History
The Institute’s LIBRARY was established in 1960 and named after the first director of the Institute, Mr. Richard McMillan. It was reorganised in 2007 to help serve the needs of the Institute in its new role as a degree awarding university. The Library provides information in print format for its patrons in support of teaching, learning, research and publication. About 70% of the library holdings are on communication studies and the English language. The Library collection is made up of books, periodicals and electronic resources. There are approximately 9,000 reference textbooks and 4,000 students’ dissertations. It is also a member of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH) which gives access to several electronic databases. The Library has a seating capacity of 100 and an automated circulation system. In addition, the library has 70 computers. The graduate students’ library also has seven computers and resources for their academic and research work. The Library now has over 5000 registered users and is staffed by four professional and three para-professional library workers.
Vision
The Richard McMillan Library, by means of modern skills in managing academic libraries will insure optimum access and delivery of information to the Institute. As associates in teaching and research, we will excel in: collecting, preserving, and providing access to the best scholarly and educational resources; providing high quality, innovative services; and creating a welcoming and comfortable physical environment. We will foster an atmosphere that encourages diversity, excellence, and continued growth in finding ways to achieve the Institute’s goals.
Mission
- The Library serves the knowledge and information needs of the Institute and the general public.
- The Library provides quality resources and innovative services to stimulate creativity, intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning and research.
- The Library is receptive to students and their instructional needs, to faculty and their teaching and research needs, and to administrators and their information needs.
- The Library offers an environment conducive to creating and sharing of information and conducting scholarly research.
Core Values
We believe the Library is central to the intellectual and creative lives of the people we serve.
We are committed to:
- Prompt response
- Mutual respect and civility
- Quality service
- Customer satisfaction
- Life-long learning
- Collaboration
- Responsible stewardship
Africana Collection – Materials on Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa, including materials on Ghana.
Reference Books – Quick reference materials such as Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, World books, Almanacs, Yearbooks, etc.
Lending Books – Textbooks and other print materials registered users are permitted to borrow.
Periodicals – Print Journals, Magazines, Newsletters, Newspapers, Reports, Government publications, etc.
Development Information – publications by the United Nations, World Bank and other international organisations.
Dissertations & Theses – A collection of GIJ students’ final year project work on various topics over many years.
Past Questions – A collection of past semester examination questions at various levels over many years.
Government Publications –
Library Publications –
- Collection Development/Cataloguing Department
- E-Resources/Research Support Services
- Reference and Reader Services Department
Membership
The primary clientele of the library includes the following:
Faculty Staff
GIJ Students
Administrators of the Institute
The general public is also allowed to use resources of the library.
Registration
All categories of users are required to register with the library as (borrowers) at the Circulation Desk.
Borrowing Privileges
| Category | Total No. of Items | Loan Period |
| Faculty Staff | 3 books | 30 days |
| Students | 3 books | 14 days |
| Non-faculty Staff | 2 books | 14 days |
Reference Books
Reference books are not borrowable. Periodicals, newspapers, journals, past questions, dissertations and project works may also not be borrowed.
Borrowing Procedures
Student ID shall be requested in all forms of borrowing.
Users need to complete all the information provided in the borrowers’ book.
Return books to the circulation desk and make sure your name is signed off by the Officer at the circulation desk.
Renewals
Items may be renewed again and again provided no reader requests for the material.
Fines
Overdue materials 50p per item per day.
Lost materials – thrice the current price of the item plus processing charge of GH¢10.00
Care of Books
- No book is to be written in, cut, or damaged in any way.
- Readers must not trace any picture or figure from any book/material.
- Readers and borrowers will be held responsible for any damage to a book in their charge and will be required to pay the appropriate cost of such damaged books.
Offenses and Sanctions
The following shall constitute library offenses:
For unlawful acquisition or stealing of library materials, the following sanctions shall be applied:
- Ordinary books – The member shall lose borrowing rights for one semester.
- Reference books – The member shall lose borrowing rights for one semester.
- Rare Books – The member shall lose the right to use the library for two semesters.
- Mutilation of books and related materials – The member shall lose borrowing rights for two semesters.
- Failure to return books and other materials on demand (i.e. when a book is recalled) – The member shall lose borrowing rights for one semester.
General Regulations
- Silence must be observed at all times.
- Smoking is forbidden in all parts of the library.
- No food or drink is allowed in any part of the library, toffees, fruits, etc. are not exempted.
- Do not reserve a seat.
- Books would not be issued to borrowers without student ID card.
- Library books used should be left on the reading tables. Readers should not attempt to shelve any book after use.
- Orderly conduct must be maintained at all times in the library.
- Users must take out valuables and leave their bags with the security at the entrance of the library.
- Take off caps and hats while in the library.
List of Services
Currently the Library offers the following services:
- Reader Services/Circulation
- Research Support Services
- Orientation for new students
- Cataloguing Services
- Reference (literature searches)
- Internet services
- Newspaper Services
- Information Literacy Services
Facilities
The Richard McMillan Library has the following facilities:
- General Library
- Graduate students’ Library
- E-Library
- WIFI and LAN internet
- Electronic Information Resources(E-books/E-journals)
- Research Support/Tools
Mrs. Lydia Nyantekyi-Baah
Senior Assistant Librarian
Stella Adwoa Abrokwah
Assistant Librarian
Ernest Afachao
Assistant Librarian
Auguster Kuffour
Senior Library Assistant
Abdul Razak Iddrisu
Senior Library Assistant
Mr. Daniel Konu
Senior Library AssistantOpening Hours
Semester in session
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 7:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Inter-semester break
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Search the Library
- OPAC Search: Textbooks (Subject, Author, Title, ISBN, Call No.)
- Dissertation/Thesis Search: (Title, Subject, Keyword, Author, Year)
- Past Questions: (Subject, Year, Semester, Lecturer)
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