The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Library Services recently hosted a transformative Academic Writing Workshop off campus. Dr Nthabiseng Mosala-Bryant, Senior Director, Library Services, said that arranging the workshop was in response to a call from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, for support staff to engage in research writing. As a fourth-generation University, MUT is distinguished by its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. In accordance with this vision, the Institution continues to encourage research and development (R&D) programmes that address real-world problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. The Library’s Ziningi Mngadi said that the Library’s involvement in such scholarly endeavours was necessary to advancing MUT’s research agenda and cultivating a culture of inquiry, creativity, and innovation.
Solani Ngobeni, Publishing Director of the Centre for Scholarly Publishing Services and a well-known academic and scholarly publishing expert, facilitated the three-day workshop. Ngobeni, who received the International Young Publisher Award in 2007, possesses extensive expertise in facilitating academic writing, communicating research findings, and publishing scholarly works. His commitment to excellence and pragmatic approach to academic writing made the session both interesting and intellectually fascinating.
The six Library staff members who attended the workshop said they gained a lot. Dr Mosala-Bryant said that the workshop provided an opportunity to work away from daily distractions at home and in the office. “Ngobeni’s coaching, particularly the first day which was dedicated to understanding the research publication lifecycle, was highly beneficial. It established a solid foundation for those of us new to the process. We are optimistic about our progress, with the goal of submitting at least eight papers by the end of January, demonstrating our commitment to advancing research output within the institution,” said Dr Mosala-Bryant.
The MUT Library is expanding its role beyond information provision. Its collection development strategy guarantees that resources, both print and electronic, extend beyond the existing focus of faculties, allowing staff and students to access relevant, up-to-date, and high-quality material to support teaching, learning, and research.