THE BROUGHTON KNOX LIBRARY

In many respects the Library is at the heart of George Whitefield College.

It is impossible to study theology without doing some serious reading. All courses at the College have lists of required and recommended reading, making the Library a vital part of the life of every student.

Although students are encouraged to develop their own personal libraries, the College Library houses all the resources that you would need during your stay at GWC, plus a whole lot more.

As well as catering for the undergraduate courses the library is developing a considerable collection of resources for postgrads.

THE COLLECTION

Broughton Knox left his substantial personal library to become the nucleus. Other collections have been added, such as those of Dr Leon Morris, Bruce Smith, Dr Jack Allen, Ds Johan Botes, Ds Chris Alberts and others, and the College has pursued a vigorous buying policy. The collection is now housed in the Broughton Knox Study Centre.

The growth and development of the Library and its collection is high on the agenda in the College's vision. This has resulted in the substantial and continued growth of the Library collection. At last count there were 30 000 books on the shelves with many more waiting to be accessioned into the Library. We are developing a first class Library with a well balanced collection.

Areas of specialization: Biblical Studies, Life of Jesus, Biblical and Systematic Theology, Preaching, African Theology, Christian History.

The Library subscribes to numerous journals, providing up to date thought, discussion and interaction with the theological arena. Many other journals are accessible through the internet. GWC students also have access to the libraries of Stellenbosch University's theological faculty and the Bible Institute of South Africa.

THE STUDY CENTRE

The library is housed in the new Broughton Knox Study Centre. The book collection is located on the ground floor. Above it is a large open area for students to work in, with individual carels and open tables. The computer lab is also on the first floor. On top is an auditorium, used for chapel, lectures and Sunday church.

LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

The college uses software developed by one of our past employees. This software handles full circulation, reports, multiple collections, bar-coding, search facilities, renewals, e-mailing of reports, etc. Each student is supplied with a student card that has an unique bar-code on it, giving them access to sign out books.

THE LIBRARY TEAM

Vital to the effectiveness of the library is the team that cooperates to make it work for the readers.

The Head Librarian is Graham Naude. (Dip Th U. London; BTh Hons UNISA; Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science U. Cape Town) Graham is a missionary with AIM and was previously lecturer in Biblical Studies and librarian of Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is assisted by Stephan Kratz (Acquisitions), while Jane Moyo, Hilary Peer, & Antony Dantato are working as part-time library assistants for 2008.

THE VISION

GWC aspires to develop a library and resource centre that will meet the needs of its students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, and also become an attractive “retreat” for readers and scholars seeking a place to read, think and write. It is hoped in time to acquire accommodation for this purpose, so that people wanting to spend a week, a month or a semester can enjoy the fellowship of a community of disciples while they pursue their research project with all the facilities at their disposal.

If you would like to know more about how you can help, please contact Rod Hoek at the College. He will gladly supply you with any information you require.