The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library is dedicated to enhancing the library user’s experience by offering state-of-the-art technologies in both the physical and virtual library environments. Library TECH Week is an annual celebration designed to showcase and promote innovative library technologies utilised by DUT’s esteemed staff and students. This year’s TECH Week was held from Monday, 24 July 2023 to Friday, 28 July 2023.
Activities during this week included demonstrations on the use of the technological services provided by the library, including ENDNOTE installation, using OneDrive, connecting mobile devices to the Wi-Fi, setup of MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) system for remote login, and PressReader, which allows users to access and read newspapers and magazines remotely using their mobile devices.
In addition, a library Makerspace Open Day was held at Indumiso campus Library in Pietermaritzburg where students were introduced to some of the cutting-edge technology in the makerspace, such as a mobile drone, 3D printers and 3D scanners.
Attendees at the self-check service launch.
A highlight of the week was the launch of the library’s self-check service at the BM Patel Library, ML Sultan campus. Self-check service units allow users to borrow and return books independently while endeavouring to reduce long queues at the circulation desks. The launch event witnessed a diverse attendance, with students, academics, and administrative staff from various departments, along with representatives from Universal Knowledge Systems (UKS), the supplier of the units. Mr Mohamed Ismail from UKS delivered an informative talk highlighting the advantages of utilising self-check services in libraries. The library’s self-check service is supported by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
As part of the programme, a brief background on the significance of TECH Week was delivered by Mr Sagren Moodley, DUT’s Manager of Information Systems and Resources. The popular KwaZulu-Natal comedian, Moemish and DUT library book club member, Junior Mhlungu, entertained the audience with comedy and poetry.
Dr Malefetjane Benny Phaladi, Director: Library Services, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the SMART library principles, and the DUT library’s strategies to develop smart spaces and smart technologies to deliver smart user-focused services in the digital era. He shared the DUT Library’s recently founded slogan, “Smart Library for the Smart People Using Smart Technology to Provide Smart Services, Spaces and Resources”. The library is implementing this slogan to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. According to Dr Phaladi, these technologies play a pivotal role in redefining and revolutionising traditional libraries into intelligent, technologically advanced smart libraries.
“DUT Library is continuously advancing its digital transformation journey, strategically investing in smart technology to evolve into a smart fit-for-purpose and intelligent library. Through the adoption of transformative technologies, we are dedicated to transforming our libraries into smart DUT libraries,” added Dr Phaladi.
The closing remarks were delivered by Mr Siza Radebe, Manager: Campus Library and Sites, who acknowledged the audience for attending the event and their active participation in the various activities. He further thanked the library management, programme director, library partners, library IT department, and the marketing working group for their commitment and hard work in organising a very successful TECH week.
Pictured: Dr Malefetjane Phaladi, Director: Library Services.
Pictured: Attendees at the self-check service launch.
Photographer: Danisile Makhanya.
Muvhulawa Romeo Matumba
