Barloworld the first to sponsor Rhodes University’s R89-million library upgrade

Rhodes
Barloworld, the international diversified industrial company, is the first anchor sponsor of the Rhodes University’s R89-million library upgrade project, after pledging R500 000 to its rare books section.

After a series of research studies were completed revealing Rhodes University must enlarge its library space to house additional rare volumes as well as cater to evolving student needs, its management committee recently approved the project which will be completed over the next two to three years.

Says Kerry Swift, Rhodes University’s executive director of development: “The upgrade is seen by the entire university community as the most vital project going forward and has been in gestation for many months. An indication of how important this is to the future of Rhodes, the university’s management has committed itself to funding R30-million for the upgrade and is going ahead with commissioning working drawings.”

The estimated cost of the project is R89-million, of which building costs are R70-million, with R19-million allocated to security, telephony, IT and video-conferencing areas, mobile shelving, loose furniture, and library equipment.

Artist’s impression of new Rhodes Library expansion

To raise the remaining funds, the university has canvassed a number of international and national trusts and foundations as well as South African companies with an interest in education such as Barloworld.

Says Jennifer Smith, Barloworld head of corporate social investment: “We believe that libraries are the gateway to knowledge and play a crucial role in creating and sustaining academic excellence amongst student. Rhodes University not only has the highest pass rate in South Africa but produces top-quality graduates who are leaders in their fields. In our support of this project, we will help to ensure that Rhodes has superior library services which will enable the university to maintain its high academic standing into the future.”

Built in 1961, the library was designed for a projected 20-year growth and housed a collection of 100 000 volumes. At that time, 1 397 students were registered and the library could seat 26% of them. Now the university has 360 000 volumes, many of which are rare, and is forced to house these in satellite libraries around campus in less than optimal conditions.

In 1983, a comparative study of South African university libraries revealed that only 21% of the Rhodes University’s library’s space was for student use – the lowest percentage of all academic libraries in South Africa, with the average being 34%; and it was one of the only established university libraries not yet upgraded

“The library is far too small and can now seat only 7.7% of the 6 250 registered students at any one time,” says Swift. “Despite the availability of electronic access to material, we have found that library usage has increased amongst students illustrating that the upgrade is key in order to meet the needs of its users for the 21st century.”

A 2005 LibQUAL survey was undertaken by seven South African academic libraries, measuring their facilities against international service standards. Although the Rhodes library was praised for its contribution to scholarship, it received the lowest rating of all seven campuses for “library as place”, resulting in it being placed second last.

The results of these studies highlighted various areas in the library that need to be improved for it to be in line with international trends. These were:

The library needs a 9 330m² increase in floor space to create more storage, shelving and reading areas.
Staff and suitable facilities such as computer equipment, electronic classrooms and seminar rooms are needed for training in information literacy, to ensure that all students can access, evaluate and use information effectively, ethically and legally.
Access and facilities for disabled users must be taken into account.
A variety of study spaces are needed for different user-needs. These include 6 August, 2007eting rooms, research facilities, a news lounge, and a video viewing room.
A self-service short loan study area was also needed, with photocopiers and security access.

“We could not embark on such an important project as this if it weren’t for the support we have received from corporate institutions and trusts. Barloworld is the first of 11 anchor sponsors and we are glad to partner with its brand,” says Swift.

Jennifer Smith
Head: CSI
Barloworld Limited
Tel +27 11 445 1268
Fax +27 11 445 1581
Cell 082 808 5911

This page was updated on 3 August, 2007

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