20 February 2023 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe | Photo Anja Aucamp
Jeannet Molopyane
Jeannet Molopyane, Director of the UFS Library and Information Services.
The role of hybrid educational spaces in enhancing students’ learning experience at institutions of higher learning cannot be downplayed, and the University of the Free State (UFS) has been hard at work to move away from traditional library spaces to creating tech-enhanced, flexible environments that are dynamic for teaching and learning, across its three campuses.

Bringing changes to library spaces began in 2017 as part of the Integrated Transformation Plan (ITP), which aims to transform the university into a research-led institution with an increased knowledge contribution locally, on the continent, and globally. 

Tailoring library spaces to suit the needs

Jeannet Molopyane, Director of the UFS Library and Information Services, says that since then, they have been tailoring library spaces across the three campuses to best suit the needs that have been identified on each campus. “We have been working to reduce big redundant spaces that are not serving any purpose, to create areas that will enhance the purpose of teaching and learning, and support research needs as well,” she says.

Significant infrastructural changes have occurred at the UFS Sasol Library on the Bloemfontein Campus, where renovations are currently taking place on levels six and seven. The ground floor of the TK Mopeli Library on the Qwaqwa Campus is currently being transformed into research and learning commons that will also support multi-collaborative needs for research support.

Molopyane says the South Campus and Frik Scott Medical libraries would also be receiving tailored changes to serve students who frequent these spaces. 

Aligning with global best practices

“We are no longer aiming locally, but are now aligning our services, projects, spaces, and programmes with global best practices. When we benchmark, we weigh ourselves against global standards,” she says.

She adds that the revitalisation project is not limited to library spaces, but brings modern-age, user-centred services that will accommodate the changing needs of staff and students. These include the UFS African Language Press, which was launched earlier this year and aims to be a publisher of high-quality literature and academic material written in indigenous languages.

“We endeavour to be one of the best libraries in the world, and all this is possible because of the library team of dedicated visionaries who are committed to the development, visibility, and impact of our university.”

*This article first appeared in the 2022 Bult Magazine.

Architectural render of the Neville Alexander Library on the South Campus

Photo: Supplied

  

Architectural render of the Sasol Library on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Photo: Supplied 


 

Architectural render of the TK Mopeli Library on the Qwaqwa Campus.

Photo: Supplied

  
  

 



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