The Department of Library Services (DLS) plays an integral part in the UP GLAM (Galleries/Gardens, Libraries, Archives and Museums). This collaborative initiative aims to promote the University of Pretoria’s (UP) heritage, with the Library being a rich resource of heritage knowledge. “The DLS not only makes the latest research data available, but also preserves rare and valuable historical resources, making them accessible while also safeguarding them for future generations,” says Nikki Haw, coordinator of the DLS Special Collections Unit.

The Library was originally housed in the Old Arts Building in 1911. In Lockhead’s Guide, Handbook and Directory of Pretoria of 1912, the Library space is described as:

“…panelled throughout with dark wood, well ventilated, and divided into numerous bays, screened off for private study. It has been designed in a thoroughly practical and up-to-date manner, and is probably the finest example of a college library in South Africa.”

The Library collection at that time comprised over 4000 books, an impressive beginning.

The Library inevitably outgrew the available space. The Old Merensky Building was the institution’s first purpose-built library and was completed in 1938 to house a collection that consisted of more than 82 000 volumes. In March 1976, the Merensky 2 Building was officially opened to house collections exceeding 220 700 volumes. Today the DLS consists of the main branch—the Merensky 2 Library, which houses five faculty libraries—as well as five branch libraries. Currently, the Library holdings include 753 726 printed books, 541 991 licensed eBooks, 357 print journal subscriptions, 185 778 accessible e-journals and 73 electronic database subscriptions.

The DLS enjoys a close working relationship with other members of the GLAM initiative, including UP Museums, Alumni Relations and the UP Archives, sharing research resources and preservation expertise. Our libraries also showcase UP’s iconic art collection for appreciation by patrons, including the bust of Oliver Tambo by Phil Minnaar (1994), housed at the Oliver R Tambo Law Library, the bust of Jotello Festiri Soga by Lausanne Peens (2008) at the Jotello F Soga Library, and Garden View by Thijs Nel (1990) at the Groenkloof Education Library. At the Merensky 2 Library, patrons can view Homage to Guerra by Christo Coetzee (1988) as well as the incredible 15-meter Kaross-embroidered centenary tapestry (2007), both on display on Level 3, among other works.

The Library is also included in the newly launched UP Alumni Benefits Packages, which includes access to the Library collections and online resources, as well as loaning privileges. In 2020, before lockdown, the Library had 399 Alumni members.

GLAM showcases the diversity of the University of Pretoria’s collections for researchers, the public and the UP Community, and the Department of Library Services is proud to be involved in this synergistic and forward-thinking campaign.

Please contact the Library on 012 420 2235 or [email protected] for further information.