By David MacGregor

Work has begun on a R90 million upgrade that will double the size of the Rhodes University library and turn it into a high-tech learning experience “unmatched by any other South African university”.

After two-and-a-half years of extensive research and planning, Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat turned the first sod on Monday, with the work expected to take another two years.

The project is being financed with university funds, public money and donor contributions, and is expected to benefit not only students but also the broader community of Grahamstown.

Opened in 1961 with 100 000 volumes, the existing library now houses 450 000, including rare books which are being stored in other buildings on the campus because of a space shortage.

Student numbers have swelled to 6 200 and academic staff to 300 on campus putting pressure on the library, which is able to seat only 10 percent of its users.

“The new library will add significant capacity to Rhodes by embracing new and evolving teaching and learning trends as a means of enhancing a learning experience that is unmatched by any other South African university,” a statement said.

Operating on an “open library policy”, the facility and its “comprehensive information resources” is also open to the community of Grahamstown and the province.

“It is also a significant resource for other tertiary institutions as well as for the wider Eastern Cape community, and the expansion project thus recognises the critical importance of meeting current and future demands.”

Besides using the latest computer technology found at international academic libraries – to give users an “interactive learning environment”, the expanded library will also cater for “physically challenged” users.

“The new library’s technologically enhanced facilities will ensure that academic excellence continues as a trademark of Rhodes University,” the statement said.

Source: Daily Dispatch