17 Extraordinary Facts About Balme Library

The Balme Library is the main library of the University of Ghana.

The Balme Library, located in Legon, Accra, is the largest and oldest library in Ghana, serving as a hub of knowledge and academic resources for students, faculty, and researchers. With its vast collection and modern facilities, it plays a crucial role in promoting education and research in the country.

The library was established in 1948.

Founded in 1948, the Balme Library has a rich history spanning over seven decades. It was named after David Mowbray Balme, the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, in recognition of his contributions to the development of higher education in the country.

The library houses over 800,000 volumes of books.

With an impressive collection of over 800,000 volumes of books, the Balme Library offers a diverse range of resources covering various subjects and disciplines. From classic literature to the latest research publications, students and scholars have access to a wealth of knowledge within its walls.

It boasts a wide range of academic journals and digital resources.

In addition to its extensive book collection, the Balme Library provides access to a vast array of academic journals, both in print and electronic formats. Students and researchers can delve into the latest scholarly research and stay abreast of developments in their respective fields.

The library is home to rare and special collections.

Beyond its regular collection, the Balme Library houses rare and special collections that are of immense value to researchers and historians. These collections include rare manuscripts, archives, maps, and other historical documents that offer unique insights into Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

Balme Library offers a variety of study spaces.

Recognizing the importance of a conducive study environment, the Balme Library provides a range of study spaces to cater to the diverse needs of students. From quiet reading rooms to group study areas, students can find the perfect spot to focus and collaborate.

It has state-of-the-art technological facilities.

To support research and learning in the digital age, the Balme Library is equipped with modern technological facilities. These include computer labs, high-speed internet access, and multimedia rooms where students can engage with digital resources and enhance their educational experience.

The library offers research and reference services.

Librarians at Balme Library are available to assist students and researchers with their information needs. Whether it’s finding resources for a research project or guidance on citing academic sources, the library staff is dedicated to providing expert research and reference services.

It hosts educational and cultural events.

Balme Library serves as a cultural hub, hosting educational and cultural events throughout the year. These events include author talks, book launches, exhibitions, and workshops, providing opportunities for intellectual and artistic enrichment for the university community and the general public.

The library offers interlibrary loan services.

To further expand its resources, the Balme Library offers interlibrary loan services, allowing students and researchers to request materials from other libraries. This service enables access to resources that may not be available in the library’s collection, enhancing the quality and scope of research.

It has a dedicated preservation and conservation unit.

Preservation of its valuable collections is a top priority for the Balme Library. It has a dedicated preservation and conservation unit that ensures the long-term protection and maintenance of rare and fragile materials, ensuring their availability for future generations.

The library has an extensive online catalog.

With the advent of technology, the Balme Library has developed an extensive online catalog that allows users to search and locate books, journals, and other resources remotely. This online catalog enhances accessibility and convenience for students and researchers.

It offers training sessions on information literacy.

Recognizing the importance of information literacy skills, the Balme Library conducts training sessions to help students develop critical thinking, research, and information evaluation skills. These sessions empower students to effectively navigate and utilize the vast resources available to them.

The library supports open access initiatives.

Committed to the dissemination of knowledge, the Balme Library actively supports open access initiatives. It promotes the sharing of scholarly research through open access journals and repositories, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Balme Library has a dedicated online repository.

As part of its commitment to preserving and sharing research outputs, the Balme Library maintains a dedicated online repository. This repository provides a platform for researchers to archive and share their work, increasing its visibility and impact within the academic community.

It offers bibliographic and citation management support.

As research often involves extensive citations and references, the Balme Library provides support for managing bibliographic information and citations. Students and researchers can access tools and resources that help streamline the process of organizing and citing sources.

The library is a vibrant intellectual and social hub.

Beyond being a mere repository of books, the Balme Library serves as a lively and dynamic space that fosters intellectual curiosity and social interaction. It is a place where students come together to study, collaborate, and engage in academic discourse, creating a vibrant and enriching atmosphere.

These 17 extraordinary facts about Balme Library highlight its significance as a center of knowledge, research, and cultural heritage. From its rich collection to its technological advancements, it continues to play a pivotal role in the academic pursuits of the University of Ghana community.

Conclusion

Balme Library is truly an extraordinary place that is steeped in history and has become an iconic landmark on the University of Ghana campus. With its impressive architecture, diverse collections, and state-of-the-art facilities, it continues to attract scholars, students, and visitors from all over the world.From its role as a hub of knowledge and learning to its crucial contributions to research and academic excellence, Balme Library has established itself as a cornerstone of education in Ghana. As one explores its various floors and sections, it becomes evident that this library is not just a repository of books, but a place that fosters intellectual growth and innovation.Whether you are a lover of history, a passionate researcher, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful architecture, Balme Library offers an unforgettable experience. The library stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of preserving our intellectual heritage.Visiting Balme Library is not just a journey through books, but a journey through time, culture, and academic excellence. It is an essential destination for anyone who seeks inspiration, education, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

FAQs

1. When was Balme Library established?

Balme Library was established in 1948 as part of the University College of the Gold Coast, which eventually became the University of Ghana.

2. What collections can be found in Balme Library?

Balme Library houses a diverse range of collections, including books, research papers, journals, electronic resources, maps, special collections, and archives.

3. Can I visit Balme Library even if I’m not a student or researcher?

Yes, Balme Library welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply a lover of books and knowledge, you are encouraged to explore the library’s collections and facilities.

4. Are there any restrictions on accessing certain materials?

Some materials in Balme Library’s special collections and archives may have restricted access due to their fragile nature or sensitivity. However, most of the library’s resources are accessible to all users.

5. Are there guided tours available for visitors?

Yes, Balme Library offers guided tours for visitors who are interested in learning more about the library’s history, collections, and facilities. It is advisable to contact the library in advance to arrange a tour.

6. Are there study spaces available in Balme Library?

Yes, Balme Library provides various study spaces, including individual study carrels, group study rooms, reading areas, and computer labs for students and researchers.

7. Can I borrow books from Balme Library?

Yes, registered students and staff at the University of Ghana can borrow books from Balme Library. External visitors can access the library’s resources on-site but may not be able to borrow materials.

8. Does Balme Library offer research assistance?

Absolutely! Balme Library has a dedicated team of librarians who are available to assist students and researchers with their information needs, research strategies, and access to relevant resources.

9. Is Wi-Fi available in Balme Library?

Yes, Balme Library provides Wi-Fi access to its users, enabling them to connect their devices and access the internet for research and academic purposes.

10. What are the opening hours of Balme Library?

Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and university schedule. It is advisable to check the library’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their opening hours.