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Various services provided by the University Library are listed below:
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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
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Donation to KNUST MUSEUM
Preserving Heritage: KNUST Library Donates Historic Card Catalogue to the Opoku Ware II Museum On April 2, 2026, the KNUST Library took a significant step toward preserving its institutional heritage by officially donating its historic physical card catalogue to the Opoku Ware II Museum, KNUST. Once the backbone of information retrieval and knowledge organization on campus, the catalogue has transitioned from an essential academic tool into a treasured historical artifact. Its preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate the evolution of librarianship and the enduring legacy of knowledge management at the university. The historic handover was conducted by a delegation from the KNUST Library System comprising the University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey; the Senior Assistant Librarian and Head of the Collection Development and Management (CDM) Unit at the Prempeh II Library, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Ofori Asiamah; and the University Library Administrator, Ms. Vicentia Afeafa Adjandeh. The artifact was received on behalf of the museum by Prof. Edwin Kwesi Bodjawah, Associate Professor and Museum Coordinator. A Window into the History of Knowledge The library card catalogue carries a fascinating history that spans both global and local contexts. Internationally, card cataloguing evolved from ancient inventory systems into a standardized card-based method of organizing information during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The concept gained prominence in 1791 when French revolutionaries used playing cards to catalogue collections. It was later refined and standardized by the Library of Congress through the introduction of typed catalogue cards, establishing a global framework for organizing library materials by author, title, and subject. At KNUST, the donated catalogue dates back to 1961 and reflects the university’s early efforts in information organization, storage, and retrieval. The Kumasi College of Technology Library, established in 1959, initially operated from the Institute of Mining and Mineral Engineering (IMME), located behind the present-day Jubilee Mall in the Commercial Area. Following the library’s relocation to its current site in 1961, a functional catalogue system was urgently developed to facilitate the efficient charging and discharging of books and other library materials. The Mechanics of an Antique Information System As a comprehensive and meticulously organized register, the card catalogue served as the primary tool through which users located books, journals, and other resources within the library. Each item in the collection was represented by a detailed 3 × 5-inch bibliographic card containing essential information such as the call number, author, title, and publisher. These cards were systematically arranged in standardized wooden cabinets according to strict alphabetical or subject-based classification schemes. Depending on institutional preferences, catalogues could be organized as Alphabetical, Classified, or Alphabetico-Classed systems. To maximize accessibility and efficiency, libraries ideally maintained four separate catalogues: Subject, Author, Title, and Class. At one point, KNUST Libraries operated all four systems simultaneously to provide comprehensive access to information for its users. From Card Drawers to Digital Discovery The physical card catalogue remained a prominent feature of library operations at KNUST until the turn of the millennium. Its use gradually declined around the year 2000, and by 2005 the wooden cabinets had been officially retired from active service. The retirement of the catalogue marked the beginning of a major digital transformation within the KNUST Library System. Manual cataloguing processes were first replaced by the Computerised Documentation Service/Integrated Set of Information Systems (CDS-ISIS). This was subsequently succeeded by the Alexandria Library Management System between 2009 and 2010, which introduced the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) and significantly enhanced access to library resources. In line with evolving technological standards and the growing demands of modern library services, KNUST Libraries is currently preparing to migrate to Koha, a leading open-source integrated library management system that will further strengthen digital access and resource management. Preserving the Past for Future Generations Now permanently housed at the Opoku Ware II Museum, the 1961 card catalogue stands as a powerful symbol of KNUST’s journey through the changing landscape of information management. More than a collection of cards and cabinets, it represents decades of scholarly service, innovation, and institutional memory. Its preservation bridges the gap between the ink-and-paper traditions of the past and the dynamic digital future of education and knowledge dissemination. Photography: Yawson Obed, KNUST Library
KNUST Library Hosts International Scholar to Discuss Future of Academic Libraries in Africa
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. Prof. Julia Gelfand (Middle) with University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey (R).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.
Science Friday, Episode 4 : Looking Through The Glass : Raman spectroscopy of concealed sample in sealed containers using shaped laser light
Historical Books Contain Toxic Substances Like Arsenic – Dr. George Dwapanyin Dr. George O. Dwapanyin, Research Fellow in Advanced Optical Imaging at the University of St Andrews, has revealed that some historical books contain hazardous substances such as arsenic, posing potential health risks to librarians, archivists, researchers and others who frequently handle them. He made the remarks during the fourth edition of ScienceFriday, organised by the KNUST Libraries to promote scientific discussion, research sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration within the university community. Dr. George O. Dwapanyin, Research Fellow in Advanced Optical Imaging at the University of St Andrews.Delivering a lecture titled “Drinks, Drugs, and Toxic Books: Recent Adventures in Spectroscopy Sensing”, Dr. Dwapanyin explained that toxic pigments used in the covers and pages of some old books could expose handlers to harmful chemicals through repeated physical contact. According to him, libraries and archives around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers associated with preserving and handling certain historical collections. “Some of these books contain pigments with arsenic and other toxic compounds. If you are constantly handling them without protection, it can become dangerous over time,” he stated. To reduce the risks associated with handling such materials, Dr. Dwapanyin said he and his team have developed a non-destructive Raman scanning method that allows toxic books to be digitised and analysed while minimising physical contact. He explained that current safety measures for handling toxic books include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, masks and the storage of hazardous books in glass cases to limit exposure. “Our goal is to make it possible to study and preserve these books without destroying them and without exposing people to unnecessary risks,” he said. Dr. Dwapanyin further described how Raman spectroscopy can identify substances through glass, coloured containers and opaque materials without opening or damaging them. “We can see whether it is methanol in a coloured bottle or a clear bottle, and we can detect contaminants as low as half a per cent,” he explained. Beyond preserving historical books, he noted that the technology could support efforts to combat counterfeit drugs in Ghana and across West Africa, where fake medications continue to pose serious public health threats. “Ghana and the West African sub-region are viable markets for fake medication. According to World Health Organisation reports, many fake anti-malaria medications come into West Africa and parts of Central Africa,” he stated. He explained that conventional methods of testing medications often require samples to be destroyed before laboratory analysis, making large-scale screening difficult and expensive. Touching on challenges affecting scientific innovation in Africa, Dr. Dwapanyin said bureaucracy and politics remain the biggest obstacles to deploying advanced technology on the continent, rather than cost or technical limitations. “The challenge is not necessarily the science or even the cost. The biggest barrier is bureaucracy and politics,” he stressed. As a long-term solution, Dr. Dwapanyin advocated local manufacturing of key scientific components such as lasers and spectrometers to reduce dependence on imports and make the technology more accessible across Africa. University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey.The University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey, emphasised the importance of science in solving societal challenges and promoting development. “Today’s gathering reminds us that science is not only about discoveries in laboratories, but also about finding solutions to the challenges facing our communities, our nation, and the world,” he said.
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June 2026Science Friday, Episode 5: Achieving the SDGs 1,2 & 3 : Solution in "Our" Food Basket
2:00 PMPrempeh Ii Library
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April 2026Science Friday: Episode 3
2:00 PMPrempeh Ii Library
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March 2026Science Friday
1:00 PMPREMPEH II LIBRARY