Unisa - Information Science

📢 Submit Your Abstract! UNILISA Conference 2027

The Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa (UNISA) proudly announces the 5th Biennial International Conference on Library and Information Science in Africa (UNILISA 2027).

📅 Date: 02–05 March 2027
📍 Venue: Senate Hall, UNISA & Hybrid
⏰ Time: 09h00 – 16h00

🌐 Theme:
From Digitization to Digital Transformation: Repositioning Information Science in the Industry 5.0

Researchers, academics, practitioners, and students are invited to submit abstracts and contribute to shaping the future of Information Science in Africa and beyond.

📧 Enquiries:
Dr Dube – [email protected]
Dr Luthuli – [email protected]

Dikeledi Lehlogonolo Marimane Earns Bachelor of Information Science Degree

The Department of Information Science proudly congratulates Mrs Dikeledi Lehlogonolo Marimane on successfully completing her Bachelor of Information Science degree. The degree was conferred on the 08 June 2026 at University of South Africa (UNISA) Nelspruit regional center.

Mrs Marimane, who currently serves as a Postgraduate Assistant in the Department of Information Science at the UNISA, has already taken the next step in her academic journey and is presently pursuing an Honours degree in Information Science.

Reflecting on her achievement, Mrs Marimane encouraged fellow students to remain committed to their studies, saying, “Education is not just a key to success but a lifestyle that brings maturity and growth.”

Her accomplishment is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for lifelong learning. As she continues to advance her academic and professional career, she serves as an inspiration to both current and prospective students.

The Department of Information Science wishes Mrs Marimane continued success in her studies and every success in her future career endeavours.

Mandisa Msomi Delivers Inspiring Chancellor’s Address at UNISA Graduation Ceremony

The University of South Africa’s (UNISA) graduation ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban was marked by an inspiring Chancellor’s Address delivered by Dr Mandisa Msomi, a lecturer in the Department of Information Science.

Dr Msomi was selected by the College of Human Sciences to deliver the prestigious address during the 09:00 graduation ceremony, an honour that reflects her commitment to academic excellence and leadership within the university community.

Addressing graduates, their families, and distinguished guests, Dr Msomi emphasised that the true significance of education extends far beyond the qualifications earned.

“The true value of education is not measured by the certificate you obtained today, but by the difference you make in the lives of others,” she said.

Congratulating the graduates on reaching a significant milestone in their academic journeys, Dr Msomi encouraged them to embrace the future with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. She highlighted the transformative power of education in empowering individuals and shaping societies, while stressing the importance of ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.

She further urged graduates to apply the knowledge, skills, and values gained through their studies to make meaningful contributions within their professions, communities, and society at large.

Her message resonated strongly with the audience as she challenged graduates to move beyond their comfort zones in pursuit of greater opportunities.

“Sometimes the greatest opportunities lie beyond the boundaries of comfort and familiarity,” she noted.

Encouraging graduates to remain courageous in the face of uncertainty, she added: “Progress always demands the courage to begin again, to embrace uncertainty, and to pursue something greater than oneself.”

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of UNISA’s newest graduates and marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, personal growth, and the continued pursuit of excellence.

The Department of Information Science congratulates Dr Msomi on this distinguished achievement and for representing the department and the College of Human Sciences with excellence during this memorable occasion.

🚨 Join Us TODAY! 🚨

The Department of Information Science, in partnership with Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), invites you to a Records Management Webinar in celebration of International Archives Week 2026.

📅 Date: 11 June 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 13:00
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams

The Link:https://eur06.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fmeet%2F345500692423963%3Fp%3DzxLS5YYnwFFBUiDxu6&data=05%7C02%7Cmodibmt%40unisa.ac.za%7C3a14571529df4dcfdc5108dec7163a43%7Cca9a8b8c3ea34799a43e5510398e7a3b%7C0%7C0%7C639167095494168675%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BXGbhKivWqHXqKx5XMSTfLRRW85L3BtVj2IGfTKw7Xs%3D&reserved=0

Join us as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in records and archives management in the digital era. Gain valuable insights from experts and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of information governance.

📌 Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate the importance of archives and records management.

🚨 FREE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 🚨

The National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the South African Society of Archivists (SASA), is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the:

2nd Annual National Records Management Conference 2026

📅 26–27 August 2026
📍 Senate Hall, UNISA Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria

THEME:
Archives and Records in Transition: Intelligent Technologies, Ethics and Smart Society

This conference serves as a national platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, professional development, and engagement on current and emerging issues affecting archives and records management.

✅ REGISTRATION IS FREE
📄 CALL FOR PAPERS IS STILL OPEN

🔗 Submit your paper: https://lnkd.in/dRCzqwiF

📧 Enquiries: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming records management and archives professionals, researchers, academics, students, information governance practitioners, and other stakeholders from across South Africa and beyond.

📢 Webinar Invitation: Mastering RefWorks for Research Excelence

The Department of Information Science, in partnership with the UNISA Library, cordially invites students, researchers, and academics to attend an informative webinar on Using RefWorks.

📅 Date: 09 June 2026
🕚 Time: 11:30 – 12:30
💻 Venue: Microsoft Teams

Join us to learn how RefWorks can help you efficiently manage references, organize research sources, and simplify citation and bibliography creation.

🔗 Microsoft Teams Link:

https://eur06.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fmeet%2F31806377819975%3Fp%3DdXfQwkizCABfqPUO0d&data=05%7C02%7Cmodibmt%40unisa.ac.za%7C29fc23be0c134522529408dec0a85477%7Cca9a8b8c3ea34799a43e5510398e7a3b%7C0%7C0%7C639160026370967697%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SumfRbCQt7KT3lmpmuxJElqC6fC8I3mH1MwkZbV4ziE%3D&reserved=0

Bright Kwaku Avuglah Earns PhD in Information Science from Unisa

The Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa) proudly congratulates Dr Bright Kwaku Avuglah on the successful completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Science.

Dr Avuglah currently serves as the Head of the Graduation Unit (Assistant Registrar) in the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Ghana, where he has made significant contributions to graduate administration and higher education development.
His doctoral thesis, titled “Open Science Preparedness and Adoption in Selected Academic Libraries in Ghana,” explores the readiness and implementation of open science practices within academic libraries in Ghana.

The study contributes valuable insights to the advancement of open science, scholarly communication, and knowledge accessibility in the African higher education landscape. Dr Avuglah completed his doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Bosire Onyancha, a distinguished scholar in the field of Information Science.

The Department of Information Science commends Dr Avuglah for this remarkable academic achievement and wishes him continued success in his scholarly and professional endeavors. His accomplishment reflects dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to advancing research and innovation in Information Science across Africa.

Boitumelo Boya Attains PhD in Information Science

The Department of Information Science proudly congratulates Dr Boitumelo Boya on successfully earning her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Science.

Dr Boya, who currently serves as the Executive Director at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), has achieved this significant academic milestone through her groundbreaking research on knowledge management within South Africa’s small business sector.

Her doctoral thesis, titled “Deciphering the Enablers and Strategies of Knowledge Sharing in SMMEs: A Study on the Construction Industry in South Africa,” explores the factors that facilitate effective knowledge sharing among small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry. The study provides valuable insights into strategies that can enhance collaboration, innovation and organisational performance within the sector. She was supervised by Prof Isabel Schellnack - Kelly.

The Department of Information Science commends Dr Boya for her dedication, perseverance and scholarly contribution to the field. Her achievement not only reflects academic excellence but also contributes to addressing practical challenges faced by South African businesses.

The department wishes Dr Boya continued success in her professional and academic endeavours as she continues to make a meaningful impact in both industry and research.

Kwaku Agyen-Gyasi Earns Prestigious Academic Distinction

The Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa) congratulates Dr Kwaku Agyen-Gyasi, retired Deputy Librarian of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), on the successful completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Science.

Dr Agyen-Gyasi’s doctoral research, titled The Use of Library Facilities in Selected Public Tertiary Institutions in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana, makes a significant contribution to the field of Information Science. The study examines the utilisation of library resources and facilities within Ghana’s public tertiary education sector, offering valuable insights into the role and effectiveness of academic libraries.

He officially graduated in absentia on 2 June 2026, marking the culmination of years of dedicated research, scholarly commitment, and academic excellence. His doctoral study was supervised by Professor Jacobs and Professor Dikotla.

This achievement reflects Dr Agyen-Gyasi’s unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and strengthening the role of libraries in higher education. His accomplishment serves as an inspiration to scholars, information professionals, and lifelong learners across the African continent.

The Department of Information Science extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr Kwaku Agyen-Gyasi on this remarkable academic milestone and wishes him continued success in his future academic and professional endeavours.

📢 Tune in today!

Catch Dr Matlala Mahlatji on Unisa Radio as she unpacks the upcoming RefWorks Webinar, hosted by the Department of Information Science in collaboration with the Unisa Library.

📅 Date: 05 June 2026
⏰ Time: 09h10
📻 Radio Station: Unisa Radio

Listen here: https://iono.fm/s/207

Don’t miss it!