In a historic event highlighting Midlands State University’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, on the 11th of September 2024, the University launched a mobile library application called “MyLibrary,” which is set to revolutionise students’ interaction with the Library’s online services and resources.
MyLibrary allows students to access, reserve, and manage their library accounts and resources directly from their mobile devices, significantly enhancing the overall library experience for both staff and students at Midlands State University.
NerdiQ, the startup behind this innovative project, is dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions in the education and business sectors, focusing on developing digital applications such as MyLibrary.
MyLibrary was developed through a collaboration among the university departments: the Computer Science Department, Innovation Hub, Library, and Information Technology Services Department.
Five Resident Innovators, Tendai Gatawa, Brandon Dlamini, Alpha Tembo, Godson Moyo, and Tafadzwa Maribita, developed the project under the University’s Innovation Hub incubation.
During the launch, Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro-Vice-Chancellor—Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, praised the University for its innovation and collaboration in developing the application.
She emphasised that the MyLibrary mobile platform demonstrates the University’s commitment to enhancing learning and teaching, research, and innovation experiences, making knowledge more easily accessible to support the University’s transformative research and innovation endeavours.
Professor Mugumbate also highlighted that the launch of the MyLibrary mobile application underscores the University’s commitment to keeping up-to-date with technological advancements by integrating emerging technologies into its services.
In his keynote address, the Midlands State University Vice Chancellor Professor V. N. Muzvidziwa highlighted that the event marked a significant milestone in the University’s journey towards embracing innovation and collaboration.
Unveiling this cutting-edge technological solution, the university was celebrating the power of creative thinking and the spirit of collaboration within the University community.
“This milestone represents our full embrace of the principles of Education 5.0, showcasing our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in education,” said Professor Muzvidziwa
The Vice Chancellor commended the MyLibrary mobile application developers and encouraged staff members and students alike to emulate the collaborative spirit that made the project successful.
He celebrated the power of creative thinking and the spirit of collaboration within the University community.
“I want to recognise and commend the efforts of the Innovation Hub staff, who have nurtured and supported these student innovators every step of the way.
“Your guidance, mentorship, and provision of resources have created an environment where ideas can flourish and our students can grow into problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow,” iterated the Vice Chancellor.
The keynote address was followed by a live demonstration of the mobile library application. During the demonstration, the Lead Developer, Tendai Gatawa, highlighted the platform’s innovative nature, explaining that it resulted from synergies with the MSU Innovation Hub Division, the Library, and the Information Technology Services Department.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor V. N. Muzvidziwa, called upon the developers to download the mobile application from the Google Play Store.
In his closing remarks, Dr. G. Manyatera, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development, stated that the application’s unveiling would transform students’ access to e-resources.
“To our library staff, this innovation was developed with you and the entire university community in mind.
“This mobile application will undoubtedly enhance how we interact with library services, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our students in a digital age,” highlighted Dr. Manyatera
Midlands State University is dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its learning and teaching, research, innovation, community engagement, and commercialisation ecosystem, showcasing its unwavering dedication to its vision to become a technologically-driven world class university.