CPUT Library Annual Report 2009

Abstract

CPUT Libraries in 2009 continued to grow and play a critical role in supporting teaching, learning and research across the university. The appointment of the new Director of Libraries, Dr. Elisha Rufaro T. Chiware and Deputy Director Mr. Michiel Erik Moll brought the required stability in the management of the libraries. All Senior Librarian positions were also filled in 2009 ensuring that a full complement of the top library management team is in place. This stability further ensured that the new library structure could now be put in place and allowed the library to focus on service delivery. The library’s collection budget grew from R 8 000 000 in 2008 to R14 850 000 in 2009. This growth enabled the library to expand the range of its information resources through the acquisition of both print and electronic sources. The range of e-books that can be accessed across the campus network grew and covered all disciplines and so did the databases that contain the latest research information. The Library, like all other departments in the university, continued to experience major difficulties with the IT infrastructure. The IT problems pose a major threat to the smooth delivery of library services across the campus network and we hope the situation will improve in the coming year. While the management of the library’s budget improved with the appointment of a dedicated finance team, the overall response from the university finance department was not impressive as many challenges are still faced regarding the overall institutional management of financial procedures, especially the ordering and receipt of goods processes. In its response to the university’s goal of improving institutional research output, the library in 2009 launched its own Research Agenda. This Research Agenda is embedded in most of the library activities and is designed to respond to, and support management processes and improving service delivery to the university community. The CPUT Libraries Research Agenda has also been used as a platform to generate ideas for innovative library projects that will make CPUT Libraries a world class service.