Pieter du Plessis tells us about his role at Stellenbosch University and shares his unique approach for ensuring students return their books on time.

“No day is the same. That’s what makes my job thrilling.”

• What made you decide to become a librarian?

I worked in our library’s periodical section as a student assistant when I was an undergraduate student. I enjoyed it so much that I decided not to pursue an honours degree in Commerce. I am still convinced it was the right choice.

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

You are at the heart of the University’s research and information professional support services. My job expects me to adapt to new technologies (e.g. AI) and be agile enough to incorporate it into my work to the benefit of academic clients.

• Tell us about your favourite book.

Difficult to select just one. Currently, I am reading a series of Icelandic murder mysteries by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir. There is always a twist in the conclusion, but it is not forced or deliberate as can happen in this genre.

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

You must be:

– willing to accept and embrace that change is a constant

– passionate about supporting your clients’ information needs to the best of your ability

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

I think the primary role of the library is to support tertiary education, research, and lifelong learning by providing access to a wide range of reliable information resources.

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

No day is the same. That’s what makes my job thrilling. It comprises subject-related information literacy classes for undergraduate and graduate students, individual information support consultations, and, unfortunately, also attending meetings.

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

I have three parts:
1) Early morning current awareness routine where I browse online pages through blogs, newspapers, discussions, searching for information to send to clients. This sets my workday up perfectly for the rest of the day’s client inquiries.
2) Late afternoon, wrapping up and checking the following day’s calendar. This hopefully partially prepares me for whatever is heading in my direction the next day
3) Driving home. I can recharge by focusing on personal wellbeing, whilst trying to switch off from work

• Could you tell us the most interesting or funniest story that happened to you working as a librarian?

Maybe not funny as such, but apparently, we have a library ghost stalking our passages. It could be true because our library is located underground. I have used this legend to scare undergraduate students into returning books on time, otherwise, they might receive a ghostly reminder.

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

Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams

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

Energising.