Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) joined institutions across the country in celebrating South African Library Week (SALW) 2025 under the national theme “Libraries for Sustainable Communities.” The event brought together students, staff, and industry stakeholders for a vibrant programme that showcased and promoted services offered by various information providers.
Spearheaded by the SMU Library and Information Services, the event featured exhibitions by leading information resource providers, including EBSCO, Primal Pictures/Anatomy TV, Learning Curve, and Elsevier. These service providers presented a rich array of reading materials, digital tools, and educational resources, reinforcing the notion that libraries are not simply book depositories but dynamic hubs for learning, inclusion, and development.
The 2025 theme aligns with South Africa’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 4: Quality Education. Libraries play a significant role in advancing these goals by providing inclusive spaces, equitable access to knowledge, and promoting lifelong learning and environmental awareness, ultimately fostering resilient and informed communities.
SMU Library and Information Services continues to advance accessibility through a blend of physical and digital resources, as well as inclusive infrastructure. A key highlight of the event was the library’s role in promoting lifelong learning, recognising that education extends beyond traditional classrooms and that libraries support both students and staff throughout their academic and professional journeys.
In brief remarks, library staff underscored the critical role of the library in the daily lives of both staff and students. They emphasised the growing importance of digital inclusion in a post-pandemic world, noting that internet access, computer workstations, and digital literacy training are no longer luxuries but essential academic tools. With refurbishments to the library nearing completion, SMU Library remains committed to continually improving access to resources, services, and systems to meet the evolving needs of the university community.
The event also fostered community engagement by creating a collaborative space that brought together students, academic staff, and external partners, further reinforcing the library’s position as a cornerstone of social cohesion and academic support.
Evon Matime, a Master’s student in Pharmaceutical Sciences at SMU, shared her perspective on the library and the celebration: “The SMU Library provides an environment where futures are shaped. It offers a quiet space but also connects users to a world of knowledge and opportunities.” Students expressed excitement for the full completion of the library’s revamp, eager to benefit from the improved learning environment.
As SALW 2025 drew to a close, it reaffirmed the vital role libraries play in advancing education, supporting development, and promoting sustainability. SMU remains committed to offering inclusive, accessible, and transformative library services that empower individuals and contribute towards a more equitable future for all.
By Tumelo Moila
