Sweden; Denmark; Finland; Switzerland; Austria; Slovenia; United Kingdom; Singapore; Australia; Canada; United States of America; Egypt; Qatar; Zambia; Botswana; Nigeria; Ghana; and South Africa. These are the home countries of the 36 IFLA delegates who were warmly welcomed to the SU Library and Information Service on Friday 21 August 2015!
The visit to the SU Library and Information Service was one of the conference tours on offer to delegates of the 81st IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC). The Congress took place at the Cape Town ICC. IFLA is the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
Delegates were met at their bus outside the University Museum. Four library staff members each guided their group to the JS Gericke Library, highlighting important historic campus buildings and features en route.
In the E-classroom of the JS Gericke Library, guests were formally welcomed by the Senior Director of the Library and Information Service, Ms Ellen Tise. Ms Tise, a Former IFLA President (2009-2011), is a member of the IFLA WLIC 2015 National Committee. The 36 guests were shown a dynamic prezi presentation providing an overview of the services and facilities of the central and five branch libraries. This was followed by an informative presentation on the digital collections and services of the SU Library and Information Service.
After enjoying refreshments in the modern staff tea room, the delegates were able to experience first-hand the innovative spaces and services at the JS Gericke Library. The guests were shown around the library by their 'tour leaders'. The tour included 'stops' at the Research Commons, the Learning Commons, Special Collections and Technical Services.
After a short ride in their bus, the delegates visited the inspirational Engineering and Forestry branch Library. They were similarly shown around the library by two staff members and made use of the opportunity to engage with the staff.
SU Library and Information Service is very proud to have hosted and interacted with its international IFLA peers!
