Undergraduate students empowered with comprehensive library workshop and tour

The Unisa Library and Information Services recently held a comprehensive training workshop and guided library tour for undergraduate students at the university’s Muckleneuk Campus. This initiative, led by the Unisa Library Book Club in celebration of the 2025 Librarians’ Day, marked the conclusion of a month dedicated to recognising the vital role of librarians in students’ academic journeys.

The workshop aimed at bridging the gap of accessing study resources for students and to apprise them of the academic resources essential for their success.

In her opening address, Sonto Morudu, Branch Librarian at Unisa’s Research Commons, highlighted the importance of inclusivity. “We are glad to have students join us physically and virtually for this event”, she said. Morudu also encouraged interaction across these platforms.

Students then participated in a series of hands-on training sessions led by Unisa’s library expert staff.

Bongi Maema presented a session on Summon, the library’s comprehensive academic search engine, demonstrating how to find and access scholarly resources and e-reserves. Joe Mametja guided students through the library catalogue, explaining how to locate books, journals and other academic resources across Unisa’s vast print and digital holdings.

Tshepo Constable introduced students to law databases, including Juta and LexisNexis South Africa. He further explained the structure of legal databases, highlighting categories such as legislation, case law and government gazettes. Also, Constable encouraged students to book one-on-one training sessions with him even after working hours.

The workshop concluded with an engaging library tour led by the library’s marketing specialists, Kgaogelo Moeka and Moditsa Masela. Students were introduced to the library’s rich collection of resources and specialised areas, including the Delivery, the Archives, the Digitisation, as well as the Audio-Visual sections. A visit to the Research Commons rounded off the experience, leaving the group inspired and better equipped to navigate and use the library’s range of offerings.

Undergraduate Training Workshop in progress

The Unisa Book Club Chairperson, Boitumelo Thubane, reflected on the experience. She said: “One of the most exciting highlights was the guided tour of the Unisa Library. This immersive experience deepened our appreciation for the meticulous work involved in managing library resources and Unisa’s vast historical archives.” Thubane added: “It was inspiring to see how Unisa embraces technological advancement and innovation, positioning itself at the forefront of digital information management.”

Gwen Ncube, a virtual attendee at the workshop, praised the session for its professional delivery and engaging content. She noted the presenters’ clear communication and effective use of visuals and demonstrations, which made complex processes easier to understand. A key takeaway for her was how to follow special instructions when ordering an item, including identifying the material type and its location in the system. She also appreciated the reminder on returning borrowed items on time to avoid fines and to ensure fair access for all students.

The training workshop and tour not only strengthened students’ understanding of library tools, but it also fostered a sense of community and academic confidence. As the Unisa Library Book Club continues to champion student engagement, this event served as a powerful reminder of the library’s central role in supporting scholarly success.

* Moditsa Masela, Marketing and Communication Intern, Library and Information Services