Dr Mathew Moyo's long journey to academic victory

Dr Mathew Moyo, the North-West University's (NWU's) chief director for library and information services, was recently appointed as a board member of the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS).

"I am very honoured and grateful for this opportunity," says Dr Moyo, adding that he was taken by surprise when he found out about the nomination.

The NCLIS is an important body, aimed at providing strategic leadership and advocating literacy, a culture of reading and writing, innovation and open access to information. It also advises the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and the Minister of Education on matters pertaining to library and information services.

However, according to Dr Moyo, the NCLIS currently faces a lot of challenges. "One of the main areas of concern is that a lot of schools have no proper school libraries and/or qualified librarians. The council is aiming to eradicate this problem by requesting more funding for libraries across South Africa."

Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. "South Africa was one of the few countries that did not have a Library Policy, but I am happy to share that this policy was drafted in 2018," adds Dr Moyo.

The birth of a book worm

Dr Moyo's interest in books started when he was still at school. "I always excelled at English and I was tasked with issuing and receiving books in the school library."

Therefore, it was inevitable that, when the opportunity arose to further his tertiary studies, he opted for library sciences. He continued to perfect his craft and obtained his PhD in library and information sciences from the University Of Fort Hare in 2014.

More about Dr Mathew Moyo

Dr Moyo joined the North West University from the University Of Fort Hare and has been with the NWU for six years.

He is actively involved with and holds various positions in the Library and Information Service sector of South Africa, and is also a board member of Sabinet Online.

In his spare time, he enjoys watching soccer, reading and keeping up with current affairs.

More about the NCLIS

The establishment of the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS) resulted from a long history of library and information services (LIS) policy initiatives in South Africa. These initiatives gained momentum during the 1990s to address the continuous challenge of improving access to information for all South African communities.

The NCLIS was established in terms of the National Council for Library and Information Services Act (South Africa, 2001) and was inaugurated on 11 March 2004 in Cape Town.