In this post I will share with you the following:
- Encore
demonstration
- Feedback
from the Campus Librarian Meeting
- April’s
farewell
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Feedback: E-strategy meeting - 17 April
The old Mancom and Library Leadership get together every 3 months to discuss progress regarding our strategic goals. The last quarterly meeting took place on 17 April and this is a summary of the main topics discussed:
Dr Bawa opened the meeting by reminding representatives to give feedback to their staff. In this post I will provide an overview of what has been discussed in the meeting, as well as the outcomes. Please note that in depth information relating to specific departments will be provided by the Team Leaders.
Dr Bawa opened the meeting by reminding representatives to give feedback to their staff. In this post I will provide an overview of what has been discussed in the meeting, as well as the outcomes. Please note that in depth information relating to specific departments will be provided by the Team Leaders.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Update: 28 March to 12 April 2012
Dear Colleagues in this post I will share information on the following:
- KPA's
- Feedback from the Circ Forum Meeting
- Charging bays
- Maintenance
- APK meeting with Dr Bawa
- How to win a laptop
- KPA's
- Feedback from the Circ Forum Meeting
- Charging bays
- Maintenance
- APK meeting with Dr Bawa
- How to win a laptop
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Update: 19 to 27 March 2012
In this post, you will find information on:
- Library Hours (Long weekends)
- Weeding
- Human Rights Display
- TypeQuick
- Feedback from Collection Development Task Team
Library Hours (Long Weekends)
Please take note of the library hours and closing times during the long weekends in April and May:
Notices to inform our clients about these hours will be put up at the entrance of the library.
Weeding
In my last post and during my departmental meetings with you, I mentioned that we had to do weeding and relocation of items in the general collection, journals and reference works. In the past few weeks I read several articles on the topic and from these articles I would like to share the following with you:
- A collection needs to be relevant and appealing - an unweeded collection has the potential to convey outdated or irrelevant information to clients.
- As irrelevant items are removed or moved from the collection, relevant items are more visible to clients.
- Browsing becomes more productive and the library looks more organised and attractive.
- Crowded shelves means that shelving takes longer and the possibility for mis-shelving increases.
- Libraries (not only ours) do not have the space to keep each and every book that was ever bought - if you keep pouring water into a glass, at some stage the glass will be full and the water will spill.
- The objective of weeding is not only to address limited space in libraries, but also to maximise the usage of the collection by moving/removing irrelevant issues.
- Weeding does not necessarily implies a loss of information. It might change the method of access to information from print to online; from direct access to indirect access (storage or ILL).
Below a picture of what we can do with the weeded books - reference desk made from books (just joking):
Human Rights Display
If you have not already, make some time to have a look at the Human Rights Display on level 6. Thank you to the Law Librarians and everyone else who assisted - I think the display looks stunning. Below some pics:
Feedback from the Collection Development and Management Task Team (CDMTT)
The meeting took place on 27 March and was chaired by Mrs Sander. From this meeting I would like to share the following with you:
- The process to incorporate the remainder of the East Rand Collection with the DFC Collection is going well.
- Faith is finalising the prescription to newspapers for libraries. Both print and electronic newspapers would be made available.
- The Donations Policy is currently under review. Input received have been forwarded to the CDMTT. Riette, Annette Liebenberg and Janina is to draft criteria for acceptance of donations and present to this task team. As a trial it was decided that all telephonic enquiries regarding donations will be transferred to Riette Zaaiman and she will co-ordinate the process.
- In order to proceed with weeding on all campuses the weeding policy should receive urgent attention.
- This year there will not be one big exhibition by publishers. Smaller exhibitions may be organised in co-operation with ACP.
TypeQuick
Imagine being able to type at the speed of thought without having to search for keys. That's what you can expect to accomplish when you learn to type with Typequick.
This software has been installed on the server and we have 50 concurrent licences. Should you want to make use of this training software, contact Vivian or Janina and we will send you the URL and assist you with the start-up and log-in.
In closing......
I would like to close on a positive note by sharing with you an email we received this week from Richardson from SWC library. Richardson spend 6 weeks in 2010 at the Info-point:
When I spent Six weeks in 2010 with you guys, I wasn’t aware how much it would help me going forward skill-wise. Now, that I have small space where I can make my own decisions on the spot I have realized meeting you was god-sent or a piece of magic. The problem I had before was the fact I would go to training for something that I thought was useful for me but because it was not in my line of job I would end up forgetting it. Thank you my Three Musketeers!! Tricks that you taught me in doing book searches, searching databases, course reserves, question papers have really come in handy. What you did was how transfer of skills should work. When I came back I was a bag full of tricks, thanks to you. Theresa, Michael and Tyson, thank you very much for your genuine and warm reception that you gave me. Thanks for your enthusiasm in showing many things I didn’t know. At the end of it UJ and UJ LIC are benefittingKunene for allowing me to go APK despite Dewey Project which was going full steam here at Soweto Campus. Thanks Janina for allowing me to use your facilities and your staff to empower myself. Thanks Dr van Vuren for facilitating everything and ensuring that I did go to APK and that my stay was both comfortable and successful. Thanks Annelize for being an enthusiastic host and ensuring that everything went smoothly, thanks for babysitting me when I knocked off at 10pm. Your presence ensured that I didn’t fall asleep. Under normal circumstances 10pm is way beyond my bed-time. You also ensured when I started knocking off at 10pm last year I had an experience of one day.
- Library Hours (Long weekends)
- Weeding
- Human Rights Display
- TypeQuick
- Feedback from Collection Development Task Team
Library Hours (Long Weekends)
Please take note of the library hours and closing times during the long weekends in April and May:
5 to 10 April 2012 | |
5 April | Library closes at 6pm |
6 to 9 April | Library Closed |
10 April | Library open normal hours (7am to 10 pm) |
26 April to 2 May 2012 | |
26 April | Library closes at 6pm |
27 April to 1 May | Library Closed |
2 May | Library open normal hours (7am to 10 pm) |
Notices to inform our clients about these hours will be put up at the entrance of the library.
Weeding
In my last post and during my departmental meetings with you, I mentioned that we had to do weeding and relocation of items in the general collection, journals and reference works. In the past few weeks I read several articles on the topic and from these articles I would like to share the following with you:
- A collection needs to be relevant and appealing - an unweeded collection has the potential to convey outdated or irrelevant information to clients.
- As irrelevant items are removed or moved from the collection, relevant items are more visible to clients.
- Browsing becomes more productive and the library looks more organised and attractive.
- Crowded shelves means that shelving takes longer and the possibility for mis-shelving increases.
- Libraries (not only ours) do not have the space to keep each and every book that was ever bought - if you keep pouring water into a glass, at some stage the glass will be full and the water will spill.
- The objective of weeding is not only to address limited space in libraries, but also to maximise the usage of the collection by moving/removing irrelevant issues.
- Weeding does not necessarily implies a loss of information. It might change the method of access to information from print to online; from direct access to indirect access (storage or ILL).
Below a picture of what we can do with the weeded books - reference desk made from books (just joking):
Human Rights Display
If you have not already, make some time to have a look at the Human Rights Display on level 6. Thank you to the Law Librarians and everyone else who assisted - I think the display looks stunning. Below some pics:
Feedback from the Collection Development and Management Task Team (CDMTT)
The meeting took place on 27 March and was chaired by Mrs Sander. From this meeting I would like to share the following with you:
- The process to incorporate the remainder of the East Rand Collection with the DFC Collection is going well.
- Faith is finalising the prescription to newspapers for libraries. Both print and electronic newspapers would be made available.
- The Donations Policy is currently under review. Input received have been forwarded to the CDMTT. Riette, Annette Liebenberg and Janina is to draft criteria for acceptance of donations and present to this task team. As a trial it was decided that all telephonic enquiries regarding donations will be transferred to Riette Zaaiman and she will co-ordinate the process.
- In order to proceed with weeding on all campuses the weeding policy should receive urgent attention.
- This year there will not be one big exhibition by publishers. Smaller exhibitions may be organised in co-operation with ACP.
TypeQuick
Imagine being able to type at the speed of thought without having to search for keys. That's what you can expect to accomplish when you learn to type with Typequick.
This software has been installed on the server and we have 50 concurrent licences. Should you want to make use of this training software, contact Vivian or Janina and we will send you the URL and assist you with the start-up and log-in.
In closing......
I would like to close on a positive note by sharing with you an email we received this week from Richardson from SWC library. Richardson spend 6 weeks in 2010 at the Info-point:
When I spent Six weeks in 2010 with you guys, I wasn’t aware how much it would help me going forward skill-wise. Now, that I have small space where I can make my own decisions on the spot I have realized meeting you was god-sent or a piece of magic. The problem I had before was the fact I would go to training for something that I thought was useful for me but because it was not in my line of job I would end up forgetting it. Thank you my Three Musketeers!! Tricks that you taught me in doing book searches, searching databases, course reserves, question papers have really come in handy. What you did was how transfer of skills should work. When I came back I was a bag full of tricks, thanks to you. Theresa, Michael and Tyson, thank you very much for your genuine and warm reception that you gave me. Thanks for your enthusiasm in showing many things I didn’t know. At the end of it UJ and UJ LIC are benefittingKunene for allowing me to go APK despite Dewey Project which was going full steam here at Soweto Campus. Thanks Janina for allowing me to use your facilities and your staff to empower myself. Thanks Dr van Vuren for facilitating everything and ensuring that I did go to APK and that my stay was both comfortable and successful. Thanks Annelize for being an enthusiastic host and ensuring that everything went smoothly, thanks for babysitting me when I knocked off at 10pm. Your presence ensured that I didn’t fall asleep. Under normal circumstances 10pm is way beyond my bed-time. You also ensured when I started knocking off at 10pm last year I had an experience of one day.
Friday, 16 March 2012
Update: 5 to 16 March 2012
Dear Colleagues, in this post I would like to share the following with you:
- Improved procedures for searching of missing books
- Feedback regarding UJLIC Strategic Objectives
- Feedback regarding the Combined Management Meeting
- One Book One Library
- Theft of library books
- Congrats to Yvonne Bucwa
- Human Rights Day
Missing Books
If a books shows available on the catalogue, but cannot be found on the shelves, please refer the client to Circulation to complete a 'Missing Book' form. These forms are collected by Shelving staff (Stanley or Sphiwe) every morning. Once the forms are collected, they check the status of the item on the catalogue, as this gives them an indication where to start searching for a book, for example: a book recently catalogued, might still be on level four or with the Information Librarians.
After the status have been checked, the information on the forms are recorded on an Excel spreadsheet. This helps with feedback to clients, records the number of times the item has been searched and assist in the keeping of statistics.
All books are searched five times - while the search is done, the item is marked as 'On search' on the catalogue. As soon as the book is found clients are informed via text message that the book is available at Circulation. If not found clients are also informed accordingly and the item is marked as 'Missing' on the catalogue. These titles are then forwarded to the Campus Librarian or Faculty Librarians for possible replacement.
Should clients have any enquiries regarding the progress or processes for searching for missing books, please refer them to Stanley or Sphiwe at extension: 3543.
Feedback regarding Strategic Objectives
In order to implement our strategic objectives of having a Learning Commons for undergraduate students and a Research Commons for postgraduate students, we have to seriously look at the weeding of multiple and un-used items, the storage of less used valuable items and the weeding/storage of items available online (journals and reference works). These issues will be addressed with you during my monthly meetings with departments. Dr. Bawa would like the weeding and relocation of items to be done before the end of the year.
Feedback: Combined Management Meeting
The revised and shortened UJ vision, mission and values were distributed to all Team Leaders to be discussed with you within your departments. The feedback received from you and other Campus Libraries were the main topic of discussion during the Combined Management Meeting. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your input and it has been given through at this meeting.
At this meeting it was also reported that the advertisement for the vacancy for an Admin Assistant on level three has closed and that they are in process of compiling the shortlist. The vacancy for Information Librarian at APB and the vacancy at Acquisitions will be advertised towards the end of this month.
It was also mentioned that Archiving and the Rare Book Collection will be moving to DFC. A grand opening of the Archives are planned for August.
One Book One Library
This committee had a meeting during this week and the title for this year has been selected - you will be informed of the title during next week. We also want to change the name of this project form One Book One Library to something else. If you have any suggestions for a new name for this project please forward it to me or Dr van Vuren.
Theft of Library Books
The theft of library books has always been a concern, but escalated recently. During the past two months, seven library books have been confiscated from students and returned to the library. According to the students that were found in possession of these books, the books were bought on campus as second hand books. Protect Services acted quickly and arrests have been made. Further investigations and more arrests might follow.
We kindly, but urgently ask you to be on the look out for suspicious behaviour and to report it to Protection Services. Should you have any ideas on how we can improve the security of our stock (books), please forward your proposals to me.
Congratulations
I would like to congratulate Yvonne Bucwa who has been accepted to the Carnegie Leadership Academy. Yvonne will attend the academy from 13 to 27 April. Good luck Yvonne, we are SO proud of you!
Human Rights Day
Just a reminder that 21 March is Human Rights Day and that the library will be closed.
I found this article very interesting (see the link below). It not only explains why we celebrate Human Rights Day, but also what our rights are:
http://www.educationstation.co.za/Documents/Holidays/Human_Rights_day.pdf
- Improved procedures for searching of missing books
- Feedback regarding UJLIC Strategic Objectives
- Feedback regarding the Combined Management Meeting
- One Book One Library
- Theft of library books
- Congrats to Yvonne Bucwa
- Human Rights Day
Missing Books
If a books shows available on the catalogue, but cannot be found on the shelves, please refer the client to Circulation to complete a 'Missing Book' form. These forms are collected by Shelving staff (Stanley or Sphiwe) every morning. Once the forms are collected, they check the status of the item on the catalogue, as this gives them an indication where to start searching for a book, for example: a book recently catalogued, might still be on level four or with the Information Librarians.
After the status have been checked, the information on the forms are recorded on an Excel spreadsheet. This helps with feedback to clients, records the number of times the item has been searched and assist in the keeping of statistics.
All books are searched five times - while the search is done, the item is marked as 'On search' on the catalogue. As soon as the book is found clients are informed via text message that the book is available at Circulation. If not found clients are also informed accordingly and the item is marked as 'Missing' on the catalogue. These titles are then forwarded to the Campus Librarian or Faculty Librarians for possible replacement.
Should clients have any enquiries regarding the progress or processes for searching for missing books, please refer them to Stanley or Sphiwe at extension: 3543.
Feedback regarding Strategic Objectives
In order to implement our strategic objectives of having a Learning Commons for undergraduate students and a Research Commons for postgraduate students, we have to seriously look at the weeding of multiple and un-used items, the storage of less used valuable items and the weeding/storage of items available online (journals and reference works). These issues will be addressed with you during my monthly meetings with departments. Dr. Bawa would like the weeding and relocation of items to be done before the end of the year.
Feedback: Combined Management Meeting
The revised and shortened UJ vision, mission and values were distributed to all Team Leaders to be discussed with you within your departments. The feedback received from you and other Campus Libraries were the main topic of discussion during the Combined Management Meeting. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your input and it has been given through at this meeting.
At this meeting it was also reported that the advertisement for the vacancy for an Admin Assistant on level three has closed and that they are in process of compiling the shortlist. The vacancy for Information Librarian at APB and the vacancy at Acquisitions will be advertised towards the end of this month.
It was also mentioned that Archiving and the Rare Book Collection will be moving to DFC. A grand opening of the Archives are planned for August.
One Book One Library
This committee had a meeting during this week and the title for this year has been selected - you will be informed of the title during next week. We also want to change the name of this project form One Book One Library to something else. If you have any suggestions for a new name for this project please forward it to me or Dr van Vuren.
Theft of Library Books
The theft of library books has always been a concern, but escalated recently. During the past two months, seven library books have been confiscated from students and returned to the library. According to the students that were found in possession of these books, the books were bought on campus as second hand books. Protect Services acted quickly and arrests have been made. Further investigations and more arrests might follow.
We kindly, but urgently ask you to be on the look out for suspicious behaviour and to report it to Protection Services. Should you have any ideas on how we can improve the security of our stock (books), please forward your proposals to me.
Congratulations
I would like to congratulate Yvonne Bucwa who has been accepted to the Carnegie Leadership Academy. Yvonne will attend the academy from 13 to 27 April. Good luck Yvonne, we are SO proud of you!
Human Rights Day
Just a reminder that 21 March is Human Rights Day and that the library will be closed.
I found this article very interesting (see the link below). It not only explains why we celebrate Human Rights Day, but also what our rights are:
http://www.educationstation.co.za/Documents/Holidays/Human_Rights_day.pdf
Monday, 5 March 2012
Update: 21 Feb to 5 March
This post will contain updates on the following matters:
- Feedback: Usage of Library Public Computers
- Feedback: Combined Management Meeting
- Feedback: Campus Librarians Meeting
- Feedback: VC’s visit to the APK Campus
- Feedback: Moving of books
Feedback: Usage of Library Public Computers
In the last post, I promised to give you feedback regarding the ‘over usage’ of computers in the library. On 22 February some library staff members had a meeting with ICS staff to discuss the possibility of implementing a time-out functionality on computers in the library. The idea is to find relevant software that will allow students to use computers only for a certain time (hypothetically speaking, say 45 minutes) some time (say three hours) will have to pass before the same student have access to the computers again. Currently both ICS and UJIT are working on this proposal and we should have feedback regarding this quite soon.
Please also note that Wi-Fi is available on level one in the library. Students who have their own laptops can therefore also connect to the network via Wi-Fi. Should they have difficulty to connect to the network via Explorer, please advise them that they might want to try Firefox. I am also happy to inform you that according to current plans, the whole library should have Wi-Fi towards the middle of the year. We hope that this will also alleviate some pressure on the library computers.
Post graduate students can also be directed to the Post Graduate Centre for access to computers. This centre (located in the library) has 19 computers available for postgrad students.
Feedback: Combined Management Meeting
Once a month, all Campus Librarians have a meeting with the Executive Director: UJLIC , Directors: UJLIC, Finance Representative (Eon Botha) and HR Representative (Heleen Kruger). The last meeting took place on 27 Feb and from this meeting I would like to share the following:
Staff is requested to take note of the following policies regarding HR (available on the Intranet):
Performance Management: This policy gives clear guidelines regarding this process and sets a framework for line managers. According to the policy, all performance management documents for staff must be in place by the end of March.
Retirement: The age of retirement has changed from 60 to 65 and early retirement stays at 55 year. Note that the change in the age of retirement will only be applicable to current employees.
Resourcing: The new Resourcing Policy provides line managers with valuable info regarding the process to be followed for appointing new staff.
All Line Managers were urged not to underspend on budgets allocated to them.
Line Managers were also requested to report on all calls logged for maintenance as well as progress regarding the work that was done.
During this meeting members also bid farewell to Ms Neli Kuanda, who left the employment of UJ at the end of February. Members were informed that Neli’s portfolio will be temporarily handled by Mrs Sander.
Feedback: Campus Librarians Meeting
This meeting took place on 28 February and the largest part of the meeting was devoted to implementation plans for an Information Commons (for undergraduate students) and a Research Commons (for postgraduate students) in all campus libraries. For our library extensive changes to the physical space will have to be made, but before we can even start with this, we will have to look seriously at the current space occupied by our printed collection. Weeding of some items will have to be considered as well as the storage of valuable items that are less used.
Feedback: VC’s visit to APK
Professor Iron Rensburg visited the APK campus on 1 March. Several library staff members attended this event as well.
In his opening statement, Prof Rensburg mentioned that all staff has an important role to play at UJ and working together towards a common goal is extremely important - our common goal is to support teaching, learning and research.
Previously the focus was on planning, goal-setting and performance management and this have produced the required results. He suggested that some leadership styles will have to adapt in order to make provision for a more collagist approach.
He also mentioned that the university is in process of revising its mission, vision and values. Note that the new draft for the vision and mission have been forwarded to your Team Leaders. Please provide your input (via your Team Leaders) no later than 12 March.
A concern was raised regarding parking and traffic on campus. It was mentioned that the current Parking Policy is being revised and that paid parking (on campus) will probably be implemented later this year. Some members raised their concerns regarding paying for parking on campus and these concerns were noted. Please note that the speed limit on campus is 20km per hour.
ICS reported that the rolling out of Wi-Fi is currently a priority and that the over usage of computers in the library is being addressed. Currently Wi-Fi is available on the following places on campus:
- Student Centre
- Library (Level 1)
- In front of A-Ring
Notices to advertise Wi-Fi hotspots are in progress.
As was the case in the Operations Forum, the issue regarding the availability of AVU material in lecturing halls were addressed again by lecturing staff.
Feedback: Moving of Collections
The changes to the locations and loan rules on the system have been completed for theses and dissertations on levels one to four. Please note that from now on it will display as follows:
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Work on changing the remaining reference works from Zastrau to Dewey will also now proceed at a faster pace. Student assistants have been employed to assist and apart from the Shelving Department, ILL staff will assist as well. I sincerely want to thank staff from these two departments in assisting with the last of the Dewey project. If all goes well, we should be finished with the reference works by the end of April.
In closing – on a lighter note:
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Update: 3 to 21 February 2012
So much has happened since the last update, so I would like to start by apologising for the length of this post in advance.
From my side, I would like to share the following with you:
- Staff news
- Feedback from UJLIC strategic objectives
- Feedback from meeting with APK Client Services Departments
- Moving of collections
- UJLink: Enriched content
- Author workshop
- Opening of Johannesburg City Library
- Usage of library computers
- Feedback from the Operations Forum Meeting
Staff news
Congratulations to Vivian who became the proud grandmother to a baby boy this month.
I would also like to congratulate Sharon Swart on winning the iPad by completing the Energy Efficiency Survey:
Feedback: UJLIC Strategic Objectives
Regarding the strategic objectives that were shared with you on 3 February, I am happy to report to you that Dr Bawa presented our objectives with great success. In her feedback Dr Bawa mentioned that we received great support from the VC and university leadership. The library was tasked to create an implementation plan (that will happen on 22 Feb) and Dr Bawa will do a roadshow at all the Faculties.
Feedback: APK Client Services Departments
The past two weeks I had my monthly meetings with the different departments. From these meetings I would like to share the following:
- Please note that ILL and ICL cannot be requested telephonically. This is due to the fact that the staff of this department have to make very shure that they request the correct book or article. During telephonic conversations, the client will be requested to submit information electronically.
- The blocking of students with outstanding library fines/books on ITS seems to be successful. During January 2012 the amount received for the payment of lost books increased with 770%, when compared to Jan 2011. I would like to congratulate April and his team for the hard work regarding this issue.
- The Shelving staff already had their first forum meeting. At the forum they started discussing the implementation of the portable barcode reader (PBR) for shelf reading and stock taking. This will be implemented this year.
- At the meeting with the Information Librarians, they requested the table of the allocation of Dewey numbers per level. Please find the table below:
Moving of collections
The moving of theses and dissertations to the left of each level have been completed on levels one to four. Locations and loan rules have been created accordingly and will be updated on the catalogue during the course of the week. You will be updated via email regarding the progress in this regard. I would like to thank the Shelving Staff and the LIC IT staff for their assistance.
We are still in progress of labelling and re-shelving reference works with no Dewey numbers. As from March four student assistants will be employed to assist with this task. We would like to finish arranging this collection according to DDC by the end of April.
UJLink: Enriched content
On 16 February we all received an email from the UJLink Team that summaries and book jackets have been added to the catalogue. I would like to thank this team for the wonderful enhancement. It really makes our catalogue look more colourful:
Author Workshop
You are reminded of the Author Workshop that will be held for researchers an prospective researchers on 1 March @ 2pm in the library auditorium. During this workshop the following will be addressed:
- Why publish research?
- The calculation and value of an Impact Factor
- Open access publishing
- Information on Springer
Remind clients that limited space is available and for more information they can contact: Simon Machogo -Sekoto at ssekoto@uj.ac.za.
Re-opening of Johannesburg City Library
The Johannesburg City Library was re-opened last week. For more information follow the link below (you might just recognise a familiar face):
http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7733&catid=88&Itemid=266
Usage of Library Public Computers
You will all agree with me that the library has been well used since the students returned. All departments reported an increase in activity and the high usage of the computers in the library remains a concern.
Note that the role of the library is to give access to information and therefore students have full access to the Internet.
In order to address the crisis regarding the use of library computers, I have completed a report and forwarded it to library leadership. In the report short, medium and long term solutions were suggested. In order to address the short term solution (implementing software that would limit the time a student uses a computer) will be address by some library staff and ICS during a meeting tomorrow (22 Feb). You will be updated with new developments as soon as possible.
In the meantime I would like to thank you for your patience with this issue. I am positive a solution will be found very soon.
Feedback from the Operations Forum Meeting
The first APK Operations Forum Meeting for 2012 took place on 17 Feb and from this meeting I would like to report the following:
Auxiliary Services and Transport: Frans van Deventer confirmed that the water crisis at APK on 16 Feb was not a smooth exercise, partly because of the delay in this department receiving information. All departments at APK were requested to improve contingency plans in this regard. The Library would like to lock bathrooms during times when now water is available and this will also be discussed with Protection Services.
The inter-campus bus service is a free service and currently the demand is higher than the supply. This will be addressed with MEC. It was mentioned that buses do leave according to schedule, but there are too many students making use of this service and some have to wait for the next bus.
Elite Cleaning Services will do spring-cleaning during June/July and December this year. The issue regarding improved supervision for cleaning staff during weekends in the library has also been addressed.
AVU: The issue regarding the licencing codes for the SmartBoard Software at the Library has been addressed and the codes were forwarded to LIC IT as well as the Campus Librarian.
Technology issues in the classrooms is a huge problem and was discussed at length. AVU asked for support from Faculty staff to address these issues as they are experiencing severe budget constraints.
Occupational Health and Safety: The overcrowding of lecturing halls remain a concern regarding safety. No solution to the problem has been discussed.
The flu campaign will start in March, staff have to keep their eyes open for the circular. A limited number of vaccines will be available.
Protection Services (Security): Common theft remains a problem - especially at APK and in the library. Please remember to keep your personal belongings safe as a large number of theft cases occures due to neglicence of the owner (please remind students as well).
Should you battle to find parking on campus, note that the parking behind the Art Center (Truffles) is seldom used. Paid staff parking will still be implemented later this year.
ICS (UJ IT): In the role out of Wi-Fi on campus the library and residences will be a priority. The role out plan of Wi-Fi will soon be available on the Intranet. A standard sign for Wi-Fi hot spots will be designed and placed accordingly.
Technical Services: Members at the meeting were requested to remind staff to save energy. Electrical items that are not used, must be switch off and if possible lights in offices must also be switched off when you leave.
Language Unit: Prof Monareng reported that the UJ Language Policy is now available of all four official UJ languages. Currently this unit is also working on a project to translate terminology used in Political Science in all four UJ languages. Their aim is to complete this by the end of the year.
In Closing...........
From my side, I would like to share the following with you:
- Staff news
- Feedback from UJLIC strategic objectives
- Feedback from meeting with APK Client Services Departments
- Moving of collections
- UJLink: Enriched content
- Author workshop
- Opening of Johannesburg City Library
- Usage of library computers
- Feedback from the Operations Forum Meeting
Staff news
Congratulations to Vivian who became the proud grandmother to a baby boy this month.
I would also like to congratulate Sharon Swart on winning the iPad by completing the Energy Efficiency Survey:
Feedback: UJLIC Strategic Objectives
Regarding the strategic objectives that were shared with you on 3 February, I am happy to report to you that Dr Bawa presented our objectives with great success. In her feedback Dr Bawa mentioned that we received great support from the VC and university leadership. The library was tasked to create an implementation plan (that will happen on 22 Feb) and Dr Bawa will do a roadshow at all the Faculties.
Feedback: APK Client Services Departments
The past two weeks I had my monthly meetings with the different departments. From these meetings I would like to share the following:
- Please note that ILL and ICL cannot be requested telephonically. This is due to the fact that the staff of this department have to make very shure that they request the correct book or article. During telephonic conversations, the client will be requested to submit information electronically.
- The blocking of students with outstanding library fines/books on ITS seems to be successful. During January 2012 the amount received for the payment of lost books increased with 770%, when compared to Jan 2011. I would like to congratulate April and his team for the hard work regarding this issue.
- The Shelving staff already had their first forum meeting. At the forum they started discussing the implementation of the portable barcode reader (PBR) for shelf reading and stock taking. This will be implemented this year.
- At the meeting with the Information Librarians, they requested the table of the allocation of Dewey numbers per level. Please find the table below:
| Level 1 | DDC #: 000 - 226 |
| Level 2 | DDC #: 227 - 354 |
| Level 3 | DDC #: 355 - 399 & 500 - 599 |
| Level 4 | DDC #: 400 - 499 & 700 - 899 |
| Level 5 | DDC #: 600 - 699 & 900 - 999 |
Moving of collections
The moving of theses and dissertations to the left of each level have been completed on levels one to four. Locations and loan rules have been created accordingly and will be updated on the catalogue during the course of the week. You will be updated via email regarding the progress in this regard. I would like to thank the Shelving Staff and the LIC IT staff for their assistance.
We are still in progress of labelling and re-shelving reference works with no Dewey numbers. As from March four student assistants will be employed to assist with this task. We would like to finish arranging this collection according to DDC by the end of April.
UJLink: Enriched content
On 16 February we all received an email from the UJLink Team that summaries and book jackets have been added to the catalogue. I would like to thank this team for the wonderful enhancement. It really makes our catalogue look more colourful:
Author Workshop
You are reminded of the Author Workshop that will be held for researchers an prospective researchers on 1 March @ 2pm in the library auditorium. During this workshop the following will be addressed:
- Why publish research?
- The calculation and value of an Impact Factor
- Open access publishing
- Information on Springer
Remind clients that limited space is available and for more information they can contact: Simon Machogo -Sekoto at ssekoto@uj.ac.za.
Re-opening of Johannesburg City Library
The Johannesburg City Library was re-opened last week. For more information follow the link below (you might just recognise a familiar face):
http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7733&catid=88&Itemid=266
Usage of Library Public Computers
You will all agree with me that the library has been well used since the students returned. All departments reported an increase in activity and the high usage of the computers in the library remains a concern.
Note that the role of the library is to give access to information and therefore students have full access to the Internet.
In order to address the crisis regarding the use of library computers, I have completed a report and forwarded it to library leadership. In the report short, medium and long term solutions were suggested. In order to address the short term solution (implementing software that would limit the time a student uses a computer) will be address by some library staff and ICS during a meeting tomorrow (22 Feb). You will be updated with new developments as soon as possible.
In the meantime I would like to thank you for your patience with this issue. I am positive a solution will be found very soon.
Feedback from the Operations Forum Meeting
The first APK Operations Forum Meeting for 2012 took place on 17 Feb and from this meeting I would like to report the following:
Auxiliary Services and Transport: Frans van Deventer confirmed that the water crisis at APK on 16 Feb was not a smooth exercise, partly because of the delay in this department receiving information. All departments at APK were requested to improve contingency plans in this regard. The Library would like to lock bathrooms during times when now water is available and this will also be discussed with Protection Services.
The inter-campus bus service is a free service and currently the demand is higher than the supply. This will be addressed with MEC. It was mentioned that buses do leave according to schedule, but there are too many students making use of this service and some have to wait for the next bus.
Elite Cleaning Services will do spring-cleaning during June/July and December this year. The issue regarding improved supervision for cleaning staff during weekends in the library has also been addressed.
AVU: The issue regarding the licencing codes for the SmartBoard Software at the Library has been addressed and the codes were forwarded to LIC IT as well as the Campus Librarian.
Technology issues in the classrooms is a huge problem and was discussed at length. AVU asked for support from Faculty staff to address these issues as they are experiencing severe budget constraints.
Occupational Health and Safety: The overcrowding of lecturing halls remain a concern regarding safety. No solution to the problem has been discussed.
The flu campaign will start in March, staff have to keep their eyes open for the circular. A limited number of vaccines will be available.
Protection Services (Security): Common theft remains a problem - especially at APK and in the library. Please remember to keep your personal belongings safe as a large number of theft cases occures due to neglicence of the owner (please remind students as well).
Should you battle to find parking on campus, note that the parking behind the Art Center (Truffles) is seldom used. Paid staff parking will still be implemented later this year.
ICS (UJ IT): In the role out of Wi-Fi on campus the library and residences will be a priority. The role out plan of Wi-Fi will soon be available on the Intranet. A standard sign for Wi-Fi hot spots will be designed and placed accordingly.
Technical Services: Members at the meeting were requested to remind staff to save energy. Electrical items that are not used, must be switch off and if possible lights in offices must also be switched off when you leave.
Language Unit: Prof Monareng reported that the UJ Language Policy is now available of all four official UJ languages. Currently this unit is also working on a project to translate terminology used in Political Science in all four UJ languages. Their aim is to complete this by the end of the year.
In Closing...........
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