Interview with the new Librarian at the SABC Information Library

Agrineth Mashile was an intern here at the SABC Information Library, who has now been appointed as a new librarian in a permanent position.
She started working in the Information Library from 1 June 2012.

The questions helps us to break the silos which exist between the different departments in the SABC Media Libraries, as well as getting to know the job functions of each and every one.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

My name is Agrineth Mashile, from a small village called Moomane in Limpopo, Sekhukhune District. 
I grew up there, started school in 1994 at Moomane Primary and matriculated at Ngale Secondary in 2006.  When I was doing matric, I applied for admission at University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus) for Computer science. When I got there I was told that I can’t be accepted in their school because my Mathematics marks were low, they were looking for “A” and “B”. I was so confused and I decided to check the prospectus for other courses offered, because going back home it was just out of the question.
 I decided to register for BA MDST (Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies), in which they only requested a proficiency in the English language. I had no idea what was all about but I thought it was better than going back home. In my second year I realized that it was not for me.
I decided to make Information Science my major course but still continued with media studies and communication studies as electives.

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. 

I come early every day at 07h15 as arranged and knock off at 15h45.  My duties at the Information library include cataloguing and classification of new books and indexing of SABC Radio Bulletins from Springbok Radio. I help in assisting students from the Sound Engineering College with the Internet, as well as printing and photocopying. I am also doing research for clients.  
Working at the front desk is stressful sometimes and very demanding. It demands someone with lots of patience.  Dealing with clients, externally and internally, can prove to be very difficult. It is my job to make sure that they are happy with the services we offer them.

Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve in the library.

We have a large collection of books from different subjects. The SABC Information Library is a special library, but it is very accommodating. It does not only acquire books on broadcasting, media and communications, but also on a wide range of other subjects. We have a large collection of journals (magazines and newspapers). The daily and weekly newspapers are scanned and indexed for future reference. 

Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?

Since I was an intern and did my practicals with SABC, I have learned a lot from the systems we are using.  I can proudly say that I am comfortable with the Newbase system and Inmagic Genie and I don’t find any difficulties.

If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting information, please share it with us.
I really can’t remember anything right now, but I have list of interesting books that people might enjoy reading: For politics: 8 days in September; for spiritual: The shack; for leisure:  The no.1 ladies detective (the whole collection of six)

Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do. 

Surrounded by loving and caring colleagues is the best thing one could ask at the workplace. The Information Library has such a warm atmosphere that when you get up in the morning you don’t have to worry about going to work because you know you will find people who will make your day easy.  
I love reading. Reading is my passion, so my heart is close to what I enjoy and like doing. It is interesting when a client comes in and you are able to discuss or review the books you like or enjoy reading. 


Related post:
Interview with the intern in the SABC Information Library, Agrineth Mashile


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