The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is pioneering a bold digital transformation that positions it at the forefront of higher education innovation in South Africa.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr Shirlene Neerputh, Director of Library Services, UWC Libraries is evolving from a traditional resource centre into a dynamic digital knowledge hub designed to power academia in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The transformation reflects UWC’s broader commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence, building on its historical legacy as a university with a strong social justice mission.
Future-ready
Neerputh’s vision is for UWC Libraries to become a future-ready digital library integrated with technology, enabling access to information and data-driven services in the 4IR. Her mission is to enhance UWC’s academic project through digitally transformed library services and her leadership reflects a deep understanding that modern libraries are not defined by physical resources and spaces, but by their ability to connect people, ideas, technology, and knowledge in meaningful and transformative ways that promote social justice.
To achieve this, Neerputh has crafted a new library structure with a cross-functional service team culture, aligned to the UWC institutional operating plan 2026–2030. The library fosters a work culture driven by the principles of professionalism, teamwork, and accountability. “Neerputh is helping to bridge educational divides and empower students by driving digital inclusion and creating equitable access to scholarly information for success,” the university said in a statement.
Key driver
A key driver of this transformation has been the university’s investment in digital infrastructure and information technologies. Through the Centre for Information and Communication Services and Innovative Education and Communication Technologies (CIECT), UWC has developed a “Digital Campus” where innovative technologies support learning, research, and institutional efficiency. The university has expanded campus-wide Wi-Fi connectivity, online learning, cloud-based computing and digital communication platforms, multimedia production, and digital skills development to ensure that communities are digitally connected.
Under Neerputh’s stewardship, UWC Libraries has evolved into a technologically enabled academic ecosystem that embeds information resources and services in curricula and research, bolstering the creation, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge. The libraries offer “spaces and places” for online learning, with digital communication platforms to support flexible participation and lifelong learning, driven by the Library Learning and Teaching and Scholarly Communications staff teams.
Students and academics from diverse backgrounds can participate regardless of geographic limitations. The rapid advancement of digital technologies, online learning, generative artificial intelligence, and global research collaboration has disrupted how knowledge is accessed, produced, and shared. A digitally integrated and connected library service enables the university to adapt quickly to disruptions, emerging technologies including generative AI, and changing educational models.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly important part of the digital campus landscape. While AI offers enormous opportunities to improve teaching, learning and research efficiencies, automate information retrieval, personalise learning experiences, and enhance administrative systems, it also introduces important ethical and academic considerations.
Neerputh believes that digital transformation at UWC Libraries is built on fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, supporting continuous learning, and creating shared ownership of institutional change. “Innovation should always be accompanied by ethical leadership, inclusivity, and long-term vision,” she said.
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