The University Libraries of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), have hosted international library scholar and Fulbright Scholar, Prof. Julia Gelfand, for a high-level engagement on the future of academic libraries, open science and digital scholarship in Africa.
The University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey, said the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration and expand the global partnerships of the KNUST Library System.
He said the engagement was made possible through a shared vision with Prof. Monica Dankwa of the Department of Information Studies at the University of Ghana, who facilitated the scholar’s visit to KNUST as part of efforts to deepen collaboration between local and international institutions.
Dr. Lamptey outlined his vision for the KNUST Library System, emphasizing the need for stronger local and international partnerships to enhance the library’s growth and global visibility.
“As part of my vision, I need strong collaboration both locally and internationally. Partnership and visibility are very critical to what we are trying to achieve,” he said.
He noted that the KNUST libraries provide access to books, journals, theses, newspapers, electronic databases and institutional repositories. He added that the libraries also offer student-focused services, including bookable study rooms, ICT support, digitization services, information literacy training and 24-hour access during examination periods.
Dr. Lamptey expressed optimism about the outcomes of the visit, saying it would strengthen professional networks and create opportunities for future collaboration.
“I believe that the outcome of this visit would be stronger professional networking, international visibility for the KNUST Library System and its staff, potential collaborations, and staff inspiration and motivation,” he said.
Prof. Julia Gelfand, a Fulbright Scholar and International Library Leader at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, commended KNUST for its innovative approach to library services and described the Library Mall concept as a strong model for academic libraries in Africa.
“Libraries are beyond being repositories of physical formats. They are now highly service-oriented institutions focused on the needs of users,” she stated.
She highlighted the importance of open access, digital scholarship, institutional repositories, artificial intelligence and collaborative research in shaping the future of academic libraries.
“After being here, I would say that we need stronger networks among science and technology institutions across Africa so that we can learn from one another and collaborate more effectively,” she noted.
Prof. Gelfand further emphasized the need for libraries to invest in staff development, grant writing, scholarly communication and digital scholarship to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven academic environment.
She also encouraged library staff to take advantage of global knowledge-sharing opportunities, professional networking platforms and international collaborations to enhance academic library services and research visibility.
