Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Professor Nomthandazo Gwele applauded DUT’s Library Service and the department of Fashion and Textile for their joint effort in re-launching the Brickfield Campus library.

The remodelled student centred library was launched recently. The launch was a team effort initiative aimed to further enhance some of the University’s strategic goals outlined in its 2015/19 strategic plan.

“We acknowledge this gesture by both the Library Services team and the department of Fashion and Textile for being student centred in repurposing the space. We thank both teams for their efforts in flying the DUT flag high,” said Professor Gwele.

Both teams worked tirelessly in establishing a flexible, safe and secure working environment by improving the physical working space of the library. Work towards remodelling the library began in 2015. Although the work was done under a very tight budget, an end product was their planned library.

Faculty of Arts& Design Executive Dean, Dr Rene Smith said shift was noted toward the demand for more space in libraries because students needed to feel comfortable when using the library.

“Libraries are no longer just about silence, but about students needing to be comfortable when seated with their headphones or being able to engage with each other and so redesigning this library space to allow this was crucial”, said Dr Smith.

The floor plan of the library was changed to set up a computer lab that doubles up as training space and an open-e-zone, with improved air conditioning supply, increased sitting and wall treatment to reflect the campus’s fashion flair.

Pictured: Professor Nomthandazo Gwele (DVC: Academic), Lucille Webster (Director: Libraries) and Dr Rene Smith (Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts&Design).

-Bongani Gema