Artificial Intelligence Symposium: 3rd IFLA Satellite Symposium on Artificial Intelligence

Announcing the 2023 Artificial Intelligence Symposium: 3rd IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence

North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

5 - 7 September 2023

The North-West University Library and Information Service, Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering: School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, in collaboration with the IFLA IT Section, are pleased to host this Artificial Intelligence Symposium.  The symposium aims to bring together industry leaders to discuss digital transformation strategies institutions can apply to enable agile, collaborative, and integrated service operations. The objective is to promote partnerships, networking, and collaborations within different organisations in developing e-services supporting teaching, learning, and research. This implies innovative changes and adaptability in human skills and creative imagination to establish, develop, and maintain an enabling Teaching and Learning environment aligned with digital tools. New methods and techniques will be explored for future research avenues in various fields of Artificial Intelligence, Infrastructure and Computation, and Machine Learning.

Aim of the Event

The symposium aims to bring together industry leaders to discuss digital strategies institutions can apply to enable agile, collaborative, and integrated service operations. This implies innovative changes and adaptability in human skills and creative imagination to establish, develop, and maintain an enabling Teaching and Learning environment aligned with digital tools. New methods and techniques will be explored for future research avenues in various fields of Artificial Intelligence, Infrastructure and Computation, and Machine Learning.

Workshops - Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 September

Workshop 1: Developing robotics for the LIS environment - Prof Pieter van Vuuren
Monday 4 September, 11:00 - 12:30

The workshop shall be presented by the NWU School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. This workshop shall introduce participants to the develop of the NWU LIS robots. In addition, a physical tour of the Makerspace will be conducted.

Workshop 2: 5IR technologies in libraries: the use of internet of things and cloud computing technology to provide library and information services in the industry 5.0 - Dr. MT Modiba
Time: Wednesday 6 September, 14:50-16:30

The workshop shall introduce participants on cloud computing. Cloud computing technology is a data storage technology model for information technology services which many organizations and individuals are adopting in the fifth industrial revolution, this also include the library and information sector. Users can access these services available on the “internet cloud” without having any previous know- how on managing the resources involved. It gives users access to storage, files, software, and servers through their internet-connected devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The purpose of the workshop is to showcase the adoption of cloud computing technology for the management of library services in the 5IR.

Programme: AIS 2023

3rd IFLA IT Section Artificial Intelligence Symposium (AIS) 2023
North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, 5-7 September 2023

 

Day 1 4 September, Monday
10:30 Registration
11:00-12:30

Workshop 1: Developing robotics for the LIS environment ~ Prof. Pieter van Vuuren
Venue: Faculty of Engineering Building N1A (Calderbank Ave)

At the Faculty of Engineering gate either present your university card or ID Card or complete the entrance register.

From Featherhill Boutique Hotel:

1. Turn left onto R501
2. Turn right onto Gerrit Dekker St
3. Turn right onto Calderbank Ave
4. Turn left at Reiger St
5. After you enter the gate turn left at the roundabout and follow the road to the front of N1A.

NWU Engineering Faculty

12:30-18:00 Excursion: Vredefort Dome ~ Excursion facilitated by Prof. Frans Waanders
   
Day 2 5 September, Tuesday
08:00-08:30 Registration
08:30-09:00 Choir and singing of National Anthem
09:00-09:05 Programme Director ~ Mr. Jabu Sithole
09:05-09:15 Introduction and Logistics ~ Ms. Neli Tshabalala
09:15-09:25 NWU LIS 4IR context ~ Dr. Mathew Moyo
09:25-09:45 Welcome Address: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Information Technology and Potchefstroom Campus Operations ~ Prof. Daryl Balia
09:45-10:05

Address by IFLA Divisional Chair: AI on the move: From the Skynet to ChatGPT ~ Dr. Edmund Balnaves

10:05-10:35

 Keynote Speaker: The Great Expectations and Daunting Risks of Artificial Intelligence ~  Prof. Arthur G.O. Mutambara

10:35-10:55 Tea
  Facilitator:  Prof. Henri Marais
10:55-11:15 Universities Learning Futures in South Africa: A case study of a national initiative with historically disadvantaged institutions ~ Dr. Birgit Schreiber-Dewes (Virtual)
11:15-11:35 Artificial Intelligence use in academic libraries: Possibilities of digital twinning ~ Prof. Lorette Jacobs and Ms. Lizette Wessels 
11:35-11:55 From Imagination to Automation: The Iterative Design Process Behind the Kletsbek-Kitso NWU Library Robot ~ Mr.  Francis Anesu Phineas Tembo
11:55-12:15 The development of an Africentric robot: Shaka Zulu project ~ Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone
12:15-12:35 Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to advance Digital Transformation in Higher Education ~ Mr. Andile Swartbooi
12:35-13:30 Lunch
  Facilitator: Mr. Wouter Klapwijk
13:30-13:50 Will AI Really Replace Catalogers? ~ Dr. Shoshana de la Fuente
13:50-14:10 Autonomous Artificial Intelligence and Machine Ethics ~ Mr. Samuel Simango
14:10-14:30 Optimising the student experience: Harnessing the potential of AI for improved learning and empowerment ~ Ms. Andiswa Msi
14:30-14:50 Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence for the provision of information services at the University of Limpopo Library in South Africa ~ Ms. Phuti Rabatseta
14:50-15:00 Exploring Gamification Strategies for Effective Digital Information Literacy Instruction ~ Mr. Sylvester Jeffries (PechaKucha)
15:00-15:20 Tea
  Stream 1 Stream 2
  Facilitator: Mr. Ntobeko Sikhakhane Facilitator: Ms. May Chang
15:20-15:40 Adventures in navigating the rhyzome: Interactive creative non-fiction in undergraduate modules ~ Dr.  Janelize Morelli The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Manufacturing industry in South Africa ~ Mr. Manqoba Nzama, Prof. Oludayo O. Olugbara, Ms. Smangele Moyane, Mr. Ntando Nkomo, Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone and Dr. Peggy Mthalane
15:40-16:00 Total Quality in Libraries using Artificial Intelligence ~ Prof. Cristian Maturana Artificial Intelligence-Based Literature Review Process Adaptation ~  Mr. Selema Molopa
16:00-16:20 Exploring the adoption of robotics in teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions ~
Ms. Samkelisiwe Phokoye, Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone, Mr. Ntando Nkomo, Dr. Peggy Mthalane and Ms. Smangele Moyane
Adoption of AI, the analysis of South Africa ~ Mr. Lesedi Nchabeleng
16:20-16:40 Panel Discussion on Ethics of AI: To chat or not to chat, is that the correct question?  ~ Prof. Pieter van Vuuren
16:40-17:00 Wrap-up panel discussion ~ Dr. Edmund Balnaves, moderator
18:00- Cocktail function
   
Day 3 6 September, Wednesday
08:15-09:00 Registration
09:00-09:05 Introduction and logistics ~ Mr. Maropene Ramabina
  Facilitator: Mr. Wynand van der Walt
09:05-09:35 Keynote Speaker: Can I use ChatGPT to generate a fully AI-authored thesis? Reflecting on prompting strategies, useful detection tools ~ Dr. Kirstin Krauss
09:35-09:55 Enroute to an AI strategy by following practical use case markers ~  Mr. Wouter Klapwijk and Mr. Norman Hebler
09:55-10:15 Ethics of artificial intelligence systems in teaching and learning ~ Mr. Mthokozisi Luthuli, Mr. Ntando Nkomo, Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone, Dr. Peggy Mthalane and Ms. Smangele Moyane
10:15-10:35 Integrating real-world cases on the use of generative AI into an assessment of the 2nd year business information systems subject to assess ethical use of information in the digital age ~ Dr.  Lynn Kleinveldt
10:35-10:55 Tea
  Facilitator: Mr. Andile Swartbooi
10:55-11:25 Keynote Speaker: Generative AI and Libraries: Challenges and Opportunities ~ Ms. Iman Khamis
11:25-11:45 Artificial Intelligence in libraries: A friend or Foe? ~ Mrs. Yumnaa Ocks
11:45-12:05 Artificial intelligence technology to enhance data quality management practices in the banking industry in South Africa ~ Ms.  Talifhani Ramaliba and Prof. Lorette Jacobs
12:05-12:25 Role that IFLA regional structures can play in the AI space ~ Ms. Nthabiseng Kotsokoane
12:25-12:45 A proposed framework for developing a digital literacy course for artificial intelligence in academic libraries ~ Dr. Josiline Chigwada (Virtual)
12:45-13:45 Lunch
  Facilitator: Ms. Andiswa Msi
13:45-14:05 The implementation of artificial intelligence for efficient academic library services ~ Ms. Nombuso Zondi, Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone, Mr. Ntando Nkomo, Dr. Peggy Mthalane and Ms. Smangele Moyane
14:05-14:25 AI in Digital Archiving: Overcoming Constraints and Meeting Demands ~ Ms. Rebecca Bakker and Ms. Molly Castro (Virtual)
14:25-14:45 Virtual Learning Environment: Effects on Learning Process and Outcome in Universities in Nigeria ~ Dr. Ngozi B. Ukachi, Ms. Ogechi Agim and Dr. Helen Akinade (Virtual)
14:45-15:00 Tea
15:00-16:30 Workshop 2: 5IR technologies in libraries: the use of internet of things and cloud computing technology to provide library and information services in the industry 5.0 ~  Dr. Mashilo Modiba
16:30-17:00 Wrap-up panel discussion - Dr. Edmund Balnaves, moderator
19:00- Gala dinner
   
Day 4 7 September, Thursday
08:15-09:00 Registration
09:00-09:10 Introduction and logistics ~ Mr. Cecil Gasa
  Facilitator: Dr. Tiyani Mabunda
09:10-09:40 Keynote Speaker: Application of artificial intelligence (AI) the management of library and information services in the fifth industrial revolution (5IR) ~ Dr. Mashilo T. Modiba
09:40-10:00 AI in Scholarly Communications Friend or Foe ~ Mr. Charlie Molepo
10:00-10:20 Disciplinary knowledge and comparative prompting strategy analysis: How an academic librarian and a researcher approached topic discovery and keywords identification using AI as a tool ~ Dr. Kirstin Krauss and Mr. Wynand van der Walt
10:20-10:40 The integration of artificial intelligence in Higher Education Institutions' workforce ~ Ms. Mbalenhle Khumalo, Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone, Mr. Ntando Nkomo, Dr. Peggy Mthalane and Ms. Smangele Moyane
10:40-11:00 Tea
  Facilitator: Dr. Sabelo Chizwina
11:00-11:20 Integrating AI chatbot on the Academic Library Website ~ Ms. Rosina Ramokgola
11:20-11:40 Future of Teaching and Learning Analytics at the NWU ~ Mrs. Ciellie Jansen van Vuuren
11:40-12:10 Keynote Speaker: Artificial intelligence and associated tools and policies in editorial decision making ~ Mrs. Susan Veldsman
12:10-12:30 Closing Remarks ~ Ms. May Chang
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30 End of Conference
13:30- 

Excursion: Lekwena Wildlife Excursion

   
Day 5 8 September, Friday
09:00- 

Excursions: Bona Bona Game Drive or Johannesburg Sight Seeing

Theme

The central conference theme is Artificial Intelligence in teaching, learning & research: Promoting Digital access to information through automation.

The subthemes are as follows:

1. Artificial intelligence

  • Robotics Process Automation
  • Humanoid Robots for libraries
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Speech processing (Text-speech solutions)
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning

2. Robots in industry and education

  • AI-assisted learning
  • Intelligence for applications and workflows
  • Agile processes for personalised learning
  • Library Chatbot
  • AI Ethics and safety
  • Preservation of Indigenous knowledge

3. E-learning

  • e-Learning Tools
  • Virtual Learning Environments
  • Web-Based Learning
  • Social interactions
  • Gamification

4. Machine Visualisation

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Modelling and Simulation
  • Extended Reality (Virtual reality, Augmented Reality & Mixed Reality)
  • Image Processing

5. Infrastructure & computation

  • AI and security systems
  • AI in the cloud
  • Blockchain
  • Smart Sensor Networks
  • Communication Systems and networks

6. Technology & Trends

  • Digitalisation
  • Big Data
  • Data Analytics
  • Internet of things
  • Data ethics and innovation

7. AI literacy and Governance

  • AI strategy in the organisation
  • Workforce development and competency building in AI
  • Developing digital literacy courses for AI

 

Abstracts and Submissions

We invite papers for the 2023 Artificial Intelligence Symposium: 3rd IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence. North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Submission Types

Virtual and face-to-face paper presentations:
The length of the paper presentations must not be more than 20 minutes. After the presentation, question time will be allowed. 

Poster presentations:
Design the poster so that it is easy to read and include some visuals or charts. At the top of the poster, the title and author's names and affiliations must be indicated. The poster size should be A1 international paper size in portrait format.

PechaKucha
These sessions should cover work-in-progress reports, new developments, innovations, and good practices. It is a short, focused, visually appealing, and inspiring narrated slide show.

Panel discussions
Panel discussions will be accommodated. These discussions should address a common theme.

 

Partnerships and stakeholders

IFLA IT Section participation 

IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) promotes libraries as vital institutions that enhance people's lives through equitable access to knowledge and information. Innovation and principles of freedom of access to information by use of technology and various platforms indiscriminately are embraced. 

The symposium advances the interests of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) objectives by promoting partnerships and collaborations. The conference will be interdisciplinary, involving different NWU internal stakeholders. It will promote national and international imperatives on the AI agenda, processes, and systems with the involvement of other interested universities, such as the University of Pretoria and Sol Plaatje University. The Government departments, such as the Department of Basic Education, will be among the other stakeholders. A few IFLA IT Section and AI SIG objectives that link to the proposed venture are reflected below: 

  • Encouraging the development of e-Services in libraries and supporting innovation.
  • Promoting and encouraging the accessibility of resources.
  • Representing members' interests worldwide to promote high provision and service standards.
  • Preservation of knowledge regarding the knowledge database created and research generated from the AI and Robotics projects, focusing on research.
  • Responding to the needs of users whilst applying high ethical standards. In response, worldwide ideals should reflect- in private, public, and voluntary services.
     

IFLA supporters/partners

 

South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB)

The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is a ‘one-stop solution’ for independent information and assistance, giving neutral advice on all aspects of hosting and organising any business event in South Africa.

You can find decent conference venues, convention centres, hotels and bed and breakfasts anywhere in the world. In South Africa, we have plenty of that, too. But if you’re looking for a destination where you can be inspired by the people, sights, sounds and unrivalled tenacity that has seen so many thrive all over the world, South Africa is everything you’re looking for and more.

 

South Africa National Convention Bureau

 

Committees

Committee Leaders


Neli Tshabalala

Neli Tshabalala: Director Shared Services

Ms. Neli Tshabalala is the Director: Shared Library and Information Services at North-West University (NWU), a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Africa, where she examines resource allocation in academic libraries as an essential determinant of effective function in delivering optimal library operations. She is the Project Leader of the Third IFLA International Federation of Libraries Associations and Institutions, Artificial Intelligence Symposium hosted by the NWU.

She served on the International Federation of Library Associations as a member of the Standing Committee for Libraries Serving People with Print Disabilities Section from 2015 – 2019. She has been appointed a member of the IFLA Big Data Special Interest Group 2023 – 2025. She recently earned two IFLA IT Section Badges on Robotics Knowledge and AI Knowledge. These badges were awarded in recognition of global AI knowledge: how it works, with relevant examples provided and with up-to-date information, as well as global knowledge in robotics: principles, samples projects, and trends.

Her background is in library resource management, including systems and operations involving administration services, fiscal management, and special projects management. Other competencies include expertise in law librarianship, application of customer-based software and development for processing, content discovery, and access services. She holds a Master of Science degree in Library and Information Service from Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga. USA., Education, Business Management and Project Management qualifications.


Dr Edmund Balnaves

Dr. Edmund Balnaves: IFLA Divisional Chair

Dr. Edmund Balnaves the CEO of Prosentient Systems (Australia) and an active technologist in the library field. He is the Chair of the Information Technology (IFLA) Section in the International Federation of Library Associations, and is an incoming Divisional Chair of IFLA.   He is actively engaged in the software development of open-source systems, AI and discovery for libraries.   His doctoral research was in the area of systematic content reuse and metadata.  His business provides hosted open-source library services, AI-enabled discovery and multi-network library resource sharing systems.  His Inter-Search™ hosted services are used by over 500 libraries in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.


Organising Committee

The organising committee is comprised of various stakeholders. 

North-West University (NWU)

NWU Library & Information Service (LIS)

  • Neli Tshabalala: Director Shared Services
  • Cecil Gasa: Manager: Library Systems - Shared Services
  • Dr. Sabelo Chizwina: Director Information & Learning Services
  • Ntobeko Sikhakhane: Manager Information Resources
  • Adri Jansen: Special Collections Librarian
  • Lindi Mahlangu: Librarian: Undergraduate Support

Administration Team

  • Helet Swanepoel
  • Henriëtte Groenewald

Finance Team

  • Alta Victor
  • Asha Hembly

Web Services

  • Elize van Eldik

NWU IT: Academic Support Services

  • Andiswa Msi: Director, IT Academic and Office Solutions
  • Lizwi Njani: Business Analyst, IT Academic and Office Solutions

NWU Teaching, Learning & Research: Faculty of Engineering

  • Prof Pieter van Vuuren: Professor, School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering
  • Prof Henri Marias: Professor, School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering
IFLA IT Section and AI SIG
  • Dr. Edmund Balnaves, IFLA Divisional Chair - Director Prosentient Systems, Australia
  • Dr. Andrew Cox, Convenor IFLA  AI SIG - Senior Lecturer University of Sheffield - Information School, United Kingdom 
  • May Chang: Mentor IT Section and Committee Member AI SIG - Library Chief Technology Officer, University of Cincinnati, United States of America
  • Chipa Maimela: Committee Member AI SIG - Senior Coordinator: Training (Library) University of Pretoria, South Africa
University of Pretoria
  • Mr Lazarus Matizirofa: Deputy Director - Scholarly Communications, Digital Services & Systems
Sol Plaatje University
  • Mr. Kagiso Ledwaba: Information Librarian, Humanities

Registration Fees and Steps *** Registration Closed ***

  • Early bird registration: 9 June - 19 August 2023
  • Online registration: 20 August - 29 August 2023

Registration Fees

  • Note: The registration fee includes the workshops but does not include the Cocktail function, Gala dinner and excursion.
Category Fee (Rands)
Early Bird Registration  
Early Bird - Local Registration ZAR 4200.00
Early Bird - International Registration ZAR 4200.00
Early Bird - Virtual Attendance Registration ZAR 3200.00
Early Bird - Students and Pensioners ZAR 3200.00
Early Bird - Students and Pensioners: Virtual Attendance Registration ZAR 2200.00
   
Standard Registration  
Local Registration ZAR 4800.00
International Registration ZAR 4800.00
Day Registration (per day) ZAR 1500.00
Virtual Attendance Registration ZAR 3500.00
Virtual: Day Registration ZAR 1200.00
Students and Pensioners ZAR 3500.00
Students and Pensioners: Day Registration ZAR 1200.00
Students and Pensioners: Virtual Attendance Registration ZAR 2500.00
Students and Pensioners: Virtual Day Registration ZAR  800.00
   
Social Events  
Cocktail (Tuesday 5 September at 18:00) ZAR 600.00
Gala Dinner (Wednesday 6 September  at 19:00) ZAR 600.00
   
Excursions Transport
(Per Person)
Total Cost
(Per Person)
Vredefort Dome Excursion  (Monday 4 September, 14:00 - 17:00) ZAR 400.00 ZAR 675.00
Lekwena Wildlife Excursion (Thursday 7 September, 13:00 - ) ZAR 200.00 ZAR 400.00
Bona Bona Game Drive (Friday 8 September, 09:00 -) ZAR 200.00 ZAR 400.00
Johannesburg Sight Seeing (Friday 8 September, 09:00 - ) ZAR 400.00 ZAR 460.00

Registration steps

Step 1: Invoice Information

If you require an invoice, please complete the Application for an NWU customer code form. (Save the form to your computer before you complete it. It will ensure that the drop-down menu functions appropriately. Complete only the relevant fields on the form).

Note: For us to issue you with an invoice, your institution/company needs to have a customer code at North-West University. If you do not have a customer code, please complete the Application for an NWU customer code form before you continue with the registration form. The registration form will request this code if you require an invoice.

Please email the completed Application for an NWU customer code form and a copy of your ID/Passport to Helet.Swanepoel@nwu.ac.za.

 

Step 2: Registration Form *** REGISTRATIONS CLOSED ON 29 AUGUST ***

  • Complete the online registration form.

 

Step 3: Payment

  • Make an online payment (when you make an online payment a receipt will we emailed to you) or
  • Pay via bank deposit or transfer:
    Bank name:  ABSA
    Account holder name: North-West University
    Account name: NWU Diverse
    Bank account number: 670642313
    Branch code: 632005
    Account type: Cheque
    Swift code: ABSAZAJJ
    Reference:  
    AI-Surname and Initials  or
    AI-NWU Customer code (if available)
    After registration and payment, please email your proof of payment to Helet Swanepoel at Helet.Swanepoel@nwu.ac.za.

 

Payment and Cancellation Policy

  • The registration of participation is binding.
  • If you have to cancel the registration, you get 80% back until 30 days before the start of the event. In all other cases, the financial responsibilities of the participants remain fully effective.
  • The participation fees are owed upon registration and are payable within seven days following registration submission (but not later than seven days before the starting day of the event). Payment will be made via the NWU shop with a credit card or wire transfer.
  • Participation is not guaranteed until full payment of the registration fee is received.
  • Participation that has already been registered can be transferred to another person from the same organisation without any extra charge.
  • The conference program may be subject to changes.
  • Payments will be refunded if the organiser cancels the conference. In that case, the organiser will have no further liability to the client. Registrations remain valid if the conference has to be postponed.

Venue, Directions and Shuttle Services

Venue and Directions

The conference will be presented in a hybrid format, with virtual and in-person presentations.

Physical venue: The Feather Hill, Potchefstroom, South Africa 

Address: The Feather Hill, Dagbreek Landgoed, Ext. 1133, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

GPS Coordinates

26º39´36.1"S 27º07´49.2"E
-26.6600353, 27.1303386

The Feather Hill

Map

Route to Featherhill Venue

Directions from Potchefstroom:

  • Head on R501 from Potchefstroom
  • Turn right onto the Dagbreek (restricted usage) road next to Tuscany Ridge Estate.
  • Follow the road for 1.8 km to the top of the hill and turn right.
  • Turn left once you have passed the CRC Church.

 

Car Rental and Shuttle Services

Recommended Accommodation

Functions and Excursions

Cocktail Function: Tuesday, 5 September

  • Attendance fee ZAR 600 per person
  • Time: 18:00
  • Venue: Feather Hill Hotel
  • Dress code: Smart Casual

Gala Dinner: Wednesday, 6 September

  • Attendance fee ZAR 600 per person
  • Time: 19:00
  • Venue: Feather Hill Hotel
  • Dress code: Vintage or Traditional Attire
  • Cash bar available

 

Excursions

Note:
  • The excursion is not included in your registration fee.
  • Excursion fees include the entrance fee and the shuttle to the venue depending on your choice.
  • Excursion fees do not include food and beverages. They will be available at all the venues for your pocket.
  • If there are not enough participants for any reason, the trip will be cancelled, and you will receive a full refund.

Excursion Options:

  • Monday 4 September 2023, 13:30 - 18:00
    Vredefort Dome Excursion (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Facilitated by Prof Frans Waanders
    Vredefort Dome, approximately 120 km south-west of Johannesburg, is a representative part of a larger meteorite impact structure, or astrobleme. Dating back 2,023 million years, it is the oldest astrobleme yet found on Earth. With a radius of 190 km, it is also the largest and the most deeply eroded. Vredefort Dome bears witness to the world’s greatest known single energy release event, which had devastating global effects including, according to some scientists, major evolutionary changes. It provides critical evidence of the Earth’s geological history and is crucial to understanding of the evolution of the planet. Despite the importance of impact sites to the planet’s history, geological activity on the Earth’s surface has led to the disappearance of evidence from most of them, and Vredefort is the only example to provide a full geological profile of an astrobleme below the crater floor.
    Total Cost: ZAR 675 p/p
    Cost excluding transport to venue: ZAR 400 p/p
     
  • Thursday 7 September 2023, 13:00 - 
    Lekwena Wildlife Estate - Game Drive
    Lekwena Wildlife Estate is a unique wildlife estate located 11km outside Potchefstroom in the North West Province. The reserve is home to approximately 2000 heads of game, including 20 antelope species and more than 163 identified bird species. The game viewing routes stretch over more than 37 km and are planned around the 15 dams and lookout points, offering spectacular opportunities to experience wildlife in their natural habitat.
    Total Cost: ZAR 400 p/p
    Cost excluding transport to venue: ZAR 200 p/p
     
  • Friday 8 September 2023,  09:00 -
    Bona Bona - Game Drive
    Bona Bona Game Lodge is renowned for lasting memories and the game drives are one of the most popular activities amongst their guests. Four of the Big Five can be viewed while guests experience the true beauty of the bushveld.
    Total Cost: ZAR 400 p/p
    Cost excluding transport to venue: ZAR 200 p/p

    or

    Johannesburg Sight Seeing
    Total Cost: ZAR 460 p/p
    Cost excluding transport to venue: ZAR 400 p/p

Exhibitors

ExLibris

ExLibris

At Ex Libris, we believe in the value of education and research. Our mission is to allow academic institutions to create, manage, and share knowledge. With better tools, our customers achieve their goals and further academic initiatives. 


 

WWIS

WWIS - Worldwide Information Services

WWIS is a dominant player in the South African Information Management Solutions industry and supplies print and electronic information services and solutions to the academic, corporate, healthcare and government.


 

Booktalk

Booktalk

Booktalk was formed in 1992 with the initial focus on supplying libraries with audiobooks, then educational videos, books, large-print format books, and now, we have evolved, embracing our fast-growing end-user use of technology, e-Books.


 

Contact Information

Neli Tshabalala
NWU: Library and Information Service, Director Shared Services
Organising Committee
neli.tshabalala@nwu.ac.za

Dr. Edmund Balnaves
IFLA Divisional Chair - Director Prosentient Systems, Australia
ebalnaves@prosentient.com.au

May Chang
Mentor IT Section and Committee Member AI SIG - Library Chief Technology Officer, University of Cincinnati, United States of America
may.chang@uc.edu

Cecil Gasa
NWU: Library and Information Service, Manager Library Systems
Organising Committee
cecil.gasa@nwu.ac.za

Lizwi Njani
NWU: IT Academic and Office Solutions, Business Analyst
lizwi.njani@nwu.ac.za

 

Sponsors

AI Sponsors

#AISymposium #DigAI2023