Steve Kekana launches his new album at the SABC Record Library

Steve Kekana: Risen

Report by Jacqueline Wilson
Music Librarian


Renowned music legend, composer and artist Steve Kekana blessed the SABC Record Library with his presence at the launch of his 44th album called “Risen” on Friday 22 August.

Risen is a re-recording of some of his biggest hits. This album includes  memorable songs like “Slow Drive to Soweto”, “Sanibonani”, “The Bushman” and other songs that will put you in a dancing mode.

With the man of the moment speaking, the one thing taken from his speech is that he has always loved music and wants his music to be part of South Africa’s past, present and future. He loved being at the SABC Record Library and in his own words he said: “The Record Library is the epicentre of a music earthquake”.

Present at the launch were members from Next Music Record Company and the publishers who deal with the distribution and marketing of the album, as well as music compilers from different radio stations and other music guests from inside and outside the SABC.

The room was filled with warmth and so much laughter, and the Record Library is humbled to have had such an amazing person in their presence.

LIASA EXCO and branch members visiting specialist libraries, including the SABC Media Libraries

The SABC Media Libraries had the pleasure yesterday in welcoming a delegation from the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), including the following EXCO members: Ms Ujala Satgoor - LIASA President; Ms Segametsi Molawa - LIASA President Elect; Mr Mandla Ntombela - LIASA National PRO; Ms Therese Els - LIASA NAtional Secretary and Ms Annamarie Goosen - LIASA Manager.

The LIASA delegation's road-show included visiting different types of libraries, and they wanted  to include a specialist library like that of the SABC! Their aim is to form an idea of the state of libraries and information services in South Africa. They would also like to share information with their staff members on burning issues.

The LIASA delegation was shown the the SABC Radio Archives, the SABC Record Library and the SABC Information Library. Because of time constraints the delegation was not shown the SABC Music Library or the Audio Restoration Section.

The delegation expressed a sincere interest in how the SABC Media Libraries give access access to their content, which includes audio (radio programmes and clips), as well as commercial music and information contained in books, magazines, newspaper and electronic.

It means a great deal to the SABC Media Libraries to be able to form connections with Information Professionals from across South Africa. As members of LIASA they appreciate the interest that was shown in their services. The specialised nature of the SABC Media Libraries' services contribute to a perceived isolation from their peers in the librarian and archivist fields.

The significance of the visit has highlighted the worth of the services once again, and gives an appreciation of the specialist services that are rendered at the SABC Media Libraries!

LIASA delegation in the SABC Radio Archives

Team Leader of Cataloguing and Sport Archivist
Johann Greyling addressing the meeting 

LIASA delegation with Ujala Satgoor

Justice Leshilo welcoming the delegation in the SABC Information Library

Monica van Deventer (Principal Librarian) with Justice Leshilo

Themba Mtshali demonstrating the Newbase scanning system in
the Newspaper Clipping Section (SABC Information Library)

LIASA delegation in the SABC Information Library 

Ujala Satgoor in the SABC Information Library

The SABC Media Libraries feel honoured to have shaken hands with the LIASA EXCO, as well as meeting some of the LIASA Gauteng South branch executive members.

Blog post and photos 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.

Searching for Sugar Man, also in the SABC Archives

"Sugar Man", the story of a forgotten singer, won the best documentary at the Oscars this week.
Sixto Rodriguez made two records in the early 1970s, but it never took off in America.
Unbeknown to him, it became very popular in South Africa.

Searching for Sugar Man, is the story of two South Africans and their search for this elusive singer.

Big is the surprise when we see a clip showing our own collections in the SABC Record Library and how censorship made it impossible for it to be played during the Apartheid years.
Luckily the short clip is available on YouTube.
(It is also available as a podcast on iTunes).


This is a documentary worth seeing!

Blog post by Karen du Toit.

A retrospective look at 33 years in the SABC Record Library

Thersia Francis, the Manager of the SABC Record Library, is leaving the SABC Media Libraries today to pursue other interests in life. She started as a woman assistant in the Record Library, and later became the Manager of the Record Library.


How long did you work for the SABC, and where did you start before you came to the Media Libraries?

I started in 1980, 33 years ago. I started in the Record Library.

What did it mean to you to work in the Record Library? 

That was a very big part of my life, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Did you meet interesting people, and who?

I have met a lot of bands, singers and artists. 
My highlight was being backstage with Jon Bon Jovi in their first concert in Johannesburg Athletics Stadium.

What do you remember about your time here?

99% was happiness in my job - to work with music and music related functions which I have enjoyed most.

What are your plans for the future?

For the near future; to relax and doing the things I never had time to do previously!


We wish you well, Thersia!


Related post:

Interview with the Manager of the SABC Record Library


Questions & blog post by Karen du Toit, SABC Radio Archives.

SABC Media Libraries 2012 end of year function

The SABC Media Libraries had their end of year function at the Vaal River.
A river cruise on the Liquid Lounge was followed by a lunch at the Emerald Hotel.

It was a great day in the South African sun!

--------


We are back and already working hard in the new year.
2013 seems to be a busy year!


Best of 2013 wishes to all the libraries and archives, as well as our SABC Viewers!

Follow a library day today #followalibrary

@Followalibrary on Twitter

It is again time for libraries worldwide to connect and to follow each other, and to share their collections with the world.

The #followalibrary team is going strong, and the blog post can be read here:
Join ons on #followalibrary day 2012 on Oct 1st

They have an awesome video up  by David Green and the Shelharbour Libraries (@sclibs) on the blog, but you can check it on YouTube as well: #followalibrary day... so follow 

David Green says the following about #followalibrary day:

"funtastic folk will be tweeting the AWESOMENESS of libraries and using the hashtag #followalibrary. We’ll be tweeting about reading, creating, playing, communicating, learning, sharing & all the other excellent stuff we do in libraries. It’s such a cool way to spread library love" 

If you are not yet following the SABC Media Libraries, as well as our different sections on Twitter, please do so today:

SABC Media Libraries on Twitter:

@SABCMediaLib on Twitter

SABC Information Library: @SABCInfoLib

SABC Radio Archives:         @SABCRadioArc

SABC Music Library:             @SABCMusicLib

SABC Record Library:            @SABCRecordLib

SABC Audio Restoration:      @SABCAudioRest


A special shout-out to all South African libraries as well. Please let us know that you are taking part, and we will gladly follow you back!

Happy #followalibrary day!


Blog post by Karen du Toit @karentoittoit

Interview with the new Junior Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library

Image Sibuyi is a new appointment at the SABC Media Libraries.

This is part of an ongoing series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. The interviews are generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections and breaking the silos between us.

The interview this week is with Image Sibuyi, a new Junior Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library, who started to work here on 14 May this year.

The Record Library houses all genres of recorded music. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)

I was born and raised in Buckbuckridge (Mpumalanga) in the village of Cork Trust, near the town of Hazyview . I started school in 1994 at Mkhumbini Primary School and matriculated in 2005 at Dumisani High School. Due to financial reasons in 2006 I was unable to enroll in a tertiary institution. 
I went to the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, in 2007 and enrolled for the Bachelor of commerce in Business Management and Human Resource Management which I successfully completed in 2009. 
In 2010 I enrolled for a Higher Diploma in information Studies (HDINF) which I completed the same year. 
During the academic year 2010, as part of a practicum course, I had to attend practicals for four weeks at the Library of my choice. I chose the SABC Media Library in Polokwane. Fortunately during my practicals I could apply for an internship at SABC Mpumalanga.  
 I was successfully appointed as a Record Librarian intern from 01 February 2011 until 31 March 2012. 
During my last week of internship I applied for the Junior Record Library post. I was successful in my application and started to work in May 2012.

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

In the Record Library we believe that music or sound/s never die or expire. We preserve all kinds of physical CD music genres (House, Rock, RNB, Hip Hop, Classic, etc.), from old to the latest, of which are played by all of the SABC Radio Stations. 
Most importantly we require copyright information. 
We also keep mood music and sound effects which are used by radio and television personnel.

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?

I do the capturing of music which requires the copyright information from SAMRO such as title, performer, record label, composer, and publisher, etc.  I liaise with the other SABC regions to avoid duplications. I also advise clients with regards the registering of copyright information and how to make it visible on the physical CD. I also help out at the front desk service with issuing and returning of CDs.

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

The music industry is migrating to digital. The SABC  Record Library are facing challenges in terms of the recording companies who are cutting costs on sampling physical CDs for us, especially of the international music. 
Luckily we have a very reliable computerized library system.

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

First of all I love working for the one of the biggest Broadcast Corporations. It comes with pride and joy. 
Ever since I join the SABC I have developed an interest in music. The capturing of music entails listening to music before capturing, so I enjoy “dancing with my head” while doing my work. 
I also enjoy helping artists with the information of registering their music.


Related posts:

Interview with the Manager of the SABC Record Library

Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: Sound effects and moods music

Interview with Aaron Magoro at SABC Radio Archives

Interview with a Systems Administrator at the SABC Record Library



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

SABC Record Library - photo account of a Wednesday afternoon

SABC Record Library 

The Moshito 2011 experience

Moshito 2011: SABC Media Libraries exhibition
Patrick Jack from SABC Record Library

Moshito 2011, the yearly music conference and exhibition, took place 31 August to 2 September last week. The SABC Media Libraries and the SABC News Archives had an exhibition in Newtown as well.

Obakeng Phiri, the intern in the SABC Radio Archives, gives us some of his impressions:

Obakeng Phiri on the far right, explaining the SABC Media Libraries' exhibition

The conference was aimed at developing and stimulating the domestic music industry. 

The event featured over 30 sessions of panel discussions, information sessions and workshops. Music industry and related specialists from all over the world also took part in the conference.

I was asked to join my colleagues on Friday at the music conference to showcase the SABC Media Libraries, by telling people who we are and what we do.

We had two laptops set up for people who came to visit our area, which gave them a broader understanding on what the SABC Media Libraries is all about. We also had a DVD playing out for people who passed our stall, which mainly highlighted our cultural diversity, and on what makes them so unique - in terms of clothing, music and dances.

Wandile Goba of the SABC New Archives on the right

 On a personal note the conference gave me a broader understanding about SAMRO and on how it affects the SABC. They are interdependent. It is very critical for me due to the fact that I work with archive material.

Some more photos:

Nonhlanhla Mazibuko (SABC Record Library), Florence Moshatana (SABC Radio Archives),
Nokuthula Mzelemu (SABC Radio Archives)

Nokuthula Mzelemu (SABC Radio Archives)

Moshito 2011 was held at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown

Blog post by Obakeng Phiri and Karen du Toit, photos by Obakeng Phiri and Nokuthula Mzelemu, interns in the SABC Radio Archives.

Interview with the Principal Librarian, Media Library: Marlene Ungerer – Province Cape Town

Marlene Ungerer
Principal Librarian: SABC Media Library Cape Town

The SABC has branches in the provinces. The upcoming interviews will be addressed to the people of the SABC Media Libraries working in the provinces. The scope and content of their work differs greatly of how we do it here in Auckland Park.

The interview this week is with Marlene Ungerer, the Principal Librarian of the Media Library, Cape Town. She has been with SABC Cape Town for 24 years on the 1st August, 2011.

Marlene, please tell us a little bit about your life and career (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined SABC Cape Town)

I grew up in the southern suburbs of Cape Town.  Both my parents played guitar, piano and sang. My parents made a recording with Teal Trutone in 1955 when I was 6 months old, on a 78”.

My brother won first prize for the battle of the bands when he was 15 years old. He is currently a member of the band “Late Final”.  My sister and I sang in a band in our teens and we had piano lessons with Charles Segal whilst we were at school. Because of my parents influence in music, we obviously are all able to play an instrument or two and we are able to sing. Therefore music was more than a hobby it was a normal activity in our family gatherings and we all have a passion for music.  None of us are able to live without music…it’s in our veins. My knowledge of music goes back to my Grandmother’s era up to the current genre’s we hear today.

I cannot imagine my life without music.  It was coincidental that I started working at the SABC Media Library in August, 1987.

My previous work experience was purely administrative. For example: wages, salaries, creditors and debtors, switchboard, secretary and Personal assistant.

How big is the province you serve?

The Province in Cape Town has a total of 170 employees. The Media library provides services to following Radio Stations: - Good Hope FM, RSG, SAFM and Umhlobo Wenene, including Group Sales and Marketing.

Do you have specific challenges in Cape Town?

Yes, we most certainly do!  Firstly we have only two employees, the Principle Librarian and the Librarian. The biggest challenges are when one of the two is off ill or on leave and the other has to juggle the running of the library, seeing the clients from the Record Companies (who samples us with CD’s), assisting the compilers, attending meetings and finally finding the time to catalogue the new releases.  Cape Town Media Library is one of the few Provinces that has a Principle Librarian that is hands on. At present I am coaching two interns since February and we have been requested to do monthly reports and logbooks for each intern.

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What tasks do you give priority to?

The task which is given first priority is ensuring the new releases are catalogued as soon as possible, to enable compilers and borrowers to have prompt access to compile their playlists and programmes. Managing one’s time to give the Record Companies an opportunity to visit and explain the new CD releases, which are given as free samples. At present I need to give my full attention to the interns while coaching them until November of this year.

Tell us more about the collection in the SABC Cape Town Archives and the scope of material that need to be preserved.

Anything we need to archive we send to the SABC in Johannesburg but we do take a keen interest in preserving CD’s that were released from 1980 to 2000, as these CD’s are not replaceable.  Should a borrower need access to a CD which we only have one copy of, we make alternate arrangements to either copy the CD or download the track requested.

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

I have a passion for music and I cannot imagine my life without music. I enjoy every aspect of my job; it is extremely challenging and rewarding to be able to assist people with music requests and knowing that I have the knowledge and experience to find a particular type of genre to suit their programme, drama or an advert. I really couldn’t imagine my life without music.

Why do you prefer working in Cape Town, rather than here in Johannesburg?

I was born and grew up in Cape Town and my parents, children and extended family are all based in Cape Town. Cape Town is the only place I would work and it suits my needs at present. Life throws us so many curve balls, who know; maybe at another time in my life it may warrant a transfer!


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

Interview with the Manager of the SABC Record Library

Thersia Francis
Manager: SABC Record Library

The interview this week is with Thersia Francis, the Manager of the SABC Record Library.

The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to all internal clients.

This interview is part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the Media Libraries. It is a way of generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.


Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)

I was born, raised and spend most of my life in Krugersdorp.
I’ve started my working career at the Johannesburg City Council at the Commercial Licensing Department were I worked for 5 years, and gained  very valuable working experience.
I applied for a post in the Record Library at the SABC and started in June 1980.  31 years later here I am still in the Record Library and love every minute (OK, 99% of the time). Things really changed a lot over the years…..
When I started there were 3 Record Libraries: Springbok Radio Library (or Commercial Library) Bantu/Black Record Library and the Central Record Library. When Springbok Radio closed down the 3 libraries merged and only one record library was formed.  I started working with classical music, then mood music and sound effects and then light or commercial music and gained knowledge of the different types of music, record companies and our users in the SABC. 

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What tasks do you give priority to?

My main focus is to have happy, focus and competent staff and a well organized record library that’s looking after the music needs of the SABC.

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

We do have a huge collection of CD’s and LP’s.  Our collection exists of classical music, mood music and sound effects and light music. We try do allocate music from all available sources, local and international.

Do you struggle with technical difficulties with regards your collections? Please elaborate.

On a daily basis we do not have any technical difficulties.  My dream for the library is to digitize and have our collections online.  We are currently busy with a digital project and hopefully this dream will come true.

If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting music, please share it with us.

 A great CD worth listening to is “Amore Infinito” by Placido Domingo with guest appearances by a few well known artists.  It is songs inspired by the poems of Pope John Paul II.

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

To work with music is fantastic!  The music industry has its own magic.  The interaction between the record library, radio stations and all the users in the SABC is very special.


Related posts:

Interview with the Systems Administrator in the SABC Record Library
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC record Library
Interview with an Assistant Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: Sound Effects and Mood Music


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

Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library

Vickey Steyn, SABC Record Library

This is part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the Media Libraries. The interviews are generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.

The interview this week is with Vickey Steyn, a Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library.

The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)

I grew up in Heidelberg Gauteng, where I am residing to this day. I went to AG Visser Primary School, and matriculated in 2002 at Hoër Volkskool. After school I didn’t want to study, so I worked at Pick a Pay for a year. Following that I waitressed at Heidelberg Pub en Restaurant during the night and worked at Evermaster Int. Import and Export Company during the day.  Evermaster closed down and moved overseas. I then worked for AVBOB as an administration clerk.  In 2007 I joined the SABC as a Receptionist, and after two years I applied for the vacancy in the Record Library…  And this is where my journey began!

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?

A normal day in my office is to capture music cd’s on the Record Library system.  Every Tuesday we receive cd’s from different record companies.  You mingle with different personalities at the record companies. After we’ve received the cd’s we have to listen to it so that we can give it a classification to capture it on the system.  I’m also doing the TOP 20 every week. It is called “The Top 20 sales of CD’s sold” which RSG is broadcasting on air every Saturday between 13:00 and 14:00; it’s also placed on the web on a weekly basis. 

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

Yes, but it usually get sorted out very quickly by Gary from BIT.  Didn’t come across anything yet that couldn’t be sorted out.

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

There is not a thing in my work that I don’t enjoy… Everything that I’m doing is satisfying.  Sometimes there are times that you struggle with something, but it’s not a huge thing that spoils your work situation.  I work with great colleagues. I can’t imagine a working day without them.  They make you feel like being part of a team, and with this “team” you can never have a dull moment or feel left out!


Related posts:
Interview with an assistant record librarian in the SABC Record Library
Interview with Aaron Magoro at the SABC Record Library
Interview with a Systems Adiministrator at the SABC Record Library


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

Interview with an assistant record librarian at the SABC Record Library: Oliver Mhlanga

Oliver Mhlanga
SABC Record Library

This is part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. The interviews help us to gain a better understanding of the work that we do here.

The interview this week is with Oliver Mhlanga, an assistant record librarian in the SABC Record Library. He is responsible for the filing of the music.

The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including sound effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to SABC internal clients.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Oliver Fana Mhlanga. I grew up in Mpumalanga in the place called Piet Retief. Before I joined the SABC I was working as a bricklayer (builder).

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?
I need training and understanding of different music genres and how to classify it.

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

Yes, I am struggling with technical issues because it is not part of my job description to work on a computer most of the time.

If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting music, please share it with us.

Of course I have a specific piece of interesting music which I enjoy!

R Kelly: The Storm is over now.
Quote from the lyrics:

“I was in a tunnel
And couldn't see the light
And whenever I'd look up
I couldn't see the sky
Sometimes when I'm standin'
It seems like I done walked for miles
And my heart could be cryin'
Dead in the middle of a smile
But then I climbed the hills
And saw the mountains
I hollered help 'cause I was lost
Then I felt the strong wind
Heard a small voice sayin'
The storm is over
(The storm is over now)
And I can see the sunshine
(Somewhere beyond the clouds)
I feel Heaven, yeah
(Heaven is over me)
Come on and set me free, whoa”

Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
Yes, I am enjoying my work because it is encouraging every day!

Related posts:
Interview with Aaron Magoro at the SABC Record Library

Interview with a Systems Administartor at the SABC Record Library

Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library


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

Interview with Aaron Magoro at the SABC Record Library

Aaron Magoro
SABC Record Library

This is an interview as part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. It is a way of generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.

The interview this week is with Aaron Magoro, a Record Librarian in the SABC Record library.

The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.

Aaron, please tell us a little bit about your life and career.

I was born in Soweto. I grew up in the township and I attended primary & higher primary school in Soweto. I moved to Mpumalanga where I went to secondary school to obtain my Junior Certificate.
Before I joined the SABC I was at CNA Warehouse supplying different outlets with magazines and newspapers of local and international content. It was very interesting to work in that department. I only worked there for a short period. After I had left I had a call that there were vacancies at the SABC, upon which I applied for a job here.

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?

A normal day at the office is hectic. We deal with different clients with different needs. Every piece of music to us is a priority as a service to our clients. After I have completed the requests by customers, I do my normal work capturing data. The information being captured is shared with the ten regions of the SABC country wide.

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

In the library we have a variety of global music. We have a vast collection. It includes the National Anthems of other countries. We came up tops during the Soccer World Cup which was hosted in South Africa. We were the sole independent of the media to rely on in terms of music of other countries.  We receive music as it is presented to us. This point is very important because we don’t limit our collections or censor it.  Different people do research on different projects. It is not up to us to select for them but to cater to their needs of what they require.

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

Technical difficulties in the record library: It is very few, except for the process and procedures which should be followed very carefully, as well as to remember the password and id users may need in future.

If you have an anecdote about a specific piece of interesting music, please share it with us.

I like a selection of evergreen music with the message of courage; lifting up one’s spirit when you are feeling down. To name a few: Mahalia Jackson, Uncle Satchmo, Brook Benton, Aretha Franklin, and local northern Sotho tradition and township music with a vibe.

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

I enjoy a social life. My daily life at work involves socialising with different people, sharing different ideas and most of the time I assist when more information are required.


Related posts:
Interview with a Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library: Sound effects and mood music
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: William Rapabi
Interview with a Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library: Justice Muthakhi
Interview with a Systems Administrator at the SABC Record Library: Marinda Wolmarans

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

Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: Sound Effects and Mood Music

Elmarie Liebenberg
SABC Record Library

This is an interview as part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. It is a way of generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.

The interview this week is with Elmarie Liebenberg, a Record Librarian in the SABC Record library.
The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)

I grew up in Prieska, after matric I became a Matie in Stellenbosch where I got a degree in Physical Education. Married a farmer and lived on a farm in Bonnievale for 20 years, then moved to a farm in the Waterberge area between Nylstroom and Vaalwater. Left the farm in 1992 and started at the SABC Record Library, (my first job), moved to the Sound Effects and Mood Music section, retired and now back on contract until….
 Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?

A normal day involves: attending to e-mails, filing of CDs, updating the library, assisting the users/compilers/sound engineers, capturing information onto the computer.

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

We keep sound effects and mood/production music CDs in this section. Sound effects CDs (the sounds you hear in dramas, stories, programmes etc.) are very expensive, most of them imported and not available in shops. The SABC has a selection on transcriptions compiled by SABC sound engineers. No royalties to be paid when using sound effects. At present we have 38 FX (sound effects) libraries.
Mood or Production music is music specifically written for inclusion in audio and/or audio-visual productions. The music is already recorded for convenient synchronization and/or dubbing into productions. It’s range encompasses recorded versions of classical works, fanfares, bridges, stings etc., in fact almost any type of musical accompaniment or backing to almost any scene. At present we have 150 MM libraries in the FX/MM section.
Mood/Production music is less expensive than commercial music and readily available. It is licensed – in most cases – at published rates and pre-clearance is not necessary. You pay a set fee to clear the music and the recording.
By comparison, if you wish to dub a commercial record onto your production, you have to negotiate fees both with the music copyright owner and the record company before making the production.

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

I love music and enjoy assisting the users in compiling a production. I often have to try to think what they have in mind and then search for the right piece of music or sound!

Related posts:
Interview with a Record Librarian in the SABC Record Library: William Rapabi
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: Justice Muthakhi
Interview with a Systems Administrator in the SABC Record Library: Marinda Wolmarans

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

Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library: William Rapabi

William Rapabi
SABC Record Library

This is part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. It is a way of generating  a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.
The interview this week is with William Rapabi, or Raps, the Record Librarian in charge of the check-out counter at the Record Library.

The SABC Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)

My name is William M. Rapabi, and I was born in Soweto (Molapo location) where I started primary schooling. In 1976 I went to Witsieshoek now called Qwaqwa to do high school studies. Having completed high school, I then attended college in Johannesburg doing a mixture of courses that included switchboard, office administration, typing …… aag I have forgotten the others, and please don’t ask me what the diploma was called. While still in college the SABC came looking for workers and I got my employment.

Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?

My job mainly entails signing in and out of music(CD’s) to compilers, dj’s, producers, to mention but a few doing different programmes on radio or television.  Naturally their choice of music would differ according to content required. Reminders are always send to users to check in what they loaned from the library because if after 6 weeks CD’s are still outstanding, deductions from their salaries is done to replace those CD’s.  The packing slips and audit trails are filed daily to keep record of what went out and came back.

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

The collection and scope of material we have has already been elaborated on by Justice Muthakhi. I would specifically want to talk about the indigenous music that only the SABC has on transcriptions that really needs preserving. It is gold to this company.

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

Talking about technical difficulties Here I don’t wish to do deductions on the same day that salaries are done because then I have time frames and unfortunately we both tap into main-frame and the system becomes very slow.

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

Why I enjoy doing the work: I love working with music and enjoy listening to music. Whatever circumstances I’m in, music will always pull me through. Thank you.

Related posts:
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library
Interview with a Systems Administrator at the SABC Record Library

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

Interview with a systems administrator in the SABC Record Library

Marinda Wolmarans
SABC Record Library

This is the second interview as part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. It is a way of generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.

The interview is with Marinda Wolmarans, a Systems Administrator in the Record library. The SABC Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients of the SABC.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)
I was born in JHB. I worked at Trust Bank now Absa and from there started at the SABC.

Please tell us about a normal day in your office.
When I arrive in the morning the first is checking e-mails and regularly during the day as well.  The Regions and JHB send performers and labels to be added on the system to be able to capture the information on the system.  Not one day is the same, some days problems that affects all the Regions will be send via e-mail or I’ll be contacted telephonically to rectify the mistakes made on the systems.  I check CD information and send the mistakes back to the regions and JHB personnel to rectify.  It takes a lot of time because you have to check who added the CD first, everything needs to be written down and checked thoroughly. People need to be focused when capturing of CDs are being done.

What does the future have in store for us digitally?
I can’t wait for the Digital System but I foresee we might have problems with the information on the CD’s and the actual songs on the disc. I hope that all the information that we currently have will be transferred without any major problems.

Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
Every day has a different challenge.

Related post:
Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC record Library

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

Interview with a Record Librarian at the SABC Record Library

This is the first interview as part of a series of blog posts to gain a better understanding of the SABC Record Library, as well as part of a series of blog posts about the SABC Media Libraries. It is a way of generating a better understanding of what we do in the different sections that we belong to.

The interview this week is with Justice Muthakhi, the Record Librarian and Team Leader in the Record library.

The Record Library houses recorded music, previously unavailable, as well as all genres of recorded music, including Jazz, Gospel, Kwaito, Rap, Rave, Classical, World, Light, Mood, Sound Effects and others. The music is regularly accessed by staff and made available to internal clients.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you grew up, where and what you studied and your work experience before you joined the SABC Record Library)
I was born in Venda (Thohoyandou). I attended school from the beginning to standard 9. I obtained Senior Certificate while I was working. I joined the SABC straight from school.   I spent most my life in the music industry as a link between the record companies and the SABC record library. Ordering CDs and dealing with public enquiries. I also capture CD information on the record library system. 
    
Please tell us about a normal day in your office. What music do you give priority to?
Normal day?  I do not have something like that.  Each day has a different call. Although Tuesday is a day for Record companies and independent producers to sample their latest products; some of them come from as far as Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland.  I have to accommodate them any day of the week. This means I could go to the SABC foyer any time of the day.

Tell us more about your collection and the scope of material you need to preserve in the record library.
Our collection  stands at:
Light Music over               59000
Classical Music over          21 600
Transcription discs over     4 000
In our storeroom we have also a collection of LP’s and Seven Singles that are still in use because not all songs are on compact discs.

Do you struggle with technical difficulties, and if so, what?
Yes, change in technology is very fast and for me to keep up the pace is little bit difficult. I would say to have enough time to close the gap is a challenge.

Tell us why you enjoy doing the work that you do.
To work with people is a challenging situation and interesting as well. I meet different personalities every day and I learn a lot from these individuals.  Sometimes it is painful but at the end they help me to grow spiritually.

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