Despite the unforeseen circumstances, SU library coordinator Marleen Hendriksz believes presenting this year’s event in an online format allows them to reach a wider audience compared to previous years’ event.
PHOTO: Isaac Ndlovu
This year’s Stellenbosch University (SU) library’s research week is aiming to equip students with practical knowledge of research skills. However, the annual event, which takes place from 24 to 28 August, will be hosted online for the first time, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to SU’s library coordinator, Marleen Hendriksz, the overall aim of the research week is to equip master’s and PhD students with practical knowledge of research essentials.
“The sessions are, however, of such a nature that anybody who is interested can join, learn and even contribute,” said Hendriksz.
The original date for the research week was 27 to 31 July, said Hendriksz. However, the interruption of Covid-19 changed these plans, she said.
“We had to move the event to a new date since plenty of time had been spent on planning and preparation,” said Hendriksz.
According to Hendriksz, staff from various faculties at the university will present informative and supportive sessions.
“We want to encourage students to not just engage with their librarians during the upcoming research week, but whenever they need support in their research,” said Hendriksz.
Though the library remains relatively empty, Hendriksz remains hopeful for a high digital attendance for this year’s event. PHOTO: Isaac Ndlovu
Dr Balindiwe Sishi, from SU’s Department of Psychological Sciences, will be one of the special guest lecturers invited to speak at this year’s ‘Week for research’ event. His topic titled “The journey through my eyes” will be launching this year’s event.
“I look forward to the online version of this meeting. While I have attended numerous online webinars, it will certainly be different as a speaker,” said Sishi.
Director of research services at SU, Bangani Siviwe, believes the importance of this event remains evident.
“The aim of this event is to ensure that researchers are fully equipped with the necessary informational resources no matter what the circumstances are,” said Siviwe.
According to Hendriksz, the SU library and information services community will continue to assist students, even during trying times like these.
“During these trying times, we want to remind our students that we, as the library and information services, are there for them and available with a friendly smile, even if it is through a screen,” said Hendriksz.
According to Hendriksz, the first research week was held in 2013 with the theme: ‘Be research SMART@your Library’. This year’s chosen theme is ‘Going for research gold’. PHOTO: Supplied/Marleen Hendriksz