Arrupe Jesuit University Library

Nature of the library:

The purpose of the library is to serve the needs of the staff and students of Arrupe College. The areas of study are principally

philosophy and Humanities in African context with a lesser interest in Theology.

Historical Background

Various Jesuit superiors in African concerned with the first stage of academic training for English speakers began planning process in the late eighties, culminating with some of the prospect staff in planning session of program, site and facilities by the early nineties. The College itself opened in august 1994. Books were collected mostly from the U.S and shipped in two containers in 1993-1994. The major sources were:

• The Juniorate library of the Detroit Province in Colombiere College comprising mostly of literature.

• St Louis University Philadelphia. The Dean of Philosophy collected large numbers of philosophical works and still continues to contribute to the library.

• Loyola University, New Orleans and Spring Hill College, Mobile, as well as the scholastic library connected to the University of Detroit.

Holding of books

The largest holdings are: Theology and Spirituality. Literature and Philosophy in that order; followed by History and Social Sciences. As the main focus of the College is Philosophy, some major thinkers are re-located to Philosophy eg. Thomas Aquinas.

Facilities:

The library is fully computerized both in its holdings and circulation. The stock consists of 80,000 volumes with about 30 current reviews. The classification system is the full Library of Congress, although many records do not list the subject headings. The library is fully computerized both in its holdings and circulation. The stock consists of 80,000 volumes with about 30 current reviews. The classification system is the full Library of Congress, although many records do not list the subject headings.

We also have access to J-stor and Aluka which contains over 1700 journals

Library users:

The library is basically for the staff and students of Arrupe College who have reading and borrowing rights. A limited number of others, including University of Zimbabwe staff and students connected with the Department of Religious Studies and Classic and Philosophy can apply for reading rights, having completed appropriate form, presented a letter of authorization from their own institution and paid the subscription. Postgraduate researchers are welcome on completing usual procedures.