The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has in its Sam Jonah Library inaugurated three new facilities which constitute the next phase of the innovative projects for the library.
The projects are designed to deepen the research and learning agenda of the university.
These facilities include a video conferencing facility, a development information unit, and a social learning commons.
In 2019 and 2021, the research commons and the knowledge commons were also respectively inaugurated in the library.
These two facilities make up the first two phases of the library’s learning commons which are being established as part of the modernization agenda of the library.
According to the University Librarian, Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, management of the library did an assessment of the library system some five years ago with the result indicating that even though UCC has one of the largest libraries in Ghana it lacked resources that support 21st-century high education learning.
He, therefore, said it was on that basis the current strategic plan was developed.
“Part of this plan was to modernize and equip the Sam Jonah Library with ultra-modern and state-of-the-art learning spaces and facilities,” he continued.
Stressing the tremendous impact the Research Commons and the Knowledge Commons have had on the university’s learners and faculty members, the University Librarian, Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah expressed his hopes for the three new facilities.
“We hope these three new facilities at the Sam Jonah Library will further enhance academic work and contribute to the visibility and image of our university,” he said.
The immeasurable growth and success of the UCC’s Sam Jonah Library is being made possible by the support of the university’s Chancellor, Dr. Sir. Sam Esson Jonah, and his family.
In a remark, Dr. Sir. Sam Jonah renewed his family’s commitment to ensure the Sam Jonah Library becomes a library of choice.
He said, “these projects are very dear to my heart and that of my family…we are privileged and even humbled to be part of this university’s library system…my family stands ready and willing to do everything we can to make sure that this is a library of choice.”
On her part, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rosemond Boohene who chaired the occasion thanked the Chancellor and all stakeholders for supporting the transformation agenda of the library.
She added that the management of the university will continue to “provide matching funds through additional budgetary allocation to the Sam Jonah library to ensure the completion of all these noble projects that you have personally championed.”
The Pro VC further urged the management of the Sam Jonah library to continuously modernize the facilities adding that it is important they also publicize the resources, facilities, and services to the university community to ensure optimum utilization.
The Three Facilities
The social learning commons provide a relaxed environment to facilitate the sharing of ideas and knowledge and enhance creativity and innovation. The space is suitable for knowledge generation and exchange.
The video conferencing and virtual media space is equipped with ultra-modern state-of-the-art technologies including smart TV, high-density cameras, Logitech, high-quality microphones, and high-speed internet. It may be used for online meetings, conferences and also break the barrier between sharing knowledge among faculty members, students, and the global academic community.
The development information unit previously established by the World Bank has currently been refurbished into a multipurpose facility with internet access that can be used by students for group discussions and it can serve as a venue for various training programs.
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Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
