Monday, 15 March

Posed for date: Monday 15, March

John Tsebe’s talk setting the scene for locating libraries on the national agenda proved interesting and challenging for a non-lawyer. The talk placed the national library within a certain context and highlighted its importance for ALL librarians. What was the highlight of the talk was the fact that we in South Africa can be VERY proud of our heritage, our national infrastructure and our place on the African continent. We need not sit back and wait for the rest of the world to pull us along. We’re already doing it here down under. Rachel More was disappointing. She could have delivered her talk with more enthusiasm. Speaking from the podium for an hour put most of us to sleep. We expected more from our LIASA president. Archie Dick was a refreshing change from the previous dry monologue. Placing our profession firmly in the forefront of social responsibility, highlighting our ignominious past and bringing us to the present, where we have so much potential lurking in the shadows, was enlightening. The talk truly exuded hope for our profession. Prof Bothma’s enthusiasm really rubbed off. He is truly the type of academic whom I admire. His keen intellect, yet humble nature combined with a socially aware bent, was also refreshing.