Library provision for undergraduates : with specific reference to three libraries in a selected region of South Africa

The purpose of this thesis is to analyse library programmes, facilities and services for undergraduates at South·African university libraries. Black students who arrive at university encounter a library for the first time and find using it a bewildering experience. Thus libraries must become more aware of undergraduate needs and play an increasing role in academic support, concentrating their services on the undergraduate and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This concern for undergraduate education prompted an evaluation of library provision for undergraduates. The broad hypothesis· being the better the facilities, the better the library services and the concomitant provision for undergraduates. The thesis examines the literature commencing with an outline of general library facilities (accommodation, collection, staffing, and financial support), as well as determining the role of the university library, and examining established library standards. Library services are identified, with particular emphasis on user education. The literature survey concludes with an in-depth examination of the development of undergraduate libraries and the arguments both for and against such libraries. The scope of the investigation is limited to three university libraries in a contiguous region of South Africa, and data was gathered via a detailed structured questionnaire. The empirical survey focuses on library programmes and attempts to identify specific provision for undergraduates.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Library and Information Studies Centre (LISC)

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Allardice, Carryl Megan

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kesting, J G

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/16388

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/16388