“VUT Library’s Rock Your Research workshop empowered students and researchers with practical skills in research methods, information literacy, mental well-being and scholarly publishing.”
06 October 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane| Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
From navigating information overload to managing research-related stress, students and researchers at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) were equipped with practical tools to strengthen their academic journeys during the Library’s Rock Your Research workshop held on 22 September 2026.
The workshop brought together students, researchers and library professionals for a series of interactive sessions designed to make research more accessible, manageable and impactful.
Opening the programme, Ms Judith Ngcobo, Manager of Technical Services at the VUT Library, highlighted the Library’s commitment to supporting researchers beyond providing access to books and databases.
The event focused on key aspects of the research process, including research design, information literacy, mental well-being and scholarly publishing.
Leading a session titled From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Making Research Easy to Understand for New Researchers, Dr Musa Khumo, Manager: Client Services at the VUT Library, encouraged participants to view research as a structured process built on problem-solving, inquiry and evidence-based conclusions.
“We are trying so hard to ensure we are making research easier for you. We want to contribute to your journey. We want to be part of your journey,” said Dr Khumo.
Using practical examples, he unpacked essential research concepts such as formulating research questions, developing objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies and analysing data. He emphasised the importance of understanding and justifying research decisions throughout the research process.
Recognising that academic success extends beyond technical skills, Dr Karien du Bruyn, Information Librarian, addressed the relationship between research and mental well-being in a presentation titled Research Without Losing Yourself: Protecting Your Mental Health.
She encouraged researchers to be deliberate about managing workloads, maintaining healthy boundaries and prioritising personal well-being while pursuing academic goals.
“We want them to work through their research much more, whether to see all their priorities. Setting boundaries is crucial,” she said.
The workshop also equipped participants with tools to access credible academic information. Ms Mpilo Hlongwa, Information Librarian, introduced attendees to the University’s electronic resources and Primo VE platform, demonstrating effective strategies for locating scholarly books, journal articles and research databases.
“Do not go to Google, come to our Library and use our electronic databases so that you are going to get credible information resources,” she advised.
She encouraged students and researchers to make full use of the University’s subscribed resources and seek assistance from librarians when encountering challenges during literature searches.
Another key focus area was scholarly publishing. Ms Sibongile Mtsweni, Information Librarian: Research Support, introduced participants to transformative agreements and explained how these arrangements are helping researchers access open-access publishing opportunities while reducing publication barriers.
“Transformative agreements shift from subscription access to open access, and the main aim is to make research freely available to everyone,” she said.
The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session that allowed participants to engage directly with presenters and seek guidance on various aspects of the research process.
By combining research skills development, information literacy, mental wellness and publishing support, the Rock Your Research workshop reaffirmed the VUT Library’s role as a strategic partner in academic success. The initiative provided researchers with practical knowledge and support systems designed to build confidence, improve research quality and strengthen the University’s culture of research and innovation.