Stellenbosch University (US) Library’s Name Change

Stellenbosch University (US) Library’s Name Change

The new name of the JS Gericke Library at Stellenbosch University (SU) was announced last week. In future it will be known as the Stellenbosch University Library (“Universiteit Stellenbosch Biblioteek” in Afrikaans and “IThala leeNcwadi leYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch” in isiXhosa).
In 2024 the University’s Committee for the Naming of Buildings, Venues and Other Facilities/Premises already proposed that the name “JS Gericke Library” undergo a process of possible renaming as part of a larger transformation process for the furtherance of a welcoming culture at the SU.
In accordance with the policy, a task team, consisting of academic experts, relevant administrative staff and representatives from the SRC, was put together during an inclusive process in 2024. Thereafter, also in accordance with the policy, a consultation process with staff, students, community leaders and the Gericke family followed.
The task team consulted with various interest groups by means of a questionnaire. This included staff, management and student leaders.
The majority of respondents preferred a descriptive name, as opposed to a symbolic name or the naming after a well-known person. More than 80% of the senior library staff preferred the descriptive or functional renaming.
The Executive Committee of the Council (ECC), which decides on the names of buildings in accordance with the policy, approved the new name earlier this year.