University Librarian
Technology (KNUST). As the knowledge hub of the university, the KNUST library system, which
comprises the Basic school libraries, the main Prempeh II Library, and its six college libraries, play a central role of supporting the noble vision of the University to become a globally recognized centre of excellence in Africa, for quality teaching and research in Science and Technology.
We have done this through the provision of quality academic and scholarly resources, and training programmes, that build the capacity of our users to effectively utilize our learning resources. Like many twenty-first century modern libraries, our aim is to bring the best out of you and advance your learning goals.
We do this, by working hard to deliver to you a state-of-the art library service that:
Our aim is also to provide you with equitable, evidence-based, customer-focused and value for money library services, underpinned by continuous improvement. Our well trained and dedicated professional library staff, are committed to providing you with the highest level of support, available, both face-to-face, and online. We pledge to give you all the material assistance you need to exploit the learning opportunities available during your time here at KNUST. We will ensure that our services are accessible and inclusive of all our users - fulltime, part-time, distance learning etc.
I therefore invite you to make the fullest use of our services. Remember, you are here for education and NOT qualification. Working together, we can help you achieve your goal of acquiring a first-class university education. Our users call us “The Listening Library”. Do not suffer in silence; speak to us; we are here to help. You are the reason for our existence. Thank you.
The University Main Library also known as Prempeh II Library is the management centre for all library operations within the University. It provides staff and technical services as well as coordinates the activities of the College Libraries. The University Librarian is the administrative and technical head of the University Library System, which is made up of the Prempeh II Library and the six college libraries. He is directly responsible to the Vice-Chancellor in all administrative, technical and professional matters concerning the libraries in the University.
The University Librarian is supported by two Deputy Librarians and five departmental heads in the effective and efficient running of the library. These heads of department are the means through which power and authority from the University Librarian flows down to the para-professionals and the Junior Library Assistants
The Prempeh II Library has five functional departments; Administration, Collection Development and Management, Students Support, Academic Support, Library Systems & Support.
On the ground floor of the Main Library are the Educational Zone, Lending Department (which houses the Issue Desk and the Catalogues), the Discussion Area, Photocopying Unit, Collection and Development Management and the Systems and Support Departments respectively.
The first floor contains offices and Reading area. The busts of former Vice-Chancellors of the University as well as ingenious African Americans are displayed on the same floor. The adjoining room is a Lounge for group discussion.
The Ghana Collection are on the second floor of the Old block. The adjoining room accommodates the Reading Area. On the second floor of the new block are the Science and Technology Collections of the Students' Reference Library.
The third floor of the old block has the Seminar room. The Health and Allied Science Library Collections is in the Third Floor of the new block. On the fourth floor of the extension are the collections on Humanities and Social Science.
The KNUST Library System comprises the Prempeh II Library, six College Libraries, Basic Schools, and Distance Learning Libraries. The Library System provides information from both print and electronic sources to support research and all academic programmes run by the University.
The Prempeh II Library is the central library and traces its origins from the 4,000 library collections of the Teacher Training Department of Achimota College which were transferred to the newly established Kumasi College of Technology, Science and Arts in 1952. In November 1961, when the Kumasi College of Technology, Science and Arts was elevated to the status of a fully-fledged University and was renamed the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, its library automatically became the University Library.
Currently, the Prempeh II Library has five departments namely; Academic Engagement and Support, Student Support Services, Collection Development and Management, Systems and Support, and the Administration. The collaborative and innovative spaces provided by the library induce active, problem-based learning, and create enabling environment for students and other researchers to bring ideas to life through collaboration..
The Library is not only a learning hub but also the management centre for all library operations within the University. It provides technical services and coordinates the activities of the College and other libraries in the University. The Librarian is the administrative and technical head of the University Library System.
To build on KNUST's leadership as the premier science and technology university in Ghana and to be among the top ten Universities in Africa
KNUST exist to advance knowledge in science and technology through creating an environment for undertaking relevant research, quality teaching, entrepreneurship training and community engagement to improve the quality of life.
The library as the heart-beat of academic scholarship.
The nexus of teaching, learning and resarch.
Centre of education beyond the curriculum.
Unfettered access to knowledge;
Defense of intellectual freedom.