About Us

Our History

History of the library

Donald E. U. Ekong Library started in September 1976 from a modest 3-block makeshift structure in Choba Park. This temporary library facility could sit only 600 persons at a time.

The foundation stone of this ultra-modern library was laid at the University Park (the University’s permanent site) in April 1981, and the structure became fully operational on September 29th, 2008. The new library edifice occupies 3,600 square meters and has a capacity of 3,000 seats with ample room for expansion.

While Wing “A” has three floors, Wing “B” is a two-storey block. On the second floor of Wing “A” is located the Administrative/Management Division of the library, the Acquisition/Technical Division that connects the adjoining Information Services/Automation Division. Wing “B” serves as the main entry point into the library reading halls. On the ground floor of Wing “B” is the Reader Services division, where library patrons enter the Circulation Unit through the Thonstlye Electronic gate.

 

RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Donald E.U. Ekong library stocks satisfactory and appropriate book collections for all disciplines and programmes of the University. These are on the 1st and the 2nd floor of the library and are accessible through the use of the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). The OPAC is an electronic tool (catalogue) for the books in the library. OPAC computer terminals or systems are located in strategic positions within the library. The 1st floor houses book collections for the Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences and Library science. Equally located on the adjoining 1st floor are: Reference library, Document Unit, Knowledge Commons, Photocopying stand. While on the 2nd floor is also located the book collections for Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, Management Science, Education and Law. Also on the adjoining wing, of the 2nd floor are situated Information Services/Automation division, Elsevier/Computer E-learning room. Research library, Acquisition Unit, and the administrative division which is the seat of administration of the University Library. Equally on the second floor are Research Commons for postgraduate Students and Lectures and Thesis and Dissertation Rooms.

On the Basement are sited the Card production room, the library Bindery/Clearance Room now temporarily designated as the Department of Library and Information Science; American Corner, Port Harcourt, office space, and the Reading Hall. The basement (open space) is also used for the Library Annual Book Fairs, University Research Fairs and other important University Exhibitions. On this same floor is library Canteen. There are four major entry gates but only one is deployed for use for security reasons. The library is well endowed with public conveniences as there are 54 of such, 29 for students and 25 for staff. The Donald Ekong library has five (5) branch libraries: Medical library, Law library, College of Continuing Education Library, Business School library and Institute of Petroleum (IPS) library; and 16 Faculty libraries.

The Reference Library, Document Unit, Knowledge Commons, Card Production Room and Reprographic/Photocopying shops are on the 1st floor. On the second floor are the Research Library, Acquisition Unit, Administrative Division (the seat of the administration of the University Library), Research Commons (for postgraduate students and lecturers) and Thesis and Dissertation Rooms. On the adjoining wing of the 2nd floor are also situated Information Services/Automation Division and Elsevier/Computer E-learning room. On the basement are sited the Bindery/Clearance Room (temporarily designated as the Department of Library and Information Science), office space, and the Reading Hall. The open space in the basement is used for annual Library Book Fairs, University Research Fairs and other University exhibitions. The library canteen is also on this floor.

Donald Ekong Library has five (5) branch libraries: the Medical Library, Law Library, College of Continuing Education Library, Business School Library and Institute of Petroleum (IPS) Library. There are 54 (29 for students and 25 for staff) public conveniences in the library. 

Vision | MISSION

Vision

To reposition Donald Ekong Library to become a more effective and efficient research hub for staff, students and other library users.

 

Mission

To deliver on the mandate of the University of Port Harcourt by providing improved library facilities and services.