The Durban University of Technology (DUT) library recently hosted its annual Staff Recognition Awards at the Coastlands Hotel on the Ridge.
The awards ceremony was held to recognise excellence in service delivery and support by DUT library staff and all its stakeholders not employed by the University library. There were 17 award categories that were recognised which include the prestigious Library Partner Award.
The Library Partner Award recognises a person, business or institution not employed by the University library that has demonstrated outstanding support and encouragement for the libraries. Recipients of this award advance the libraries’ mission, strategic initiatives and organisational values through their service or support.
The award was given to two recipients, the DUT’s Deputy-Vice Chancellor for the Research Innovation and Engagement (DVC-RIE): Professor Sibusiso Moyo and DUT’s Executive Dean for the Faculty of Arts and Design (FOAD): Dr Rene Smith. Receiving the awards were Phumzile Xulu representing Prof Moyo: DVC-RIE and Prof Jean Philippe Wade representing Dr Smith: Executive Dean-FOAD.
Presenting the awards to the representatives, Lucille Webster: Director Library Services, said: “In our view both recipients exemplify the University’s strategic direction in respect to strategic focus areas 1 and 3, (building sustainable communities of living and learning and building a learning organisation) and together with the library foregrounds the core activities of teaching, learning, and research at the institution.”
She added that the mission of the library is to enhance and support teaching, learning, and research and innovation by providing access to DUT’s collections and services in line with the objectives of the University.
“This strong link between the Library, Research, Innovation and Engagement has resulted in ensuring DUT offers excellent resources in databases and information sources that help our researchers be at the cutting edge of their research and innovations. The NRF Excelleration Award and the Clarivate Analytics Award show how much growth has taken place over the last five years,” she said.
The Staff Recognition Awards function was a themed event, allowing staff members to attend in their most striking hats. At the end of the awards ceremony, prizes were given for the most striking person and person with the most unique and original hat.
Pictured: Lucille Webster: Director Library Services with Phumzile Xulu representing Prof Sibusiso Moyo: DVC-RIE, at the event.
Phumzile Xulu /Lucille Webster
