The Library reflects the rapid growth rate of Africa University since 1992 both in physical provision and in the range and volumes of library materials acquired in support of evolving undergraduate and graduate academic programmes. The original library accommodation at the old campus was a refurbished farm workshop from which the library relocated in 1994 to the ground floor of the Kulah / De Carvalho multi-purpose building where it was housed until December 2000. In March 2001 the new state-of-the-art and purpose-built library was officially opened. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development through the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad [USAID / ASHA] programme, the Library, a two-and-a-half storey wing, has space for 70 000 volumes of multimedia resources (about 6 years’ additional growth) and seating for 250 readers. The Library is fully air-conditioned and features a computerised network and internet access, electronic book security system and an Archives collection.

Bishop C.Jokomo & Dr Ken Yamada

The new Library is jointly named in honour of Bishop Christopher Jokomo (current Bishop of the Zimbabwe Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church which hosts Africa University in Zimbabwe) and Dr Ken Yamada (Assistant General Secretary, UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which funds Africa University). Phase 2 of the building – the Technology Wing -

accommodates the satellite-based Distance Learning Centre and the Computer Centre.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Jokomo / Yamada Library seeks to support Africa University’s teaching, learning and research programmes by acquiring and organising access to information resources in a variety of formats and by equipping the academic community with the skills necessary to exploit these resources.