SAOUG Workshop feedback: 8 October 2009

SAOUG organised a training tips talk on the 8th October 2009.

The venue: University of Pretoria

The Power Point Presentation are available on the SAOUG website

About the talk: From survivors to an amazing race team. How did we achieve it?

"The team of the Faculty Library: Natural Sciences and Engineering strives to contribute to the University of Pretoria's mission, vision and strategic plans. We form part of teaching and research teams, market not only our services and new products, but also our skills and competencies. By building on everybody's strengths and taking weaknesses into account we not only survive change, but keep up with new trends and technology and together we build a happy and satisfied team"

The audience

Sunette Steynberg talked about the importance of regular communication with clients and how to evaluate current and new databases. She also discussed the importance of training content and the need for professional training and presentation skills. Sunette also explained how bibliometrics are used for research evaluation.

Elna Randall, provided an overview of the University of Pretoria's structure, the Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences and how the library support its clients.

Danie Malan, took us down memory lane in how the UP Library has survived changes during the 80's, 90's and the new Millennium. The amazing race to adapt to an ever-changing environment has begun.

Faan Naude, Information Specialist for the Mathematical Sciences talked about the marketing of self and services. He also provided an overview of their book and journal collections.

Hettie Groenewald talked about the Collection Management of the Library: the challenges of digitization of materials, new technologies and the Institutional Repository. She introduced us to some new initiatives, such as: Structure models, 3D models and usage of Google Earth to map new projects.

Elsie Verheem, Information Specialist for Consumer Science and Food Science and Technology said: " We all have unique ways in which we define our roles as information specialists. With my colleagues I listen and learn. With students and academics I listen, learn, encourage and assist." She talked about her involvement with the research process of her clients and the commitment to provide a relevant service.

Sello Baloyi talked about the importance of the staff members who are responsible for the shelving of the collections. How they manage books that go missing or need to be restored.

Sonto Mabena talked about her experience as a new staff member in the library; about the way her colleagues help her adjust in the new library environment.

Max Depree once said: " The key elements in the art of working together are how to deal with change, how to deal with conflict, and how to reach our potential .... the needs of the team are best met when we meet the needs of individual persons."

The workshop was a very stimulating team building experience for all of us.

Don't forget, the presentations are available on the SAOUG website.

Posted by: Pavlinka Kovatcheva (SAOUG blogger)