UKZN Library Services is undertaking an online survey to gather information about the Libraries' services in order to improve and enhance our services in support of research, teaching and learning.
Please share your thoughts and enter a lucky draw for a chance to win an amazing prize. https://library.ukzn.ac.za
23 May 2025
RESEARCH DIVISION COMMUNIQUÉ
COMPETITION FOR THE NAMING OF THE LIBRARY ROBOT
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Dear Staff and Students
UKZN’S New Library Robot
UKZN Library Services invites all staff and students to participate in naming our new robot, which will be stationed at the Medical Library.
The library robot, which will be launched on 17 June 2025, will support a range of circulation tasks, including:
• Issuing, returning, and renewing library materials
• Shelving and shelf-reading
• Inventory management
• Responding to directional queries
The mobile robot is approximately 75cm tall and has been designed to enhance library operations, increase efficiency and provide user support.
We encourage the University community to submit name suggestions in either English or isiZulu. Suggested names should reflect the robot’s purpose and functionality and the broader mission of UKZN Library Services which is to support learning, teaching, research, and access to information.
The winning name will be announced during the 5th IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence hosted by UKZN Library Services from 16–20 June 2025 at the Golden Horse Casino & Hotel in Pietermaritzburg.
Launching this robot marks a significant step in reimagining library services at UKZN. If the pilot is successful, similar technology will be introduced at other campus libraries.
Please click here for an image for the current robot design renderings. Kindly note that some details, such as the arm mechanism and bookshelf gantry, are still being finalised.
Entries close at 17h00 on Tuesday, 10 June 2025. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. The winning entry will receive an exciting prize sponsored by the University.
To enter the competition, download the form here https://forms.office.com/r/dtNWy66yMH, complete it and email it to librobot@ukzn.ac.za
Issued by the University Research Division
