at the library, including story readings, sustainability-themed puzzles, and a guided tour of the library. The learners had the privilege of meeting and engaging with library staff, who were welcoming and eager to share their knowledge.
The experience offered them an opportunity to engage with the library space while learning how sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of life. By participating in interactive activities, the learners saw firsthand how libraries support education and inspire environmental consciousness.
According to CPUT Libraries, South African Library Week is a reminder of the vital role libraries play in shaping the future of our communities. CPUT Libraries continue to inspire and educate, helping to create a more sustainable world. Together with their partners, CPUT Libraries are committed to ensuring libraries remain at the heart of education and community development, providing spaces where knowledge, creativity, and sustainability flourish.
Advancing Workplace Skills Through Data Literacy
Academics, librarians, and industry partners recently attended the 3rd Research and Information Literacy Skills in the Workplace Seminar, hosted by CPUT Libraries.
This year’s event focused on data literacy and was held at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre, where attendees were welcomed by Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning.
In his opening remarks, CPUT Libraries Director, Prof Elisha Chiware, said that over the past six years, they had been engaging key stakeholders and partners in a bid to improve students’ research and information literacy skills as they enter the workplace.
“In today's data-driven world, the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data has become an essential skill for professionals across industries and work activities. Data literacy is critical for informed decision-making, for strategic growth, for competitive advantage, for effective communication as well as critical thinking.”
The keynote speaker was Prof Tiko Iyamu from the Department of Information Technology in the Faculty of Informatics and Design.
His address was titled: Creating value using big data analytics: The Reality in Practice and was followed by a question-and-answer session, which included questions on the dangers associated with big data.
The event included several presentations with topics ranging from The Imporance of Data Literacy in the Teaching Profession to How Librarians can respond to Researchers’ and Students’ Data Literacy Training Needs.
The day culminated in a panel discussion on a number of key areas and the panel members were: Iyamu, Prof Hanlie Dippenaar (CPUT Faculty of Education), Joey Klaaste-Salmans (Western Cape Education Department), Prof Julia Bauder (Grinnell College, USA), Dr Kirstin Krauss (WWIS), Dr Mathew Moyo (NWU) and Dr Vusi Mshayisa (CPUT Faculty of Applied Sciences).
The topics included the importance of data literacy in the workplace, the role of AI tools and data literacies required by new graduates entering the workplace.
Libraries’ Director highlights the benefits of collaborations at Oxford University
CPUT Libraries’ Director, Dr Elisha Chiware accentuated the values and benefits of collaborations and partnerships among academic and research libraries in Southern Africa in the provision of better library and information services in response to universities’ goals of teaching, learning and research.
General Botha’s family donates book to CPUT
CPUT Libraries recently received a book donation from General Louis Botha’s family which they dedicated to Maritime students.
Student beats poverty and bereavement to receive degree cum laude
While juggling his studies, work and maintain his family in Rwanda, a married father of two will be receiving his Master’s in Business Administration in Entrepreneurship with cum laude during this Summer Graduation.
My library, your library
As gateways to knowledge, libraries play an important role in the development of communities.
Read your favourite newspapers and magazines online
CPUT staff and students now have online access to 5 500 local and international newspapers and magazines.
