By Dineo Matomela

A R90-million expansion of the library building is on the cards for the Rhodes University campus in Grahamstown after approval was granted by the university‘s council.

The project, which will result in a doubling of the size of the library, is set to continue over two years.

The new library would add significant capacity to Rhodes by embracing new and evolving teaching and learning trends as a means of enhancing a learning experience unmatched by any other South African university, Rhodes spokesman Earl Hodges said.

“Heralding an important era in the quest for understanding and knowledge, this strategic project will benefit future generations of Rhodes students, and the Eastern Cape region and South Africa as a whole,” he said.

The existing library, opened in 1961, housed 100 000 volumes. Today it holds more than 450 000, many of which are rare, while a large proportion are housed elsewhere across the campus.

“The library operates on an open library policy and prides itself on making available its comprehensive information resources to the wider community of Grahamstown. It is also a significant resource for other tertiary institutions as well as for the wider Eastern Cape community. The expansion project thus recognises the critical importance of meeting current and future demands.

“Changing trends, including the introduction of computer technology and on-line academic information resources, have altered the patterns of library usage. In line with other international academic libraries, the new Rhodes library will enable an interactive learning environment.

“The expanded library will offer a variety of flexible study spaces, catering for different user needs and progressive changes to teaching and learning trends. In addition, access and facilities for physically challenged users will be addressed.”

Source: The Herald