With Library Week in full swing at DUT, the University has made history by becoming the first university in Africa to launch the BLUE cloud system in its libraries.

The BLUE (Best library User Experience) system will enable students to have access to the library at the comfort of their home using their mobile devices, thus creating a mobile friendly environment which allows student to interact with the library staff and improve student experience. The system also aims to innovate libraries and curve technology by expanding reach and providing more services.

“When I think of Library Week, what comes to mind is literacy and numeracy. Now with the times changing and technology developing, we all need to keep up in order to be innovative and make learning easier and more accessible for our students,” said Advocate Robin Sewlal, Associate Director within the University’s Faculty of Arts and Design.

In attendance at the launch were lectures and librarians from the Tshwane University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology and the University KwaZulu-Natal who came to witness DUT being part of the revolution.

“It is an exciting time for the university and this also shows that we are heading towards a fantastic period of growth in technology,” said Prof Ahmed Bawa, DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “Let us also make it our responsibility to be part of the change by promoting a reading nation that enriches its students through knowledge, one book at a time,” he said.

Throughout the week, DUT will also be hosting a variety of events to engage with students on a rage of topics around Library Week as well as the importance reading.

– Nomtsikelelo Mthabela

Pictured: BLUE cloud system launch at DUT.