New National Library building for Namibia

Citation

(1999), "New National Library building for Namibia", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 27 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilds.1999.12227cab.018

New National Library building for Namibia

Keywords: Public libraries, Buildings, Architecture, Namibia

The current building that houses the National Library of Namibia is considered to be unsuitable from a security and workspace point of view. Therefore, construction is under way for a new building, which will also house the National Archives, which also has an unsuitable building. Both institutions are expected to move to the new premises in mid 1999.

The National Library of Namibia dates back to the time when it was a German colony, Deutsch -Sudwestafrika. The colonial administration set up a library, Bibliothek des Kaiserlichen Gouvernements, for its own administrative requirements. Volumes from this time can still be found in the modern National Library. In 1915 South African troops conquered the area and the library was taken over by the new authorities. Then in 1926 it became the Library of the Legislative Assembly and was housed in what is today the parliament building. In the early 1980s the library was temporarily closed down and the books put into storage. The library was reopened in 1984, moved to new premises and was renamed the Reference Library.

With Independence the library was taken over by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and became The National Library of Namibia. Staffing levels were increased and stock from other libraries was used to fill any obvious gaps. These new acquisitions soon filled the current building and prompted calls for a larger purpose-built library.

The contract to erect the new building was awarded in 1996. The construction is a little behind schedule after more work was required to strengthen the foundations. The building will provide seating for 80 readers among open access shelving with room for another 50 in a separate study area. There will be a strong-room to house the documents, which will be climate controlled, dust free and fire protected. The building incorporates the latest designs in archival and library architecture and will provide an ideal new home for the National Library.

For further information visit the National Library of Namibia's web site at: http://yaotto.natlib.mec.gov.na

Source: National Library of Namibia's Web site