The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has expanded its library to accommodate a larger number of students and also to cater to the needs of research students doing their doctorate programs at the university.

The library, spread over 785 sq m in Knowledge Village, has added 10 new study carrels, extra tables in the quiet area, new laptops and desktop computers.

“The UOWD library has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, both in terms of size and resources,” said Raymi van der Spek, executive director of Administration & Strategic Development, UOWD.

“Students have access to 60,000 e-books and 25,000 hard books, besides CDs. Also, students can access 70,000 online journals of University of Wollongong, Australia.”

The increasing demand from students in general and doctoral students in particular has prompted us to expand the library area and add new state of the art facilities. We are also giving finishing touches to a plan to create a separate section for research students and appoint a research librarian, due to a strong demand from students of PhD and Doctorate in Business Administration,” he added.

Following the new expansion, the UAE library has 89 individual study carrels, five tables with four chairs each in the Quiet Area, 20 laptops and six group study rooms. It also has an enclosed computer lab with photocopiers and colour printers.

“By upgrading and expanding the library, UOWD is creating value addition for our student community. In a university, the library presents a strategic learning resource,” said Prof. Rob Whelan, president of UOWD.

“We are confident our students will benefit immensely from the expanded facilities and use the library premises fruitfully for enhancing their academic performance as they prepare for their careers,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service