How “Aberystwyth” inspired Nelson Mandela and the African Liberation Movement

As the world celebrates the life and death of the “giant of history”, Tata Nelson “Madiba” Mandela, it is worth reminding our readers how the musical legacy of a son of Wales inspired Mandela and South Africa’s liberation movement. Dr Joseph Parry, a Professor of Music at Aberystwyth University, wrote the hymn “Aberystwyth” in 1879. It was this hymn which inspired Enoch Sontoga, a Methodist teacher who composed “Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika” (Lord bless Africa), to the tune of Parry’s “Aberystwyth” in 1897. Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika later became a symbol of African unity and the national anthems of South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The Joseph Parry Hall, near the Old College, was named after the composer and you can find works by him in our Celtic Collection in the Hugh Owen Library.

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Sahm Nikoi.

Did you know there was a version of Primo available for your mobile?

A lightweight version of Primo is now available at https://m.primo.aber.ac.uk/ this can be accessed from a variety of mobile devices such as smart phones or tablets, allowing you to connect to the library service while on the move.

The simple intuitive interface allows you to search for books, journal titles and DVDs from your phone or tablet. Extra features are available if you log on with your Aber username and password allowing you to renew books you have on loan, track fees and fines or check you library PIN.

Understanding the Researcher

I am conducting a research project into better understanding the ways Researchers interact and view the library service (or don’t).

The aim of the project is to build an understanding of the different ways that researchers work and so develop an appreciation of their unique standpoint. By gathering the views of researchers from a variety of disciplines, at different career stages it is hoped a fuller picture can be drawn. This will allow the library services to better match those practices with relevant resources and training.

To achieve this I am undertaking a series of short interviews with willing researchers. The 11 questions only take 15-20 minutes and have already revealed many interesting insights into the way researchers work.  It is my hope to be able to gather views from all the departments at Aberystwyth University so that the different disciplines are equally represented.

If anyone would like to discuss this further, or arrange a time for the interview, please contact me at dls3@aber.ac.uk or my Manager, Lillian Stevenson at lis@aber.ac.uk

Penglais Postgraduate Centre

Postgraduates - are you aware of the Penglais Postgraduate Centre in the Llandinam Building, Penglais Campus? It is part of the on-going University investment in the dedicated postgraduate facilities across the campuses. It was opened in October 2013, and this high-class facility offers quiet study spaces of both an open-plan and private cubicle nature, a central printer for postgraduate usage, lockers for personal use, a seminar room equipped with visual display facilities, and a social lounge and kitchen area.

Registered postgraduates are entitled to make use of this space. Entry is by swiping your Aber Card at the entrance. Hopefully this excellent study space will enhance your studies at Aberystwyth.

The official opening of the Elystan Morgan Building

A post by Lillian Stevenson, Academic Services Manager and Law Librarian.

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Tours of the Thomas Parry Library and displays of rare law books in the University Library as part of the official opening of the Elystan Morgan Building on 20th November 2013

It was wonderful to meet Lord Elystan Morgan, alumni, local solicitors, members of Senate and many others at the official opening of the Elystan Morgan Building, the new home of the Department of Law & Criminology in Llanbadarn.

Bracton De Legibus 1569 - one of the rare law books from the University Library
on display for the official opening ceremony of the Elystan Morgan Building.

It provided an ideal opportunity to show guests the Thomas Parry Library which is adjacent to the Elystan Morgan Building. The Thomas Parry Library houses the law and criminology collections from the former Law Library and has group study rooms, training room, computer room and of course, library and IT help on hand.

Plagiarism Versus Good Academic Practice

Below you can view the video of a talk given to undergraduates by Karl Drinkwater on 10th October 2013. It covers the basics of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it by adopting good academic practice.