On 27 January, a milestone was achieved when old met new and the main entrance to the new section of the Rhodes University library building was opened to users after 18 months of construction.
On 27 January, a milestone was achieved when old met new and the main entrance to the new section of the Rhodes University library building was opened to users after 18 months of construction.
This 21st century academic library signifies the first phase of a journey that began in 2005 and has received wide support across the university community from both individuals and committees working tirelessly to bring a shared vision for a revitalised and expanded library to fruition.
In September 2008, Rhodes University embarked upon one of the most exciting and ambitious infrastructure
projects in the history of the institution – the refurbishment and extension of the existing library building in response to the planned growth in student numbers and print collections, new teaching and learning paradigms as well as innovations being driven by fast-changing technology.
The Library Building Project comprises two major phases, the first of which is happening right now as 4000
square metres of state-of-the-art library services and facilities come on stream at the start of the 2010 academic year.
Phase 1 of the project has been the building of the four-storey new building and simultaneously refurbishing a section of the adjacent existing building, including the link-bridges between the old and the new buildings.
The remaining section of the existing building will be refurbished, as Phase 2, in the first six months of this year with an expected completion date of July 2010.
A significant achievement of the new library building is its response to meeting the needs of the new generation of student and researchers who, having never known a world without the Internet or mobile connections, are seeking new kinds of study, learning and work spaces as well as using new ways to seek and find information. A marvel of the library is that it is so much more than a repository of printed collections.
Students will welcome the fabulous new facilities that are on offer including an information commons which provides an area with 54 computer workstations in a supported environment, staffed by a librarian with a
team of well-trained student navigators.
Alongside is a 26-seater hi-tech training classroom equipped for librarians to provide hands-on information
skills training to all sectors of the University making sure that everyone is able to make optimal use of the vast range of electronic resources and print collections available from the library.
But, the new library is not only about study and learning at a desk – enjoy the light and airy high-volume lobby as you enter through the new doors. As you take in the central staircase, pause to share and experience the gallery of New look Rhodes library heralds a new era portraits of African writers – the work and inspiration of international photographer George Hallett.
Take time to use the state-of-the art computer workstations at the numerous information service points throughout the library made possible through a generous donation from the Dell Development Fund SA.
Together with a 24/7 study zone, funky newsroom, chill corners with fantastic views over the campus roof- and tree-tops, students and staff alike will be able to seek out and enjoy space that suits their requirements.
Another important initiative included in the Rhodes University Library is the introduction of faculty liaison
librarians across all six faculties connecting the world of teaching, learning and research and the vast array of information resources available to staff and students.
Features lined up for the refurbishment phase of the project, that will appeal to research scholars, include a comfortable and separate hi-tech facility, known as a Research Commons, where trained faculty librarians are on hand to provide top class information services in a quiet and reflective environment.
The aesthetics within and without the new library building speak to both the past and present. Campus visitors can enjoy the features retained from the old library within the new architecture.
The existing entrance will be beautified as an arched window, with a rim edge pond, providing users with a
grand view over the campus towards the clock tower – a symbolic reminder that time and progress never stand still.
