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Open Access
An annotated guide to the pre-Union government publications of the Orange Free State, 1854-1910
(University of the Free State, 1975) Eales, Marjory; Overduin, P. G. J.; Musiker, R.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Die behoefte van professionele personeel in die biblioteek- en inligtingwese aan rekenaarmatige opleiding
(University of the Free State, 1987-09) Fourie, Ina; Fokker, D. W.;
English: The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a need for computer training of professional personnel in the South African library and information sciences. The target group also included persons involved in formal training and research. The extent to which libraries and information services have already made use of computer technology and the increased availability of information constituted the reasons for the study. An overall view of the current use of computers in libraries and information services was obtained. The job performance of professional personnel was subsequently analysed, particularly with regard to the tasks for which computer technology can be used, in order to determine the computer knowledge and skills that are required for the effective performance of these tasks. A knowledge of reading and writing was found to be the minimum requirement in this regard. Relevant literature on the subject was also studied with a view to determining the extent to which the Departments for Library and Information Sciences at overseas universities make provision for training in the use of the computer. Special attention was given to the objectives of such training and the method of presentation. It appeared that students of Library and Information Sciences, particularly in the United States of America and in Australia, received considerable computer training. Other countries that can be mentioned in this regard are Britain, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary and Japan. Computer training for students of Library and Information Sciences at South African universities was also investigated on the basis of the information contained in the yearbooks of the respective universities. It was found that although most universities in some way or other give some attention to this matter, a wide variety of methods are being used. A number of universities gave no indication in their yearbooks of the inclusion of computer training in these courses. The need for computer training as experienced in practice was determined with the aid of an empirical investigation. Only the professional members of the Northern Transvaal branch of SAILIS were approached in order to identify a general trend. Questionnaires were sent out to them of which 233 ( 51, 13 '\.) were eventually used. The sample response revealed that 78,76 '\. of the respondents regarded computer training as essential for their present job performance and 92, 04 '\. stated that computer training was essential for persons entering the profession for the first time. Various means were identified for offering computer training with special reference to the method of training, the required background knowledge and the problems that may be experienced. A general discussion of the content of courses or themes for computer training also took place. The study revealed that the professional personnel of the South African Library and Information Sciences admitted that there was a great need for computer training. Proposals were made for satisfying this need.
Open Access
Communication ecclesiology in a racially polarised South Africa
(SUN MeDIA Bloemfontein (SUN PReSS imprint), 2017) Resane, Kelebogile T.
Communion Ecclesionlogy by Dr. K.T. Resane explores the concept of a communion ecclesiology in South Africa. The book provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the concept in the Bible, in history and in different church traditions including the African Initiated Churches. The book also focuses on the different cultural groups in South Africa as they were organised within theological traditions. Prof. S.D. Snyman, University of the Free State
Open Access
The construction of an hierarchical controlled-language vocabulary for use as an indexing tool in the linguistics and literature subject fields
(University of the Free State, 1988-01) Ovens, Cora Sygun Heidrun; Fokker, D. W.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Curbside book pick-up services during a time of crisis in South African University Libraries
(University Libraries of the University of Nebraska--Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, 2021) Mashiyane, Dina; Molepo, Mahlaga
Purpose: This paper sought to determine the implementation of curbside pick-up services within South African University libraries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a quantitative approach where informetrics has been used as the primary data collection method to analyse the implementation of curbside/book pick-up services on the web pages of 26 South African University Libraries. Findings: This study indicates that only a few South African university libraries have implemented curbside pick-up services. The study further reveals that those libraries that have implemented this type of service have utilised various methods to facilitate book requests. Practical implications: This study recommends the development of contingency plans for libraries to stay abreast of changes in their environments. The implementation of enhanced and innovative lending services for printed materials. Social implications The paper sheds light on a strategic method for enhancing lending services in academic libraries. It can also be used as a benchmarking tool for those libraries planning on implementing this type of service. The usage of curbside pick-up services can be essential during times of crisis in enhancing lending endeavors and meeting the needs of the users. Originality/value: This study adds value to the innovative lending services in libraries, especially during times of crisis. As there is no evidence of previously conducted studies on this phenomenon, this paper can be used to initiate further research on curbside book pick-up services in libraries.
Open Access
Engaging students: using evidence to promote student success
(SUN MeDIA Bloemfontein (SUN PReSS imprint), 2017) Strydom, Francois; Kuh, George; Loots, Sonja
"Engaging Students is the first comprehensive manuscript on research into student engagement in South African higher education. Each of the chapters has a clear, distinguishable focus and makes an original contribution in and of itself, while retaining the central focus on student engagement. The book provides a rich, informative picture of the current state of student engagement evaluation, while also highlighting challenges and opportunities for future advances. A particular strength of this publication is its emphasis on the importance of taking evidence-based decisions, and showing how the South African Survey of Student Engagement (SASSE) can provide the evidence for well-informed changes in policy and practice in order to enhance student success." - Prof Magda Fourie-Malherbe, Stellenbosch University
Open Access
Framework for communicating library training at a South African university
(Sage, 2023) Molepo, Mahlaga J.; Blose, Sihle
This article combines social constructivist and transformative paradigms to propose a framework for communicating library training to first-year students. Although performance indicators for literacy are universal, there are explicit attempts to move away from a universal approach to information literacy, as exemplified in the Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. This article addresses the fragmentation of teaching and learning practices in a single case study of University of the Free State libraries. Data were collected using two methods: an integrated literature review; and document analysis. Literature and documentary evidence were found to justify a call for developing an underpinning theory for planning purposes. Furthermore, it was found that synthesized concepts from models, ideas and frameworks can inform new pedagogical approaches. This article proposes the Authority Pedagogy Socialization framework for communicating library training to first-year students and concludes with several recommendations.
Open Access
The history of the Kimberley public library 1870 - 1902
(University of the Free State, 1990-09) Van Niekerk, Febe; Fokker, D. W.; Marais, A. H.
Afrikaans: Die doel van hierdie verhandeling is om die ontstaan en ontwikkeling van die Kimberley Openbare Biblioteek na te gaan en vas te stel in hoe 'n mate politieke, ekonomiese en sosiale toestande die biblioteek geraak het, en om die persone wat 'n leidende rol gespeel het te identifiseer. Met die ontdekking van diamante in 1871, was daar 'n groot toestroming van fortuinsoekers na New Rush, die delwersdorp in Noordkaapland. 'n Behoefte aan onstpannings- en kulturele geriewe het ontstaan en in 1873 het 'n biblioteek tot stand gekom; dit het egter misluk as gevolg van onvoldoende finansiele ondersteuning. In 1880 was daar 'n ekonomiese oplewing in die aandelemark van Kimberley. 'n Biblioteek-maatskappy is deur biblioteekkampvegters gestig en fondse is deur middel van aandele ingesamel. 'n Biblioteek is opgerig, maar voor dit betrek kon word, moes die maatskappy gelikwideer word. Die Dorpsraad van die pasgeproklameerde dorp, Kimberley, het ingetree en die biblioteek gekoop vir gebruik as 'n stadsaal. Twee vertrekke is vir biblioteekdoeleindes ingeruim. Die lokaal was egter ondoeltreffend en die Biblioteekkomitee het, onder leiding van die Voorsitter, Regter P M Laurence, 'n fondsinsamelingsveldtog van stapel gestuur. Grond is in Dutoitspanweg aangekoop en 'n biblioteekgebou is opgerig wat op 25 Julie 1887 in gebruik geneem is. Kort hierna is daar ook op die buurdorp, Beaconsfield, 'n biblioteek tot stand gebring deur die bemiddeling van mnr J B Currey, die bestuurder van die London and South African Exploration Company, met die doel orri konstruktiewe tydverdryf aan jongrnense te verskaf. Die biblioteek, wat later 'n tak van die Kimberley Openbare Biblioteek sou word, het 'n sukkelbestaan gevoer weens ongunstige ekonomiese toestande. Die verhandeling bevestig die hipotese dat stabiliteit 'n voorvereiste is vir die totstandkoming van 'n biblioteek in 'n spesifieke gemeenskap en dat die sukses van so 'n onderneming grotendeels afhang van finansiering van plaaslike- of regeringsowerhede.
Open Access
Die interne organisasie en beheer van universiteitsbiblioteke in Suid-Afrika
(University of the Free State, 1968) Duminy, Wessel Wilhelm; Coetzee, P. C.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Laughing through the virus the Zimbabwean way: WhatsApp humor and the twenty-one-day COVID-19 lockdown
(Cambridge University Press, 2022) Chibuwe, Albert; Munoriyarwa, Allen
In many African countries, jokes represent one of the many means used by citizens to cope with a crisis. Chibuwe and Munoriyarwa explore how Zimbabweans utilize WhatsApp jokes, which are anchored in the concept of the “everyday,” to cope with pandemic-induced lockdowns. COVID-19 jokes provide citizens momentary relief from fear and function as a defense mechanism against COVID-19 and its effects, enabling citizens to confront and rationalize fear, death, and suffering. Chibuwe and Munoriyarwa argue that jokes are also a means of speaking truth to power by disgruntled citizens attempting to cope with a health crisis, in a context characterized by corruption, state repression, and bad governance.
Open Access
Libraries breaking barriers through TikTok: enhancing access and visibility
(Library Hi Tech News, 2022-03-14) Mashiyane, Dina Mokgadi
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the usage of TikTok by libraries in enhancing access and visibility of services, facilities and resources. Design/methodology/approach: This is a review paper of literature related to the usage of TikTok in libraries. Findings: The literature revealed that TikTok is being used mostly for library marketing and advocacy. Though there is scant literature on TikTok for information literacy, this platform is being used for teaching and learning purposes. Originality/value: This is a welcome contribution to the utilization of TikTok for enhancing library services and reaching out to users beyond the library walls.
Open Access
Literatuurbewaring en biblioteekaktiwiteite in die Ou Nabye Ooste
(University of the Free State, 1997-01) Du Toit, Jaqueline Susann; Nel, P. J.; Pansegrouw, J. G.
English: Ancient Near Eastern libraries and archives are social institutions, therefore needsoriented The description of Ancient Near Eastern literature preservation and library activities is dependent on the community in transition from an oral to a literate culture. Within this frame of reference the emergence of writing as a parallel medium of communication to speech, creates a beneficial environment for the gradual emergence of textual collections as a physical substitute for the so-called oral repository. No integral commonality in the origins and development of individual Ancient Near Eastern collections has been isolated thus far. The 30th Rencontre As.\yriologique Internationale concentrated on specific collections rather than on striving for a comparative study. Information Scientists and Ancient Near Eastern scholars experience difficulties in typifying ancient collections as either libraries and/or archives The viability of the present research lies in the establishment of the cultural-historical setting for the ancient archive or library. Hereby illustrating the textual organisational activities of the community. This does not include a chronological study of the collections, as there seems to be no indication of an evolutionary development of organisational practices The founder- and user community dictated the nature and progress of the collection Three collection types are identified as possible manifestations of the proto-collection, archives, libraries and genizahs. The genizah is distinguished, as no internal organisation and retrieval practices can be perceived Cognisance is taken of the problems involved in discussing the distinctive features of each, as the proto-collection is still in transition and therefore may change it's features The collections found at Ebia, Mari, Kuyunjik and Sippar are used to illustrate literature preservation and library activities Three additional "collections", seals and bullae from a post-exilic Judaic archive, Qumran and Babatha's "family-archive", are used to indicate specific problems in the description of collections. A study of this nature points to the necessity of interdisciplinary co-operation between Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Information Science in the handling of any future discoveries, as well as the implementation of the "archival method" in the organisation and retrieval of ancient collections in modern-day museums.
Open Access
The nature, causes and extent of land cover changes in Gamtoos River Estuary, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: 1991-2017
(MDPI, 2022) Ndude, Mhlanganisi Africa; Gwena, Kudzanai Rosebud; Hamandawana, Hamisai
Multi-date remotely sensed SPOT images of 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2017 were used to reconstruct changes in land cover in the Gamtoos River Estuary, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. These images were complemented by near-anniversary aerial photographs and Google Earth images that were used as ancillary sources of ground truth. The long-term trend direction of change was determined by calculating percentage changes and performing linear trend analysis. The magnitude of change was established by calculating Sen Slope estimates (SSE) and the influence of climate change on changes in land cover tested by correlating changes in rainfall and different cover types. The greatest and lowest changes were for noncultivated land and surface water (−7.94%, y = −1.2032x + 21.275, SSE = −0.292, and 0.44%, y = −0.4261x + 9.657, SSE = 0.007, respectively). Correlations between rainfall and all cover types were weak and ranged between 0.453816 and −0.643962. Rainfall exhibited a significant decrease (p = 0.0411, σ 0.05; y = −7.175x + 734.55, SSE = −11.130) that was highly correlated with changes in surface water distribution (0.813709, Critical R = 0.805). Overall, the results of this investigation point to the combined influence of climate change and human agency, with the latter tending to play a more prominent role by exerting increasing pressure on the environment’s natural supporting potentials. We therefore urge the scientific community to continue exploring actionable interventions that can be used to enhance the sustainability of this ecosystem and others elsewhere
Open Access
'n Ondersoek na die katalogusgebruik in die Hoofbiblioteek van die Universiteit van die Oranje-Vrystaat
(University of the Free State, 1981-01) Hills, Johanna Jacoba; Fokker, D. W.
Abstract not available
Open Access
'n Ondersoek na evalueringsmetodes vir die versameling van 'n medium-groot universiteitsbiblioteek met spesiale verwysing na die Frik Scott Mediese Takbiblioteek
(University of the Free State, 1985-01) Hills, Johanna Jacoba; Fokker, D. W.
English: Research was carried out into scientifically reliable and timesaving methods to evaluate the collection of a medium-sized university library with limited financial resources. The evaluation should be executable by subject librarians who do not necessarily have a knowledge of all the subjects under their control. The study was conducted at the Frik Scott Library, a medical branch library of the University of the Orange Free State. During a comprehensive literature search, thirteen evaluation methods were identified. These methods were, as far as possible, tested in the Frik Scott Library. As certain questions arose, a study tour of the United States of America was undertaken to seek solutions at university libraries in that country and to compare techniques. Afterwards the methods employed at the Frik Scott Library were once again critically assessed. Where necessary, adaptations were made accordingly. Only one premise could not be carried out, namely that the evaluation must be scientifically reliable. However, if the recommendations are followed by using several methods, one should come as close as possible to this ideal.
Open Access
Ontwikkeling van 'n omvattende beplanningstelsel vir 'n Suid-Afrikaanse universiteitsbiblioteek
(University of the Free State, 1984-01) De Bruin, Hendrik; Overduin, P. G. J.; Boshoff, A. B.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Soil fertilization synergistically enhances the impact of pollination services in increasing seed yield of sunflower under dryland conditions
(Cambridge University Press, 2021) Adelabu, Dollop Bola; Bredenhand, Emile; Van der Merwe, Sean; Franke, Angelinus Cornelius
To exploit the potential of ecological intensification during sunflower cropping, it is crucial to understand the potential synergies between crop management and ecosystem services. We therefore examined the effect of pollination intensification on sunflower yield and productivity under various levels of soil fertilization over two seasons in the eastern Free State, South Africa. We manipulated soil fertility with fertilizer applications and pollination with exclusion bags. We found a synergetic effect between pollination and soil fertilization whereby increasing pollination intensity led to a far higher impact on sunflower yield when the soil had been fertilized. Specifically, the intensification of insect pollination increased seed yield by approximately 0.4 ton/ha on nutrient poor soil and by approximately 1.7 ton/ha on moderately fertilized soil. Our findings suggest that sunflower crops on adequate balanced soil fertility will receive abundant insect pollination and may gain more from both synergies than crops grown in areas with degraded soil fertility.
Open Access
Thermal inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores isolated from a fruit processing plant and grape juice concentrate in South Africa
(Academic Journals, 2013) Groenewald, Willem H.; Gouws, Pieter A.; Witthuhn, R. Corli
Thermal inactivation at 95°C for two strains of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris isolated from contaminated fruit juice concentrates were investigated in a 0.1% (m/v) peptone buffer solution (pH 7.04) and grape juice (pH 4.02, 15.5 °Brix). The thermal inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores followed first-order kinetics, suggesting that as the microbial population is exposed to a specific high temperature, the spores were inactivated at a constant rate. D-values determined in the buffer solution were calculated to be 1.92 ± 0.39 and 2.29 ± 0.50 min, while in grape juice D-values were found to be 2.25 ± 0.53 and 2.58 ± 0.32 min for the two strains tested.
Open Access
Towards a conceptual framework for communicating library training to students in South African university libraries: a literature review
(Elsevier, 2023) Molepo, Mahlaga J.; Blose, Sihle
Developing conceptual frameworks to improve library training among librarians in South African university libraries is not common. The purpose of this article was to assess, synthesise and critique available literature to determine the extent to which librarians in South African university libraries could reflect on their library training and synthesise relevant theories and models that can assist develop a conceptual framework for communicating library training. The integrated literature review focuses on five central themes namely: communication models, the evolution of technology, learning theories, social learning and web based learning environments, and the role of authority in teacher-learner relationships. The article argues that academic librarians operate within the universe of teacher-learner relationships in library training initiatives, albeit unconsciously so. This makes library training in South African university libraries a mature topic needing reconceptualization. Future research should employ single and multiple case study research designs to formulate frameworks on a case-by-case basis.
Open Access
Transformation and legitimation in post-apartheid universities: reading discourses from 'Reitz'
(SUN MeDIA Bloemfontein (SUN PReSS imprint), 2016) Van der Merwe, J. C.; Van Reenen, Dionne
Two decades after the democratic transition, South African universities are in turmoil. Whilst the old is slowly becoming unhinged, reimagining the new is protracted and contested. The challenges ahead, including a funding crunch, are formidable and bear the imprint of South African postcolonial specificities and global transformations in higher education. At this moment, critical and engaged socio-historical scholarship is indispensable. Transformation and Legitimation in Post-apartheid Universities: Reading discourses from ‘Reitz’ is such a work. Revisiting the notorious ‘Reitz incident’ of 2008, when a satirical video made by students from the University of the Free State (UFS) to register their resistance to the racial integration of ‘black’ students into historically ‘white’ residences became public, the text offers an analysis of the broader cultural and socio-political context that constituted the conditions of possibility for the incident and its aftermath. Attention is shifted from the principal actors in the original drama – a handful of students and workers – to a critical interrogation of the broader structures, positions, discourses and practices that fed into the ‘Reitz incident’, reaching into the present with violent and racially-charged student and worker protests in 2016. Van der Merwe and Van Reenen deliver a theoretically-rich analysis of the anatomy of current contestations about race and transformation in higher education in South Africa, the resultant legitimation crisis facing the UFS and South African universities more generally, as well as ways to restore institutional legitimacy and reputation, focusing on instituting deeper, more durable change that unlocks the promise of democracy.