So Long, and Thank You

And here we are ... my farewell to you.  The time has come for me to move on, en ek wil van hierdie geleentheid gebruik maak om dankie te sê.  Thank you to those who believed in the dream and had their hands on my back.  Dankie aan Frans Erasmus vir sy toewyding, en vir sy bereidheid om dit met ons te deel.  Thank you to everyone who donated material, and to every contributor to the stream, especially Les Smith, Frans Erasmus and Lance James. Thank you to each and every one who was involved in Springbok Radio from even before 1950, for your contribution to a rich broadcast heritage.  And thank you that I could enrich my life with the wonderful collection.  Working with Springbok Radio became my life, and the joy it brought is beyond explanation.  Die struikelblokke was soms bykans onoorkombaar, maar die genoegdoening was elke keer die moeite werd.  Thank you for allowing me to share the wonder with you, for being patient when the learning curve became a bit steep, and for understanding when technology couldn’t always keep up.  I will miss working with Springbok Radio more than words can tell.  I will miss the awe, the wonderful stories and excellent programmes, the investigations, the conversations, the battles and the victories, and I will always fondly remember this season in my life as one of the most significant.  So, this is your host, Retha Buys, saying so long, and thank you  for all the memories. 

Remember, Springbok Radio Revisited will continue.  The stream will be shortened to a monthly 3 hour repeat for the next couple of months until the new custodian find his/her feet, and it will contain mostly programmes about the history of broadcasting, and other programmes you haven’t heard before.  “Queens Messenger”, “Squad Cars” and “Taxi”  will be featured in every stream.  Be sure not to miss out on this trip down the memory lane of broadcasting.

May you and yours have a wonderful Christmas filled with love and peace, and may the new year bring you joy, hope, growth and blessings.  

Retha Buys

In Memoriam: Paddy O'Byrne

“He is a compulsive extrovert, a compulsive (and brilliant) talker, raconteur and broadcaster” (SABC Bulletin 1968), and indeed, Paddy O’Byrne will be remembered as such.  He was born the son of an Irish Supreme Court Judge, and came to South Africa in 1961, where, after winning the Voice of South Africa competition, he excelled in the broadcasting industry.  He will probably be best remembered as Mark Saxon of No Place to Hide, one of the longest running serials on Springbok Radio.  He started with Sunday at Home, and will also be remembered for Twenty One and The Quiz Kids.   He also served Springbok Radio as Assistant Production Manager.  Paddy had the wonderful ability to make everything passing his vocal chords interesting.  Someone remarked that he could easily read a telephone directory in an exciting manner.  He could make the news interesting as was hear in Deadline Thursday Night, and loved interviewing people – testimony has it that he had a wonderful talent for getting people to talk. 

Springbok Radio Revisited wants to thank Paddy for the wonderful Springbok Radio memories he helped create.  He will be missed, but will live on in sound at the SABC Radio Archives.

May his family and friends find peace in knowing that he warmed many hearts.

-Retha Buys 

Retha Buys, Springbok Radio custodian, farewell - SABC Radio Archives

Retha Buys, archivist and custodian of Springbok Radio Revisited, is leaving the SABC Radio Archives at the end of December 2013.
We had a small function on 5 December in the SABC Radio Archives to say goodbye before everybody break for the holidays.

Little that we know that it was a good time to have said our goodbyes, because the next day it was time to say goodbye to our former President, Nelson Mandela.
The SABC Media Libraries had to jump in with shifts and requests and cataloging of material coming in in one of South Africa's landmark historical events!

More photos can be seen here: Retha Buys farewell - SABC Radio Archives.


Photos by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Copyright vs Accessibility: The Challenge of Exploitation, by Retha Buys and Ilse Assmann

This paper was first published in IASA Journal no. 41, September 2013, and seeks ways of enabling exploitation of archive material when little or no information exists regarding copyright. How do we make the past available for today with little or no information and resources?




Retha Buys

Saying goodbye to the manager of the SABC Radio Archives

Bennie Jacobs was the manager of the SABC Radio Archives for 9 years. He worked in the SABC Radio Archives for 15 years.

He is now the new manager of the SABC Media Libraries.

There was a small cake function to say goodbye to him in the Radio Archives. The Radio Archives wish him well for his new endeavours as Manager of the bigger unit, and looking forward to still be working with him.


Bennie Jacobs has a vision for the SABC Media Libraries:

 "The Media Libraries has a solid foundation and it is up to us to build on that foundation. We are increasingly faced with the prospect of digitisation. I believe that the time has come that we stop talking about digitisation. We need to act on it. I believe that we can start small, while the organisation is still deciding what to do about digitisation. Starting small and getting it right will be a confidence booster and it will be proof that it can be done. We need to start believing in our own ability to make digitisation happen and take ownership of the process. 

The Media Libraries has been and is still focusing on delivering excellent service to its internal and external clients."

Blog post and photos by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2013 - Eventifier created #wdavh2013

The most recent World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is archived at Eventifier.
The photos that are shared on Instagram about the SABC Radio Archives are also included in this archive of social media interactions about audiovisual heritage.

Eventifier is a great way to archive all the social media stories and to keeping it together. Social media stories get "lost" or it becomes inaccessible as time goes by. This is a great way to archive a social media event that was categorised by a hashtag.

Unfortunately only the first request is free for an Eventifier to be created. Posts can also only be deleted, and nothing can be added after the Eventifier has been created. This option could have added to the quality of the archive of a hashtag.

A screen print of the Eventifier for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage looks like this:

Related posts:

- SABC Media Libraries' Instagram photos for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2013 #wdavh

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October #wdavh2013


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

SABC Media Libraries' Instagram photos for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2013 #wdavh2013

The SABC Media Libraries share on Instagram some of the formats and play back equipment that are part of  the collections of the SABC Radio Archives.
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2013 on 27 October inspired the most recent photographs on the photography social media sharing site.

The SABC Media Libraries account on Instagram can be found here: SABCMediaLib on Instagram, with more photos from the archives. It can be located under the hashtag #wdavh2013



Related posts:

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2013 on 27 October #wdavh2013

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October 2012


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October #wdavh2013

The yearly World Day for Audiovisual Heritage highlights the vulnerability of the world's audiovisual records.

The Instagram photo is from a photo taken in the SABC Radio Archives, which collects and stores audio material from SABC Public Broadcast Services (PBS) Radio Services. The SABC Radio Archives store a vast collection of audio material in different audio formats, some of which are also subject to disintegration if not being digitised before it is too late.

More information about the day can be found here: About the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage.

27 October 2013
Theme: Saving Our Heritage for the Next Generation

"Audiovisual documents, such as films, radio and television programmes, audio and video recordings, contain the primary records of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 Transcending language and cultural boundaries, appealing immediately to the eye and the ear, to the literate and illiterate, audiovisual documents have transformed society by becoming a permanent complement to the traditional written record.

However, they are extremely vulnerable and it is estimated that we have no more than 10 to 15 years to transfer audiovisual records to digital to prevent their loss. Much of the world's audiovisual heritage has already been irrevocably lost through neglect, destruction, decay and the lack of resources, skills, and structures, thus impoverishing the memory of mankind. Much more will be lost if stronger and concerted international action is not taken. 

It was in this context, that the UNESCO General Conference in 2005 approved the commemoration of a World Day for Audiovisual Heritage as a mechanism to raise general awareness of the need for urgent measures to be taken and to acknowledge the importance of audiovisual documents as an integral part of national identity."

                          Source: UNESCO

Posts from previous years: 

- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October 2012

- Storify: World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2011 at the SABC 

- Springbok Radio #1 - The History

- Unesco World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2012 - Awareness by SABC Media Libraries in South Africa 

- Unesco World Day for Audiovisial Heritage 27-28 October 2010

Blog post by Karen du Toit, archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

International Open Access Week 2013 - 21-27 Oct #OA

Open Access Week 2013

The 6th Open Access Week is next week. 

"The week is an opportunity for the academic and research community to continue to learn about the potential benefits of Open Access, to share what they’ve learned with colleagues, and to help inspire wider participation in helping to make Open Access a new norm in scholarship and research.

“Open Access” to information 

– the free, immediate, online access to the results of scholarly research, and the right to use and re-use those results as you need – has the power to transform the way research and scientific inquiry are conducted. It has direct and widespread implications for academia, medicine, science, industry, and for society as a whole.

Open Access (OA) has the potential to maximize research investments, increase the exposure and use of published research, facilitate the ability to conduct research across available literature, and enhance the overall advancement of scholarship. Research funding agencies, academic institutions, researchers and scientists, teachers, students, and members of the general public are supporting a move towards Open Access in increasing numbers every year. Open Access Week is a key opportunity for all members of the community to take action to keep this momentum moving forward."       - Open Access Week

Suggested things to do during this week:

1. Sign up at Open Access Week: Open Access Week 

2. See what librarians are doing with regards open access: Librarians Ideas 

3. Download posters, handouts and banners: Open Access downloads
(Everything is available to download and use, no permission required, courtesy of the Creative Commons Attribution License)

4. Check out the daily events happening worldwide, especially webinars: OA events


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Connected Librarians Day #cld13 #librarians

Connected Librarians #CLD13

The yearly Library 2.013 is upcoming on 18-19 October 2013.

A Library 2.013 pre-conference event has been planned as  Connected Librarians Day on October 14th. This is an open, online, and free event.
The hashtag is #cld13.

The schedule for the day is as follows:
(More detail can be be found here: http://www.library20.com/page/connected-librarians)

11:00am US-Eastern Daylight Time (5 pm GMT+2)
"Leading the Charge to Connect the Library, Classroom, and Curriculum: A View from Library Leadership" - Panel Discussion
Description: In this dynamic panel discussion, three members of Follett’s Project Connect team will share their views on the future of the library and explore how librarians are central to successful 1:1 implementations and the digital shift.

Panelists:
Mark Ray - 2012 Washington State Teacher of the Year
Gail Dickinson - AASL President
Susan Ballard - former President of AASL
Moderator: Britten Follett
Blackboard Collaborate Room Link:
https://sas.elluminate.com/d.jnlp?sid=2008350&password=LIB2013Part1


12:00pm US-Eastern Daylight Time (6 pm GMT+2)
"The Library as Makerspace"- Kristin Fontichiaro
Description:  Defined as groups of creators who come together to design, plan, and create products using both digital and non-digital tools, makerspaces are popping up in library-centered conversations. While makerspaces can include cutting-edge technology, it takes more than 3D printers, computers, and robotics equipment to define them.

Bio: Kristin Fontichiaro is a clinical assistant professor and coordinator of the school library media program at the University of Michigan's School of Information.
Blackboard Collaborate Room:
https://sas.elluminate.com/d.jnlp?sid=2008350&password=LIB2013Part10


1:00pm US-Eastern Daylight Time (7 pm GMT+2)
"Virtual Library Instruction:Tools & Tips" - Stacy Creel
Description: This presentation includes a discussion on a variety of online library instruction tools and methods for use in today's libraries. It includes tips and tools on static (vodcasts and online pathfinders) and interactive online (wikis, quizzes, live classrooms) presentations.
Bio: She is the advisor for the Graduate Certificate in Youth Services and Literature and received the Exemplary Online Course Award from USM in 2013.
Blackboard Collaborate Room:
https://sas.elluminate.com/d.jnlp?sid=2008350&password=LIB2013Part101

"Teaching the Teachers: Integrating Technology into Library Instruction" - Amanda Nichols Hess
Description: Librarians everywhere - in schools, in public libraries, in colleges and universities, and in other settings - are increasingly charged with instruction. This might be in K-12 classes, or in workshops, or in one-shot instructional sessions for a college course. As they are asked to teach more, librarians are simultaneously tasked with bringing technology into their instructional practices. However… are librarians adequately prepared and equipped to do this? Moreover, do they feel prepared and equipped to do so meaningfully?
Bio: Amanda Nichols Hess is Assistant Professor and eLearning/Instructional Technology Librarian at Oakland University in Rochester, MI.
Blackboard Collaborate Room:
https://sas.elluminate.com/d.jnlp?sid=2008350&password=LIB2013Part100

2:00pm US-Eastern Daylight Time (8pm GMT+2)
"[Re]Envisioning the Role of Librarian as Educator in the Digital Information Age" - John Shank
Description: This session will focus on how blended librarianship provides a vision for how librarians can be at the intersection of the learning and knowledge becoming a learning hub for their campus. Learn how In the digital information age, the blended librarian becomes a leader, who acts as the mediator and guide, to accessing and making sense of the ever expanding universe of information in all the forms that it takes.
Bio: See http://www.linkedin.com/in/blendedlibrarian
Blackboard Collaborate Room:
https://sas.elluminate.com/d.jnlp?sid=2008350&password=LIB2013Part102


The technical details of joining the conference from a computer or from mobile can be found here:
http://www.library20.com/page/connected-librarians
The presentations will be available if you are not able to watch it on the scheduled time!


Blog post by Karen du Toit. Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Introduction to giving your first conference presentation - iSchool at Syracuse University Webinar

"What No One Tells You about Giving Conference Presentations(or When PowerPoint and Good Intentions Meet Reality)"

Webinar link

The iSchool at Syracuse University's gave their first free online webinar entitled GIVING YOUR FIRST CONFERENCE PRESENTATION! Their  free online webinar series are in celebration of the iSchool at SU's 20 YEAR Anniversary of Online & Distance Education.

THE HOSTS:
Jill Hurst-Wahl is an associate professor of practice in Syracuse University’s iSchool and the director of both its LIS & LIS with school media specialization programs. Jill’s a member of SLA’s Board of Directors and the USNY Technology Policy and Practices Council.
Maurice Coleman is the author of Crash Course in Presentations, (released by ABC-Clio Publishing in 2014). He’s the technical trainer at Harford County (MD) Public Library, host of the long running library training podcast T is for Training (@tisfortraining), and a member of the board of the American Library Association’s Learning RoundTable.

Download the following:

- The webinar

- The handout

These are great tips for doing a presentation, even for well-seasoned presenters!



Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Social Media for Libraries - Storify: presented at the Information and Library Management Africa 2013 Conference

This Storify is a compilation of the social stories for the presentation as part of the Information and Library Management Africa 2013 Conference.
The first day of the conference, 26 September 2013, was at the Crowne Plaza, Rosebank.

Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Wordless Wednesday - record player in the archives

National Book Week 2 - 7 September #NBW2013

National Book Week

The ‘Books of Our Lives’ lies at the core of
National Book Week 2013
2-7 September

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 July, 2013) – Promoting and sharing the joy of reading books lies at the core of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC), in association with the Department of Arts and Culture, as they announce National Book Week 2013 (NBW), which is to be celebrated nationwide from 2-7 September 2013.

Reading statistics report that only 14% of the South African population are active book readers, and a mere 5% of parents read to their children. National Book Week is an important initiative in encouraging the nation to value reading as a fun and pleasurable activity and to showcase how reading can easily be incorporated into one’s daily lifestyle.

READ MORE

This is real....

First time in my fifteen years in the SABC Radio Archives I have find a brittle reel to reel tape.  Our guess is that it has been lying in the sun for some time.  Fortunately it is not from or for our collection.  This will not happen to our reel to reel tapes, since it is stored in a climate-controlled space, with fire-protection and all necessary measurements in place.

- Retha Buys, Custodian: Springbok Radio

Social Librarian Infographic #sociallibrarian - by Elsevier's Library Connect Newsletter and Joe Murphy

Social Librarian Infographic

"Social today means so much more than sending a tweet or posting to Facebook. The social librarian is enmeshed in the fabric of the Internet of Things as curator, educator, filter and beacon. In this complex, dynamic and demanding environment, librarians are extending themselves and empowering library users. 

In recognition of this, Elsevier's Library Connect Newsletter (@library_connect) and Joe Murphy (@libraryfuture), Librarian & Technology Analyst/Trend Spotter, offer up a visual portrait of The Social Librarian, and invite you to download and post, share on your social streams, and discuss with your library stakeholders."
- See more at: http://libraryconnect.elsevier.com/articles/supporting-users-organizations/2013-08/i-am-social-librarian-infographic-free-download#sthash.2PgIP9Hx.dpuf

This Infographic is available through The Social Library - 2013, Elsevier's Library Connect Newsletter, Vol 11, no 2 of 2013.

It reflects the future of Librarianship, and the way forward for all librarians (and archivists as well!)
Do you have any thoughts on this?


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Connect with librarians and archivists from around the world

CC: Flag of Flags
By Garry Knight on Flickr

The new round of partnerships for the International Librarians Network commences in September.

The International Librarians Network is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from around the world.

I have completed the first pilot round that started in April, and I have signed up again.
It does not take much of your own time, but only an email or two per week to the partner selected from around the world.

It has brought me many new insights about what is happening in the world of librarians.
I have caught on to many new reading materials, but I have also come to realize that we are not the only ones struggling in our daily jobs...
Struggling with recognition and budget cuts and staying afloat in an era of online information...

I have met Fiona Malcolm (@tapsister) from the Boroondara City  Library in Australia.
We will be continuing our discussions on "world domination", as she calls it, and I am learning with each email I receive from her about valuable articles or learning material for professional development.

Through the International Librarians Network I am taking part in the ANZ 23 Mobile Things, a world-wide network for librarians (but not exclusive) for learning new things about mobile technology and apps and the application of it in library environments.

I have also signed up for my first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), the New Librarianship Master Class of the Syracuse University, and have done the four week course. I have received my Certificate of Completion yesterday.

Had it not been for ILN, I would not have known about it!


Information about the International Librarians Network:

- About ILN

- How the programme works 

- Join ILN

- Facebook: International Librarians Network

- Twitter: @InterLibNet


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

In Memoriam: Pat Rosevear-Lowe, aka Rosie

Probably best known as Rosie in "From Crystal with Love", one of the longest running serials on Springbok Radio of old, Pat Rosevear-Lowe will live on in our memories also as one of the first female voiced on South African Radio.  

Pat's daughter, Tessa, remembers: "During her career, she worked with names such as Bob Holness, Cedric Messina and Ray Johnson.  Amongst other work, she featured regularly in the "Lux Radio Theatre" and had her own spot called "Dulux Homeowners Club".  She was also in the long running serial "Big Sister", and played Rosie in "From Chrystal, with Love".

Two other recordings that I know she acted in are "Telltale Romance No. 2: Sorry I Sinned" alongside 'Van Doren' and 'Joan Robinson', and "My Redeemer Liveth" (19 April 1946) alongside Cedric Messina, Philip Burgess, Hugh Evans and Dewar McCormack."

The SABC Radio Archives preserves her memory in the form of a recording of an episode of "From Crystal with Love", as well as a recording of abovementioned "My Redeemer Liveth", and "Tales from the Bushveld", as well as her playing in an operetta named "Paganini", adapted by Stephen O'Reilly.

Retha Buys

Archivist: Springbok Radio Revisited

SABC Radio Archives

Farewell to Ilse Assmann

The SABC Media Libraries had to say goodbye yesterday to our manager, Ilse Assmann, who left the company for a new career challenge.

The photos were taken at the farewell function organised by the SABC Media Libraries yesterday.
The Picasa photo album is here.

We wish her all the best in her new endeavours!
She will be missed!



Post and photos by Karen du Toit, Archivist, SABC Radio Archives.

Mediatech Africa 2013

From Mediatech 2013

The SABC personnel had the pleasure of attending Mediatech Africa 2013.

"A hub of interaction and home to the latest in ground-breaking technology, the expo showcases new innovations, technologies and products that attract kingpins in the media and entertainment industry. 2011’s show saw 6395 tech savvy key decision makers walk through the doors of the Coca Cola Dome to experience the latest trends in advanced technology, broadcasting, pro AV and entertainment. Over 800 brands were represented by 120 exhibitors, giving visitors a dynamic and unique spread of technical products and services."

The SABC, as one of the biggest broadcasters in Africa, had a huge presence at the Show.

The Big Outside Broadcast Van draw huge interest this year.

From Mediatech 2013

Inside the SABC's OB Van.

From Mediatech 2013

The SABC Digital Terrestial Television exhibit at Mediatech also drew a large interest.

From Mediatech 2013

The archivists got exited about an exhibition of old formats of sound and radio recording and playback equipment.

From Mediatech 2013

More photos were uploaded on the SABC Media Libraries Picasa Album: Mediatech 2013

Blog post and photos by Karen du Toit (Archivist, SABC Radio Archives)

Mandela Day at the SABC - a few suggestions to make every day a Mandela Day

The SABC is endorsing and running a few initiatives for Mandela Day.

This year the focus has been exceptionally high with Nelson Mandela celebrating 95 years, and being in hospital now for the past five weeks with a lung infection.

SABC's radio stations and television stations have their own initiatives doing their 67 minutes for Madiba this year.

5FM with Gareth Cliff celebrated Mandela Day in "Holding Hands" with Madiba for 67 seconds with a performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir.


 Children from Nkosi's Haven were there to support the initiative.

SABC personnel were treated to music, speeches by SABC's Kaizer Kganyago and Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Sello Hatang made it clear that it was not only about Mandela Day today, but about making each day a Mandela Day, building on the example of Nelson Mandela.


The SABC website lists some of the initiatives being endorsed:

- The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory - a donation can be made here;

- The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital - a R20 sms donation can be made to 40301, with the message "SABC"

- The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund - a donation can be made here, or have a look at the wishlist;

- 46664 - list of partners to see where you can become involved;

- Mandela Day - with 67 ideas of how to give 67 minutes of your time;

- Apartheid Museum - "For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental."

- Messages for Madiba - Submit messages via text or via a phone-in service. The SABC radio stations and televisions will be making use of the messages, and we will be hearing it on the air. The messages will be compiled and kept by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
The messages that will be used in radio broadcasting will be archived in the SABC Radio Archives.


Happy birthday, Nelson Mandela!

Related posts:

Nelson Mandela Day in the SABC Media Libraries - Pinterest Board

Nelson Mandela's voice - priceless treasures from the SABC Radio Archives


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Nelson Mandela Day in the SABC Media Libraries - Pinterest Board

A Pinterest Board compiled from SABC Media Libraries' blog posts about Nelson Mandela, and also of SABC Media Libraries taking part in Mandela Day previous years.

Nelson Mandela's voice - priceless treasures from the SABC Radio Archives

Nelson Mandela's rich legacy in sound is being preserved in the SABC Radio Archives.

We are reminded of him each day, with posters and framed photos, and his voice from our sound archives.

In 1999 the SABC Radio Archives launched a CD with some of his famous speeches.
The CD is titled: "The voice of Nelson Mandela Extract from famous speeches - original recordings"

One of the speeches was recently used in an Afrikaans drama for Radio Sonder Grense, titled Die Offer (in Radioteater). The speech was from his recital of Ingrid Jonker's poem in 1994, "The Child".

The SABC Radio Archives personnel met him at the launch in 1999. It was a huge honour to shake his hand.

Archivist Elizabeth Mate wore her Mandela t-shirt today, during a time that all is thinking and sending wishes to him for a recovery from a sick bed.


We wish him well this month turning 95!

In Memoriam: Peter Merrill - a man of firsts (2013/06/18)

It is with sadness that we pay tribute to yet another great spirit of Springbok Radio, Peter Merrill, who passed away on 18 June 2013.  Peter's was the voice that closed broadcast on the very first day of Springbok Radio on 1 May 1950.  He was involved in numerous programmes, either as actor, director or presenter, and will be fondly remembered by many.  Some of the programmes that carried the Peter Merrill stamp in one way or the other was Dance Time, the programme that closed the first day's broadcast on Springbok Radio,  as presenter,  the Sarie '74 awards which he presented with Elwyn Morris, Pick-A-Box as producer, and he also acted in the very first children's serial on Springbok Radio, namely Jungle Boy.  Peter also joined Esmé Euvrard as presenter of the very popular Springbok Rendezvous, and co-presented The Castle Lager Sportz Quiz.

In 1952 Peter started the first production house, Herrick Merrill Production Studios, with Dean Herrick, and they were involved in the production of the first locally produced soap operas, dramas etc.  The first women's serial Linda's First Love was produced by them from scripts received from Canada.  From their studios the popular programme No Place to Hide also originated, a serial which, according to Peter in an interview with Bea Reed in 1985, "changed the entire supper habits of South Africa."

From the SABC he headed on to Namibia, heading the English Service of the SWABC.

Our condolences to Linda, Peter's wife, and his children, grandchildren, family and friends.  My the memories he created bring you peace.

Retha Buys, Archivist: Springbok Radio, SABC Radio Archives

SABC Media Library's best 5 tweets this month

Twitter Ads are compiling interesting Analytics with regards Timeline Activity, and this is our "Best" tweets this past month.

Best Tweets of SABCMediaLib

1. Our Video Biography via Vizify got marked as a favourite:

SABC Media Libraries Twitter Bio video via Vizify: Just made a movie of my twitter: https://t.co/e4aghsjeTy Le... http://t.co/jq6PWKmYLp
— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) June 18, 2013

2. Our daily newspaper about Knowledge Management and Knowledge Café got marked as favourite
    The Daily Knowledge Café:

The Daily Knowledge Cafe is out! http://t.co/vVgZPHMN8y
— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) June 16, 2013

3.  The blog post about The Use of Vine in Libraries and Archives also got marked as a favourite:

The use of Vine in libraries and archives: Vine is a mobile app that is available on iOS and Android. It recor... http://t.co/bn7G2AXBs2
— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) June 11, 2013

4. Another The Daily Knowledge Café got 2 Retweets.

The Daily Knowledge Cafe is out! http://t.co/vVgZPHMN8y ▸ Top stories today via @IamDdanz @coveo @LoulouVance
— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) June 11, 2013

5. The daily SABCMediaLib.li about libraries and archives got marked as favourite:

SABCMediaLib.li is out! http://t.co/ycfSzfBZ9s ▸ Top stories today via @sdeeble @EllysEyeland @SuiteBrigitte
— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) June 11, 2013

To get to these analytics, it is necessary to sign in at Twitter Ads, and to set the account to Advanced under Billing History.

It is not necessary to set up any campaigns to get the Analytics.


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

SABC Media Libraries Twitter Bio video via Vizify

Just made a movie of my twitter: https://t.co/e4aghsjeTy Let me know what you think, then make your own. #FollowMe #Vizify
— SABC Media Library (@SABCMediaLib) June 18, 2013

A very easy to get a great animation of our Twitter activity, is through the Vizify application.

Anyone who is ons Twitter, can get a quick and easy video which can be customized and updated as required!

Please let us know when you have made yours!

The Vizify Twitter video can be made here: https://www.vizify.com/twitter-video 

 We will check it out!

The use of Vine in libraries and archives

Vine is a mobile app that is available on iOS and Android.
It records 6 minute videos that can be shared immediately on Twitter, or be embedded in websites.

I was alerted to it through the ANZ 23 Mobile Things course.

It is very easy to use, and very easy to share.

The following Vines are good examples of how we can use it in our library or archive settings:

From the Appleby Library:



As well as this one:



I made one for the Radio Archives as well:



How can we use Vine for the libraries and archives?

Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

International Archives Day 2013 on Storify #IAD13 #savearchives

International Archives 2013 was celebrated this year on 9 June on a Sunday.

Although the promotion for a Googledoodle did not make it onto Google's search engine, the Save Archives campaign highlighted the plight of archives worldwide.

The following hashtags on Twitter give a good overview:

        - #IAD13

        - #savearchives

A Storify was also compiled of some of the interaction on social media about International Archives Day 2013


Storify and blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

Save archives on International Archives Day 2013 - 9 June #savearchives

Archives are struggling for survival; to keep on demonstrating their worth in today's tight economy.
Not all archives are surviving and thriving, and they need support to keep on preserving the world's heritage records. 

International Archives Day is coming up on 9 June with an initiative to promote a Googledoodle for that day.
The Askarchivists and Followanarchive initiatives are spearheading the Googledoodle campaign, but are also concentrating on focusing on archives that need saving.

The City Archives of Cologne in Germany is being used as an example of archives that are in dire need of support after the building collapsed in March 2009.

Read more:
International Archives Day will be dedicated to archives in need


They are asking that we promote archives on 9 June with the hashtag #savearchives


Hopefully our attention and support can help #savearchives!


Blog post by Karen du Toit (karentoittoit), Archivist at the SABC Radio Archives (SABCRadioArc).

International Archives Day on June 9 2013 - celebrated with a Googledoodle?

The SABC Media Libraries have been taking part in International Archives Day since its inception in 2010 with a #followanarchive day on Twitter.
Last year we showed of our archival collections with #archday12 (Storify here).

#followanarchive has come up with a great idea this year! They want Google to create a special Googledoodle for International Archives Day, and they have suggested the following image:

Googledoodle for International Archives Day 2013?

It will still be in conjunction with using the #askarchivists and #followanarchive hashtags on Twitter.

They want your support in helping to promote the idea to Google.


READ MORE



Blog post by Karen du Toit (karentoittoit), Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives (SABCRadioArc)

X-K FM radio drama in the local San language of Platfontein

Story by Moshe and Rena Maghundu
Librarian/Archivist and Recording Technicians at SABC Platfontein


TUSSEN WASGOED DRADE  (Between washing lines)

X-K FM

 X- K FM, the radio broadcasting facilities (RBF), in partnership with SASI,  introduced a radio drama called "Tussen wasgoed drade" (Between washing lines). 

SABC RBF

SASI

It is recorded in the local San language of Platfontein (!Xun & Khwe) as well as in the San language of the Kalahari (N/u) and Afrikaans.


The drama addresses social issues in the community and also educates the listeners on health matters.  

The script writer Alme Swart was exposed to the San communities since her birth as her parents were teachers at Schmidtsdrift San Combined School. It was not easy to start with the script she said. She had to drive through the community to get the feeling of the kind of living of the San Communities.

Platfontein actors – Xun & Khwe

Actors busy recording in X-K FM studio

The youth of Platfontein are very passionate about educating the people of Platfontein through their drama message. The drama is the most listened to on the station and is aired every Wednesday after the 16:00 pm news with a repeat on Sunday at 12:00 pm.

Kalahari actors– Andriesvale

“Ek voel sommer jonk hier tussen die kinders," says Ouma Geel. (I feel very young here with the young people.)
 She’s the only N/u speaker among the Afrikaans speaking youngsters. She translated the character of Charlene, the widow, and Juliet’s best friend in the N/u language.
"Ek is so bly dat die Here my gespaar het om vandag my taal op te neem vir my afstammelinge," was Ouma Geel’s words. (I am so glad that I was saved to record my language for my descendants.)
She also does part-time translations in her language.


The production team had the following comments:
 It was not easy couching and mentoring junior actors who do not have a drama background. The SABC team had to sit in at their rehearsal sessions. They started recording this drama in Afrikaans at Platfontein. After they met with the Kalahari actors who only speak Afrikaans, they had no other option but to change the one of Platfontein in the two languages of Platfontein which is the !xun and Khwe.

They had to work extremely hard to accomplish this product, especially with the editing part.

Special thanks to the SABC for the equipment and SASI for the CD's to get this product to the relevant people. 
The wish is that we get more sponsorships to run such a project continuously.
Special thanks, as well, to Billies Pamo (Project manager at SASI) for managing the team.

The X-K FM programme producers, Piorro Mushavango and Simon Hasjenda for the excellent promos, and the programme manager, Malton Edburg, for allowing the drama to be on air.
Lastly, Me Regina Beregho of X-K FM, for seeing the value in this drama and her continuous support.

Here is a promo of the drama, in the local San languages:

- Alme Swart (Script writer)
- Moshe Maghundu (Recording Technician)
 -Rena Maghundu   (Technical producer, editing & packaging)


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.

In Memoriam: Dale Cutts (2013-04-19)

Dale Cutts sadly passed away in April 2013.  artSMart wrote a wonderful piece about him, which you can read at http://news.artsmart.co.za/2013/04/death-of-dale-cutts.html.  Springbok Radio Revisited salutes you Dale, and thank you for Adam Kane, amongst other gems.  Our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.  May the memories carry you through.

23 Mobile Things - There is always something more to learn

For those who are interested to use their mobile smartphones or their tablets optimally, or who wants to know how to get into the world of social media, this is your chance!

The Australian and New Zealand librarians have teamed up to make it possible through the 23 mobile things course by Jan Holmquist.

ANZ 23 Mobile Things 

The best news! You don't have to be from Australia or New Zealand to take part in this initiative.
You can sign up from anywhere in the world!

It is also a free course!

They are starting this week with introductions and with a quick survey to measure what is being learnt.

It is also never too late to start participating in this course.

All that is needed is to sign up with a name, email and country. As easy as that.
You can also follow the course on your computer or laptop.

The course will run from May to November 2013, and each week will cover a mobile Thing to master as set out in the original 23 Mobile Things blog

23 Mobile Things

1. Twitter
2. Taking a photo with a mobile device:  Instagram / Flickr app / Snapchat
3. eMail on the move
4. Maps and checking in
5. Photos + Maps + Apps: Historypin / What was there / Sepia Town
6. Video: YouTube and screencasts
7. Communicate: Skype / Google Hangout
8. Calendar
9. QR codes
10. Social reading: RSS / Flipboard / Feedly / Goodreads / Pocket
11. Augmented reality: Layar
12. Games: Angry Birds / Wordfeud
13. Online identity: FaceBook and LinkedIn
14. Curating: Pinterest / Scoop.it / Tumblr
15. Adobe ID
16. eBooks and eBook apps: Project Gutenberg / Kindle / Overdrive / Bluefire / Kobo, etc.
17. Evernote and Zotero
18. Productivity tools: Doodle / Remember the Milk / Hackpad / any.do /  30/30
19. File sharing: Dropbox
20. Music: last.fm / Spotify
21. Voice interaction and recording
22. eResources vendor apps
23. Digital storytelling

Your most pressing questions about the course are addressed here: FAQ.

The timetable is available: Timetable

Like on Facebook:    ANZ 23 Mobile Things

Follow on Twitter:   @anz23mthings

RSS posts:                 ANZ 23 Mobile Things  

Sign up here!

(Graphic: Courtesy Micosoft Clip Art: "Mobile")

Blog post by Karen du Toit, Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives, who will be taking part from South Africa.

Drama students at the SABC Radio Archives

Third year drama students at the University of Pretoria, doing a course in Radio, visited the SABC Radio Archives on Friday.

The tour was organised by their lecturer, Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren.

More of the photos of their visit can be seen on the SABC Radio Archives Facebook page.

They were shown the different analogue and digital audio formats which are being archived and handled in the SABC Radio Archives on a daily basis.

Although the audio equipment and the audio formats are not being manufactured or used on a massive scale any more, the archives are still in need of the skills of capable technicians who look after the equipment.
It is also the task of the archivists to look after their collections of  different audio formats, and to identify the need of collections becoming obsolete because of the formats disintegrating, such as the mini-discs.

Reel-to-reel Studer tape recorder 

The reel-to-reel-tape machine was demonstrated, as well as how the format of reel-to-reel tapes was one of the much safer and robust audio carriers, even than more recently released and recorded audio formats.

Reel-to-reel tape from 1979

Related post:

UP Students in Radio visiting SABC Radio Archives 

Facebook photos:

Drama Students visiting from UP


Blog post by Karen du Toit, Afrikaans Archivist in the SABC Radio Archives.