I started studying at the University of the Western Cape in 2024 as a Library and Information Studies (LIB) student. Like many students I knew that the library was going to be a very useful space for me not just as a study place, but also as a place where I could get books and other information that might be useful for my studies. Over time, it became more than that. It became a space where I began to understand what my degree is really about. For newly admitted BLIS/LIB students, the UWC library is not just a quiet place to sit, but a practical example of everything you will be learning in your modules.
I honestly believe that the University of the Western Cape has one of the most beautiful university libraries in South Africa, what a beaut! The first time I saw it on the inside, I was amazed by how beautiful it is. The library has different floor levels, and each level mainly belongs to a different faculty (but you can study on any level to be honest, free will!). It also has computer labs and individual study areas. During exam season it becomes packed, okay? So, arriving early or just learning to study in your room becomes very important.
In my second year, I started noticing how the library functions as an information system. The classification systems, databases, circulation desks and the online catalogue all reflect what we study in our courses. Seeing these things in real life makes it easier to understand what we are learning in class. As a LIB student you will also get a chance to see some places in the library that other students don’t even know exist, like the Donation and Archival Collection and the Mayibuye Archive which is closely connected to the library. You also start to understand how the library operates behind the scenes.
The UWC library is a valuable resource for LIB students because it gives us access to academic databases. Learning to use tools like Google Scholar and other university databases helps improve your research skills and makes completing assignments much easier.
It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it is very important to familiarise yourself with the library early on. Take time to explore the space and learn how things work. After all, you don’t want to be a LIBRARY and Information Studies student who doesn’t know how the LIBRARY works.