Top 10 Universities With The Biggest Library In West Africa
West African top universities have well-stocked libraries which operate as resource hubs of information, equipment, and service. As is evidenced, such libraries, whether they are owned by the state or operated under the private sector, are more than what the ordinary definition may state. Such libraries assist many who would otherwise not have the opportunity to own an extensive collection for personal use, those who wish to get materials that surpass one’s self, as well as available of the need for experts in any research activity.
Additionally, the modern libraries do not seek only the traditional printed books but also seek shelves for other multimedia formats. They are the ones who offer maps, prints or other kinds of documents including art works. These libraries are designed to meet the changing requirements of users, utilizing several storage systems like micro film, audio from disc compact, long playing records, audio tapes, video cassettes, and disk digital video. The top ten West African universities have over the years been ranked for their level of education only. However, they also provide adequate centers for disseminating knowledge in the libraries and other media.
Universities With The Biggest Library In West Africa 2024
- Balme Library - University of Ghana
- Kwara State University Library
- Covenant University Library
- Kashim Ibrahim Library - Ahmadu Bello University
- Kenneth Dike Library - University of Ibadan
- Lazz Otti Memorial Library - Babcock University
- The iconic Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library,Obafemi Awolowo University
- Centre for Learning Resources (CLR) - Landmark University
- University of Lagos Library
- University of Ilorin Library
1. Balme Library - University of Ghana
The Balme Library located within the University of Ghana’s main campus ranks among the top five Libraries in West Africa and to be the largest library in the sub region. This British built Library was founded in the year 1948 and so named in honour of the first principal of the University of Ghana David Mowbray Balme. This is taken as a great peak of scholarship. A distinguished member of University of Ghana Library System (UGLS) the Balme Library is the most numerous and well-organized in term of information sources.
It has more than 400,000 volumes of printed books. It combines the different types of expertise not only the huge amount of printed literature but the access to the largest internet bases of western African region. Also the availability of the e-books and e-journals increases the efficiency of library services. In particular, the whole abovementioned collection is the most diverse library collection in the western region of Africa ease eastern. From Arabic library, Reference Hall, United Nations depositary library, Balme library consists of various special libraries thus adding to its greatness as a knowledge center.
2. Kwara State University Library
The Kwara state university was established in 2009 and emerged as one of the five largest libraries in West Africa. At the start, it consisted of separate two structures, main library and electronic library. Not once has it made this entire procedure to one excursion. The demonstration Library, which was constructed in 2015 with a helping hand of billions naira received in covenant, made it possible to merge the two sisters libraries into one big standing structure, which can accommodate 100000 volumes.
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Though Kwara state university library which among the largest west Africa Libraries according to building volume has also properly information structure. The development of library into an all-embracing structure, shelters its ability, meets its obligations of ensuring effective academic development.
It appeals the fact that all funds have been effectively applied, which characterize the seriousness of the university towards enhancing its library. The library, which was commissioned in July 2017 has a special transcending quality, as it now bears the name of president Muhammadu Buhari, adding imagery to the library in the academic environment.
3. Covenant University Library
Since it has been officially declared as the Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University Library is among the top 5 largest libraries in West Africa. This is a religious oriented library though, it has a working virtual library. This is the Web Public Access Catalogue (WebPAC), which enables students and staff bound by geographic location in Nigeria to work with electronic resources without phone calls to the Library at any time and from anywhere around the globe.
With regard to the technology. Covenant University Library has moved all its processes online which is a big step towards modernization and efficiency. This focus and embrace of digital evolution places the library as a core resources place where learning and researching is done in the modern world. This integration of religion and technology is the identity of Covenant University Library in the West Africa academic setting.
4. Kashim Ibrahim Library - Ahmadu Bello University
Through Kashim Ibrahim Library located in Ahmadu Bello University’s, it is possible to appreciate the fact that this university is one of the largest in West Africa. This library, which bears the name of Kashim Ibrahim, is a former record holder in Sub-Saharan African libraries and is positioned as a prototype of making Nigerian universities worthwhile.
The library boasts of a total library area of 1582 total floor area amounting to five hundred thousand volume library and poster-sixteen seekers’ facilities-2000 computer study support areas. As noted by Agboola (1996), the Kashim Ibrahim library is the biggest completed construction of university library building in the whole of Region Diwiya.
5. Kenneth Dike Library - University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan Library which bears the name of Professor Kenneth Dike, the first indigenously appointed principal and past vice-chancellor, is also ranked among the five topmost largest libraries in West Africa. It was set up in order to realize the dreams of the particular figures involved in the establishment of the university, which is the development of research and quality teaching.
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Kenneth Dike Library who has about 700000 books also offer 1250 reading chairs for the readers whose primary needs would most likely be academic in nature. Any student, senior staff, and any other ex-staff members, students of the University College Hospital ibadan, and other scholars have access to the library; its main purpose is to be the Associative centre of the university of ibadan and the centre of active scholarly activity. In this context, this institution serves to perpetuate the ideals and legacy of the Late Professor Kenneth Dike as an education-centered institution in the grand scheme of the university’s quest.
6. Lazz Otti Memorial Library - Babcock University
Former Diamond Bank’s CEO Alex Otti brought the Lazz Memorial Library and its donation to Babcock University, in memory of his father Pastor Lazarus Weze Otti. Emphasis has been laid on this gift in memory of pastor Otti as representing the financial institution. The Lazz Otti Memorial Library (LOML) has over 67519 volumes in different subjects. Aesthetics to the Library go beyond a binge collection with the building exhibiting a cut out high ceiling and completely air conditioned hall. This enhancement not only adds to the existing academic facilities in Babcock University, but it also provides a lovely warm clean environment for reading and other research activities.
7. The iconic Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library
For a long time the representative Library: Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library also known as Obafemi Awolowo University Library has been at its permanent site ever since the commencement of the library in 1989. This interesting library is in the form of a four-story building with a two winged covered area of 42,000 sq ft. purposeful design, the library is expected to accommodate a volume of 250,000 books and 2500 readers simultaneous occupancy. It is also worth mentioning that this establishment includes internet facilities which enable the search of such resources as e books and journals. This institution denotes not only the assurance that Obafemi Awolowo University has with regard to research and learning but also demonstrates the desire to promote an up to date adequate and sophisticated area within which academic activities are conducted.
8. The Landmark University Library
This institution is better known as the Centre for Learning Resources, which is why it is also named the Landmark University Library. This building, which is made of glass, is in two floors and has modern facilities to help support learning resources.
The library also has a sitting capacity of 1700 and was designed not only in consideration of how it looks but more importantly, also the functionality of the building. The CLR at landmark university is not just for reading and writing but also contains a lot of technological advancements with modern amenities which improves the learning experience of the users.
9. University of Lagos Library
Among the facilities of the University of Lagos, which is located precisely in the middle of the campus, is the library. The book capacity of the library is 100000 volumes, while physically it can hold 1000 people. In addition to its structural size levels, the library makes IT possible to reach a lot of electronic documents from any part of the University, making access to academic materials high-tech and thorough.
The library’s collection is incorporated within the reach of dedicated OPAC integrated workstations placed within the library and are able to be utilise by staff pharmacist. This kind of capacity no doubt enables adequate storage and retrieval of information materials, the University of Lagos Library is oriented towards making accessibility of information resources quick for all members of the learning institution.
10. University of Ilorin Libary
The University of Ilorin Library system consists of three parts: the main library, the law library located on the campus of the university, and the college library located on the mini campus of the college of health. The big library at the permanent site of the school acts the core of literature.
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As a result, the collective seating capacity of the University of Ilorin Library is more than 1000. It is very generous in terms of space for students who want to involve in research activities. The various sections to the library arrangement makes it possible for students studying in different faculties and campuses to have easy access to resources which is in line with the purpose of the university that is to enhance learning and research in diverse areas.
