By Nokwazi Qumbisa

Students at DUT are shunning the library in favour of the Internet, which others simply think there are better things to do with their time than visit a library.

This is the outcome of a snap survey of 10 students conducted by JournalismIziko. Only five of the students recalled going to the library and taking out a book.

Like many others, Siya Mngoma, a Video Technology student, thinks the Internet is more helpful than the library.

“I can honestly say I don’t use the library at all. And should it happen that I need to get some information I always have the internet to help me out. Also with video tech we aren’t really forced to use any books,” he said.

Nozipho Majola, the librarian at City Campus, believes easy access to the Internet is killing the traditional way of both leisure reading and the traditional academic practise.

“Students only use the library when they are advised by their lecturers. Students need to go back to basics and avoid copying and pasting,” she said.

Lebo Ramaisa, a Video Technology student, said she hardly has time to use the library, and prefers to search for information on the Internet in the Video Tech lab.

“But I do use the library when I need a quiet area to study in,” she said.

Majola said that it was disheartening to see the campus grounds packed with students, but no more than a dozen using the library.

“On Fridays it’s even worse as there are no more than 10 students using the library at around 2pm. But when you go outside, campus is still buzzing with students,” she added.

But there are some students bucking the trend.

Sasha Subramoney, a Graphic Design student, said she regularly uses the library.

“Whenever I have a problem either with layout or anything, I just go to the library and get a book that can help me,” she said.

Nicolene van der Vorst, who also studies Graphic Design, said she uses the library at least twice a week.

“I regularly use the library, especially when I need to do research. I also use the online DUT library which helps a lot,” she said.

Thabiso Makhanya, a Fashion Design student, said he always uses the library.

“I guess I prefer books as the information is factual, whereas the information you get from the Internet people can tamper with,” he said.