CUT Library and Information Services (LIS) took technology to another level when it launched the EBook (digital or electronic books) on 9 and 10 April. The launch, which took place two years after the institutional depository launch, is a clear sign of how the university is integrating technology into the culture of digital teaching and learning. Internet has become a vital component, most people and institutions are now resorting to e-books because it saves time, space, and money.  

According to Mr Juliano Kabamba, University Librarian, the launch is a strategic decision to move with the times and be at par with the rest of the world. “EBook launch is a build-up of the Institutional Depository that we launched two years ago. The primary objective of the depository is to preserve all intellectual output and make it accessible to the CUT community and the rest of the world with the aim of publicising our academic’s material to attract more citations and raise their profile as well as the profile of our institution. The institutional repository has thus far, 2030 publications and it is freely accessible to all users.” “Although we have strived to move with the times in ensuring that our students and staff get the best out of technology, we also looked into the obvious challenges at hand.” Mr Kabamba cited a few challenges that might be obstacles to the successful roll-out of the project:

• Internet connection: when the internet is down, you cannot access the EBooks.
• Lack of special devices: laptops, IPad and smartphones.
• Restriction policies to prescribed EBooks (one reader at a time).
• Incompatible software.

The EBook is also seen as a cost saving method, which will maximise access of information to the users and help the university to connect with the world.

• Readers will have unlimited access to information.
• More users can read the same book simultaneously at different locations as compared to printed versions where only a few copies are available to borrowers.
• There will be more space and no shelves to pack and manage.
• No bibliokleptomaniacs!

Visit the CUT Library webpage for access to a number of information resources. 

Busy with a live demonstration and training session was Mr Sipho Hlongwane, Information Librarian, Welkom Campus; and Mr Abri Vosloo, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Knowledge Resources.