​​Participation in the annual Research Week of the Library and Information Service of Stellenbosch University (SU) far exceeded expectations. Some 1 309 library clients registered for the 12 online sessions on offer from 24-28 August, whilst 802 attendees joined the webinars live. It was a first for the library to present Research Week in an online format.

At the launch of the Week, Professor Eugene Cloete commended the library for pressing forward to hold the event online and said that this was a reflection of a “world class library and information service with world class facilities for researchers".

Guest speaker, Dr Balindiwe Sishi, shared The journey through my eyes to attaining her PhD, including her personal challenges. Dr Sishi stated that her struggles taught her the importance of having a plan B in life. “[D]o the best you can with what you have. Do not focus on the door that is closed but on the one that is open", she said. She advised emerging researchers to find good mentors, collaborate, choose important and fascinating topics, and to focus on achieving their goals.

Presentations during the rest of Research Week skilled participants in conducting efficient literature and systematic reviews, scholarly writing skills, proper referencing and avoiding plagiarism, dealing with stress as well as making optimal use of some of the library's subscription databases.

Presenters from the library, as well as other SU support divisions had the opportunity to showcase the support services on offer and provided useful guidance to the participants.