Access to Electronic Resources: Student Success and Support for Research

Access to Electronic Resources: student
success and research support

In this Information Age, the most important commodity is knowledge. People need it to improve their lives – especially in the developing world, where pressing human need is greatest.

Academic libraries at higher education institutions play a critical role in linking researchers, lecturers and students to the immense wealth of scholarly information available the world over.

In order to retain its competitive edge, Stellenbosch University (SU) has launched the Access to Electronic Resources project within its Library and Information Service. It forms part of the institution’s strategic efforts to promote student success and research excellence.

A Learning Commons has been constructed in the University’s central store of knowledge, the JS Gericke Library. This is a contemporary learning space optimised for access to electronic resources. It features state-of-the-art technology and is backed-up with expert service delivery by skilled personnel and trained student assistants.

It offers workstations of more than 100 computers, wireless internet, laptop areas, a help desk, an electronic classroom, discussion rooms and booths, informal seating areas, multimedia equipment, plasma screens for notices, printing facilities and reference books.