Wolkite University Library and Information Services Directorate was established to support the university’s academic and research missions. Beginning as a modest collection of print resources, it has evolved into a modern information center providing both physical and digital services. Over the years, the library has embraced technological advancements, implemented an Integrated Library System (ILS) and developed an Institutional Repository to preserve and provide access to theses, research outputs, and local heritage materials. Today, it stands as a vital hub for students, staff, and researchers, offering specialized collections, ICT facilities, and comprehensive research support services.

The library plays a crucial role in promoting academic excellence by providing access to a broad range of resources, including books, e-journals, and multimedia materials. It supports teaching and learning through information literacy programs, reference services, and user education initiatives. Additionally, the library’s Ethiopian Collection safeguards valuable national heritage, encompassing government documents, local publications, and scholarly research on Ethiopian history and culture. By maintaining both traditional and digital collections, the library ensures equitable access to knowledge in diverse formats.

Looking ahead, the library is committed to expanding its digital services, incorporating open-access resources and advanced research tools. Challenges such as budget constraints and technological limitations are being addressed through strategic planning and collaborative partnerships. The ultimate vision is to create a more inclusive, innovative, and user-centered library that not only meets the evolving needs of the university community but also preserves and celebrates Ethiopia’s intellectual and cultural legacy.

Objectives

The library aims to:

• Enhance Access to Information: Provide equitable access to quality physical and digital resources for all users.
• Support Academic Excellence: Facilitate teaching, learning, and research through curated collections and user education.
• Preserve Institutional and National Heritage: Safeguard scholarly outputs (theses, research) and Ethiopian cultural materials.
• Promote Innovation: Integrate technology (e.g., ILS, digitization, institutional repositories) for efficient service delivery.
• Ensure Accountability: Maintain transparent operations, ethical standards, and user-centered services.

Organizational Structure

The Wolkite University Library and Information Services Directorate is organized into four main teams, each responsible for a key area of library operations. The directorate is led by a Director, who reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

1.    User Services Team

The User Services Team is the primary interface between the library and its patrons. It encompasses all services directly affecting users’ access to and interaction with library resources, including circulation, book lending and return, user support, and reference. This section sets out clear policies and procedures for efficient, equitable, and user-friendly library access. It includes:

• Circulation Services: Managing borrowing, renewal, return, and overdue processes.
• Check-in and Check-out Services: Daily operation of material issuance and return.
• Reference Services: Assisting users in finding information and using resources.
• User Orientation and Instruction: Educating students and staff on library use.

2.    Automation and Digital Library Team

The Automation and Digital Library Team is responsible for integrating modern technology into library functions to ensure efficient service delivery, broaden access to digital content, and support academic and research excellence. This includes automating library operations, digitizing resources, managing digital collections, and maintaining the library ICT infrastructure. Responsibilities include:

• Digitization of Resources: Converting print materials to digital formats.
• Library System Automation: Implementing and managing ILS (Integrated Library System).
• Digital Library Development: Hosting e-resources, databases, and digital collections.
• Management of Library ICT Laboratory: Maintaining computers and internet access.

3.    Technical Processing Team

The Technical Processing Team is responsible for the systematic selection, acquisition, organization, and physical preparation of library materials. This ensures that all resources are discoverable, accessible, and preserved in good condition for long-term use. It includes:

• Acquisition: Selection and procurement of books, journals, and multimedia.
• Cataloging and Classification: Organizing materials according to international standards (e.g., Library of Congress Classification, MARC).
• Binding and Preservation: Ensuring physical integrity and usability of library materials.
• Collection Development: Assessing needs and developing the physical collection.

4.    Documentation and Ethiopian Collection Team

The Documentation and Ethiopian Collection Team is responsible for preserving, organizing, and providing access to scholarly outputs, government publications, and materials of Ethiopian origin or relevance. This unit plays a crucial role in knowledge preservation and cultural heritage by collecting student theses, managing periodicals, and curating special collections on Ethiopia.

• Thesis and Dissertation Management: Collection, processing, and access to student research.
• Periodicals Management: Acquisition, cataloging, and archiving of newspapers and journals.
• Ethiopian Collection: Curating special collections focusing on Ethiopian heritage, government documents, and local publications.

Development Goals

• Automate 100% of library operations using an Integrated Library System (ILS).
• Digitize 100% of theses and rare collections for the Institutional Repository (IR).
• Conduct biannual information literacy workshops for students and staff.
• Increase licensed e-resources by 30% to support all academic programs.
• Achieve full digital library integration with off-campus access.
• Develop a disability-inclusive service model (e.g., assistive technologies, accessible formats).
• Establish partnerships for regional knowledge sharing and resource exchange.
• Implement AI-driven tools for research assistance and analytics.

Roles and Responsibilities

A. Library Directorate

• Strategic Leadership: Oversee policy implementation, budgeting, and alignment with university goals.
• Advocacy: Liaise with university management and external stakeholders for resource mobilization.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Track KPIs (e.g., user satisfaction, digital access rates) and submit reports.

B. Teams

1. User Services
• Manage circulation, reservations, and overdue fines.
• Provide reference support and information literacy training.
• Enforce library rules (e.g., silence, no food) and handle disciplinary issues.
2. Automation & Digital Library
• Maintain ILS, ICT lab, and digital platforms (e.g., IR, e-resources).
• Digitize materials and ensure cybersecurity (backups, firewalls).
• Train users on digital tools (e.g., plagiarism software, citation managers).
3. Technical Processing
• Acquire, catalog, and classify materials (print/digital) using international standards.
• Preserve/physical processing (binding, labeling, weeding outdated materials).
• Collaborate with departments for collection development.
4. Documentation & Ethiopian Collection
• Archive theses, periodicals, and government publications.
• Curate and digitize Ethiopian heritage materials.
• Restrict access to non-circulating special collections.

C. Library Staff

• Professional Development: Attend training on emerging technologies (e.g., metadata standards, cataloging).
• User Engagement: Address feedback via suggestion boxes/emails and escalate grievances.

D. Library Users

• Adhere to borrowing rules, return materials on time, and pay fines for violations.
• Use ICT resources responsibly (academic purposes only).
• Participate in surveys and training sessions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• User Satisfaction: ≥85% positive feedback in annual surveys.
• Digitization: 100% of new theses archived in IR within 3 months of submission.
• Training: 100% of staff trained annually on new tools/standards.