Addis Ababa University Libraries Library

Introduction

The main university library is the John F.Kennedy Memorial Library, which was opened in August 1969. It is located on the Main Campus (at Sidist Kilo) of Addis Ababa University. It primarily holds library materials on humanities and social sciences and serves almost all the University community and registered external users. The library also renders centralized technical processing services such as the acquisition of information resources, cataloguing and ICT related services to all branch libraries organized under the university library system.

Mission

The mission of Addis Ababa University Libraries is to provide relevant information resources and modern services in support of the research, teaching, and learning needs of the University community for the creation of competent and highly qualified graduates for the country.

Vision

 Addis Ababa University Libraries aspire to deliver outstanding library services that exceed expectations, promote our values in a constantly evolving higher education and information landscape, and differentiate us as a unique university library system for promoting academic and research excellence.

Library values

Addis Ababa University Libraries’ mission and vision stand on the pillars of the following values:

Service: The Libraries offer an environment that supports creativity, flexibility, and   collaboration. By understanding that each user requires comfortable, welcoming and secure place for study, research, work, reflection and interaction, the Libraries commit ourselves to excellence.

Knowledge: Addis Ababa University Libraries are committed to:

• Encouraging the process of learning and the life of the mind;
• Celebrating truth seeking through discourse and investigation;
• Anticipating and contributing to scholarly inquiry;
• Promoting the Library as both a real and virtual extended classroom; and
• Embracing our role as collectors and custodians of the intellectual record.

Integrity: The Libraries

• Relate to each other with honesty and candor;
• Adhere to the principles of fairness, justice and equality in their work;
• Promote the highest standards of profession, including open and equitable access to information; and
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, taking responsibility for their actions, keeping their word, and following through on their commitments.

Respect: The Libraries

• Treat everyone with equal consideration and courtesy;
• Encourage differences in perspective, opinions and ideas;
• Consider the needs of others; and
• Provide an environment that is inclusive and diverse.

Communication: The Libraries

• Recognize the importance of Library-wide participation;
• Reach out to all segments of the user community; and
• Share information and solicit opinions about decisions that affect the success of the libraries.

Collaboration: The Libraries establish partnerships within and outside the University to  achieve mutually beneficial goals. Continuous improvement: They maintain a culture of ongoing assessment to improve  their collections and services, and to identify, create and implement new services  of value.

Discovery: The Libraries design an environment that nurtures scholarly exploration for  the advancement of education, research, professional development, and  intellectual curiosity.

Diversity: They respect the beliefs and opinions of those they serve and employ, and offer information resources and programs that reflect the diversity of their institution and community.

Learning: They support all learners of all kinds and collaboratively integrate the libraries wherever learning takes place.

Moto

A center of quality information resources and quality services for excellence.

Partnerships

The AAU libraries have partnerships with INASP, Eifle, UNISA, US Information Center, ECA Library, and TACC.

Awards or Achievement:

The Libraries have been awarded different appreciation certificates.

Special feature

The John of Kennedy Memorial Library, which was inaugurated on September 12, 1969, has been serving all citizens in the country who needed its services as a center of information resources in addition to its main function of serving the University community.