Thanks to Sakhile Mngomezulu, Scholarly Communications and Open Access Manager at Stellenbosch University, for taking part in our Librarian Spotlight interview series.

“The library is the heart of the University. It remains the hub of knowledge… ensuring that producing quality professionals remains a possibility.”

• What made you decide to become a librarian?

My understanding of the profession and the importance of knowledge led me to decide to become a librarian. As someone based in the global South, I have a role to play in contributing to development, literacy, and equitable access in South Africa. Through my profession, I can influence change by sharing knowledge.

• What’s the best thing about being a librarian?

Librarianship is constantly changing; I keep learning about new things from just providing support to clients and how best we can contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Tell us about your favourite book?

Odyssey of Liberation: A Memoir of a Rebel Advocate by advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, Foreword by Rev Dr Allan Aubrey Boesak. It reflects on the history of South Africa as a country and dives into the challenges of inequality and where we are as a country in terms of liberation.

• In your opinion, what are the most important skills to have when working as a librarian?

Information retrieval, open science, digital and information literacy and good communication skills.

• In your opinion, what is the importance of the library?

The library is the heart of the University. It remains the hub of knowledge, more than just being a collection of books, but ensuring that producing quality professionals remains a possibility.

• Tell us what a typical day looks like for you as a librarian.

Responding to queries via emails, phone calls, meetings, assessing transformational agreements, publishing requests, OA trainings and advocacy, adding outputs on the institutional repository, and Excel spreadsheets with publishing fees refunds from departments.

• What is your favorite part of the day at work?

Morning is my favourite part of the day, to me it means new challenges, new opportunities to learn/ make an impact and mostly a chance to win more people to adopt open science.

• After a hard day, what do you do to relax?

I prefer going to the gym and sometimes I play soccer to keep both my body and mind in a good state. I also enjoy playing draughts sets with friends.

• Is there anything you would like to share with other librarians?

There is a lot we could change/influence through knowledge.

• Could you give us one book recommendation that everyone should read?

The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White

• If you had to describe a library in one word what would it be?

Empowering.