Services
Various services provided by the University Library are listed below:
Research
The university advances knowledge through dedicated research teams in various departments, institutes, and centers, spanning arts, science, technology, and other key areas. We maintain a centralized database system to manage research information and publications efficiently.
Additionally, our university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students to drive innovative research across diverse academic fields, fostering an environment where knowledge and expertise from various disciplines converge to address complex global challenges.
News & Events
Stay Engaged: Dive into Our Library News & Events.
KNUST Library at Forefront as COPYGHANA and IFRRO Push Collective Licensing for Academic Integrity.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library has taken a frontline role in strengthening copyright compliance across Ghana’s tertiary education sector, partnering with the Reproduction Rights Organisation of Ghana (COPYGHANA) and the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) to train universities on collective licensing and responsible use of academic materials. The event brought together legal scholars, international experts, authors, publishers, librarians and practitioners from copyright bodies including the Copyright Licensing Agency (UK) and the Copyright Clearance Center (US). Participants examined strategies to ensure that creators receive due recognition while supporting the ethical use of educational materials. KNUST University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey, said copyright compliance is not only a legal mandate but a scholarly responsibility. He emphasised that academic integrity, research sustainability and the economic viability of authors depend on respect for copyright. He noted that KNUST plays a “dual identity” in the copyright ecosystem, both as a major consumer of academic materials and as a producer of knowledge through its researchers, authors and innovators and therefore must uphold strong copyright practices to protect its intellectual community. Acknowledging the complexity of enforcement, he said, “The challenge before us is simple to articulate but difficult to execute.” Justice of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Poku Adusei, addressed the long-standing balance in copyright law between private rights and public access to knowledge. Drawing on jurisprudence from English, American, Canadian and Ghanaian courts, he said copyright must incentivise creativity while avoiding rules that impede cultural progress. “Comparative experience has confirmed that copyright balances two competing interests: the public interest and the private interest,” he stated. He outlined five key lessons for tertiary institutions and cautioned against rampant free-riding on intellectual property, urging respect for fair-dealing principles, institutional responsibility and strict adherence to the law. He concluded, “There is no way out than for our tertiary institutions to respect the laws on copyright.” International copyright expert Olav Stokkmo, consultant to WIPO and IFRRO, presented data showing that only one percent of students pay for the intellectual property they use, despite almost all relying heavily on authors’ works. He said this underscores the urgent need for systems that ensure proper recognition and compensation for creators. The workshop featured two high-level panel discussions. The first, “Copyright Compliance in Ghanaian Universities,” included contributions from Dr. Lucy Afeafa Ry-Kottoh, Richard Obeng Mensah, Ernest Oppong and Dr. Wale Okediran, with an intervention from Sheila Narki Djagmah of the Copyright Office. Panelists discussed measures to build copyright-aware academic environments and reduce infringement on university campuses. A second panel, “Looking Forward: From Digital to AI,” led by James Bennett (CLA, UK) and Victoriano Colodrón (CCC, US), explored copyright implications of rapid digital transformation and artificial intelligence in higher education. Dr. Adusei reiterated that collective licensing remains the most sustainable and efficient mechanism for copyright enforcement in tertiary institutions. He encouraged continued engagement with copyright law as a way of strengthening institutional compliance and safeguarding the intellectual property of creators.
Speech by the new University Librarian (Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey), KNUST.
*At the First Meeting with Library Staff* Good morning, distinguished colleagues, It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I stand before you today as the new University Librarian of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. I am truly honoured to join this community of dedicated professionals who have worked tirelessly to uphold the reputation and excellence of our University Library — one of the finest in the nation and indeed on the African continent. First and foremost, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to my predecessor and to all of you, the hardworking staff, for your unwavering commitment to service, scholarship, and innovation. The successes the KNUST Library has achieved over the years are a testament to your collective effort, creativity, and resilience. As we begin this new chapter together, I see our library not just as a storehouse of knowledge, but as a dynamic centre for learning, research, and collaboration — a place where technology meets tradition, and where ideas can flourish freely. Our mission remains clear: to support teaching, learning, and research by providing timely access to relevant information resources and services. However, the landscape of librarianship is changing rapidly. The digital age presents both challenges and exciting opportunities. We must therefore continue to innovate — embracing digital transformation, strengthening our information literacy programmes, expanding access to electronic resources, and ensuring that our spaces remain vibrant, inclusive, and user-centred. I believe strongly in teamwork and open communication. Each one of you — from the senior librarian to the newest assistant — plays an integral role in the success of this institution. Your insights, creativity, and passion will guide our collective journey forward. My leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. I encourage us all to share ideas, ask questions, and work together as one strong KNUST Library family. In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with various sections and units to learn more about your work, challenges, and aspirations. Together, we will develop a shared vision and a strategic plan that aligns with the broader goals of the university — a plan that will position KNUST Library as a model of excellence in academic librarianship across Africa. Let us approach this journey with renewed energy, a spirit of innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The future of the KNUST Library is bright — and together, we will make it even brighter. Thank you, and I look forward to working closely with each of you. *Ayekoo, and may we continue to uphold the proud tradition of KNUST — *“Nyansapo wosane no badwen ba” — “The knot of wisdom is untied by the wise.”
Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey has officially assumed duty as the new University Librarian of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey has officially assumed duty as the new University Librarian of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, pledging to lead with collaboration, innovation, and openness as the library embraces digital transformation. Addressing staff at his first engagement meeting, Dr. Lamptey said he was “deeply honoured” to join a community of dedicated professionals whose work has sustained one of the nation’s most respected academic libraries. “It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I stand before you today as the new University Librarian,” he said. “I am truly honoured to join this community of dedicated professionals who have worked tirelessly to uphold the reputation and excellence of our University Library, one of the finest in the nation and indeed on the African continent.” He expressed appreciation to his predecessor, Dr. Samuel Kotei Nikoi, and commended all staff for their “unwavering commitment to service, scholarship, and innovation.” “Our library is not just a storehouse of knowledge but a dynamic centre for learning, research, and collaboration; a place where technology meets tradition, and where ideas can flourish freely,” Dr. Lamptey remarked. “Our mission remains clear: to support teaching, learning, and research by providing timely access to relevant information resources and services.” Emphasising the rapidly changing landscape of librarianship, he called on staff to embrace digital tools and innovation. “The digital age presents both challenges and exciting opportunities. We must therefore continue to innovate by strengthening information literacy, expanding access to electronic resources, and ensuring our spaces remain vibrant, inclusive, and user-centred,” he said. Dr. Lamptey reaffirmed his commitment to teamwork and transparent leadership. “Each one of you, from the senior librarian to the newest assistant, plays an integral role in our success. My leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect,” he noted. “Let us share ideas, ask questions, and work together as one strong KNUST Library family.” He announced plans to meet various library sections in the coming weeks to discuss their work, challenges, and aspirations toward developing a shared strategic plan aligned with the university’s vision. “Together, we will position KNUST Library as a model of excellence in academic librarianship across Africa,” he said. “The future of the KNUST Library is bright, and together, we will make it even brighter.” The session also introduced Mrs. Felicia Amankwah, the new Senior Assistant Registrar, who succeeds Mrs. Janet Ampah, and Dr. Edward Mensah Borteye, who assumes the role of Deputy University Librarian. Both outgoing officers were commended for their dedicated service. Mrs. Amankwah urged staff to “work collaboratively, uphold mutual respect, and maintain open communication in pursuit of excellence,” while reaffirming her commitment to supporting the library’s administrative efficiency.
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August 2023Elsevier Workshop
10:00 AMOnline