The main thrust of the Durban University of Technology Strategic Plan 2012-2014 was to establish ... more The main thrust of the Durban University of Technology Strategic Plan 2012-2014 was to establish a conducive learning environment by repurposing the physical learning environments in the main library. The aim was to create a space that was flexible and customizable, safe and secure, and enhanced and supported different learning approaches. Over the past decade or more, academic libraries have undergone dramatic changes in both the physical and virtual environments. Most of these changes have been driven in part by the changing landscape of higher education and to some extent due to the impact of the rapid development of information and communication technology. Not only have these changes altered the traditional shape of academic libraries but has also lead to increased expectations of library services and facilities from library users. The Durban University of Technology Library has grappled for some time with attempts to modernize the library and make the space inviting. The original library has morphed over the years from a single floor to a four storey building with too many stacks and not enough spaces that are conducive for learning. The footprint of the library stacks have shrunk due to the reduction in print books and periodicals and most of the seating arrangements were archaic and uncomfortable at best. Costs was a major factor that had to be considered in our attempts to repurpose the library into a student centered space and place. An opportunity to apply for the Teaching and Development Grant proved to be the catalyst that would set the library on the path to develop a blueprint to revitalize our space as a learning hub. This paper will track the journey the Library embarked on and how the Teaching and Development Grant opened the way for effective partnerships both in and outside the university that ultimately contributed to our aim of creating a modern and appropriate Library space.
The role of the Staff Training and Development Committee of the Durban University of Technology L... more The role of the Staff Training and Development Committee of the Durban University of Technology Library is to facilitate both general and specific on-the-job-training for all library staff. The members of this Committee have been involved in training and development of library staff; LIS students and also other library professionals for many years. This exposure has highlighted a number of challenges both within the DUT Library and the LIS sector workplace, generally.
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Papers by Sagren Moodley