The University of
Juba Library was conceived in the first proposal of the University
of Juba Project and was enforced with the University of Juba Act
in 1975. The Library was therefore established to serve the
academic and research purposes of the University community.
The Library of an
educational institution performs a vital role in the furtherance
of the aims (i.e. study, teaching and research) of that
institution. It is both a reflection of the University philosophy
and means by which the student can study for himself/herself other
theories and ideas in addition to those proposed by the teacher. A
library service whether in developed or developing countries must
therefore essentially meet certain basic requirements in regard to
library materials - Books, Journals, Audio - Visual Aids, Binding
materials, Furniture and Equipment. An inferior library service
cannot be accepted as it fails in its purpose and retards progress
in the vital process of national development.
The University of
Juba conducts full time courses which essentially lead to the
award of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates of the University of
Juba. These courses usually entail more sustained study and
require ready access to a wider range of ready reading and study
materials. Provision must therefore be made in all colleges on a
general subject basis in anticipation of potential demand.
The number of
students and staff has grown up and this means more supply of
books, journals and other necessary library materials. Space too
must be made available for more books, students, staff, journals
and equipment as the university and the library expand. The
courses and services offered by the university must therefore be
mirrored by parallel expansion in the library.
Background
description
A nucleus of the
University Library was started in 1977 and was later transferred
to a new place in the present building. The new building availed
ample place to cope with the needs of established colleges.
Purchases and provisions of books, periodicals and library
materials received special priority in the allocation of the
University funds.
In its first decade
(1977-1987) the Library received special sponsorship and guidance.
Trained librarians and professionals joined to formulate the
Library systems according to the Library of Congress
Classification. The objective of establishing the University in
Juba was well observed. The services of the Library to the
community was extended beyond the boundaries of the University.
During this time the Library acquired over 50,000 books and
textbooks and subscribed to more than 800 periodicals
concentrating on subjects taught in the University Colleges.
Special collections such as the UN, Appropriate Technology,
Arabic, and Sudan school textbooks were maintained.
The University
Library was linked with University of Durham in a programme
covering all aspects of Library development. Support was attracted
from different sources, the British, the Netherlands, and West
Germany Governments made Grants annually in terms of donations of
books, equipments for binding and a number of short courses to
Library Assistants. These aids were used effectively in the
training of Sudanese staff and provision of expatriates and
consultants and provision of building and equipments. The Library
in Juba provides 255 seats for readers.
In its second decade
(1987-1997), the Library managed to maintain the activities in
various areas especially when most of its resources were moved in
1989 to extend the Library services to Khartoum. The distribution
of the University Colleges in the various locations acquired by
the University justified the formation and establishment of a
Central Library to recognize and administer the Multi-site System
of Libraries and their services.
The Deanship was
established in the beginning of the third decade of the University
in 1998. It is headed by the Dean of Libraries assisted by two
Deputy Deans for Juba and Khartoum campuses, Head Department of
Acquisitions, and Head Department of Classification, and
Cataloguing, and Senior Librarians in-charge of branch Libraries
in Khartoum campuses. The Deanship of Libraries runs and manages
the Central Library and the College Branch Libraries scattered in
and around Khartoum.
The Objectives of
the Deanship of Libraries are:
o
To provide library and information services and improve management
techniques in
the
provision of these services.
o
To serve research and teaching through documentation of
periodicals and published materials.
o
To contribute to the promotion of general public awareness of the
Library through the organization of orientation courses, seminars,
conferences, symposia, public lectures and media.
o
To organize training programmes for library staff and cadre.
o
To establish regular contact and cooperation with libraries,
individuals and other bodies engaged in the field of libraries and
information and publications.
LIBRARY STOCK
Books
Journals
The United Nations
Collection (U.N.)
Activities and
Services
The Main Library in
Juba
The Central Library
College Branch
Libraries
