About us

Panoramic view of Sarah Baartman hall with jammie steps and students walking

Welcome to UCT Libraries

UCT Libraries are a world-class repository of knowledge and innovative research. UCT’s main library, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library, and its seven branch libraries offer a diverse array of study and research materials, as well as professional and expert assistance in finding information and carrying out research.

UCT Libraries are specialists in nine subject areas, including African Studies, Centre for Higher Education Development, Government Publications, Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science.

Fact Sheet

Our Special Collections

UCT Libraries Special Collections consist of printed and audio-visual materials on a wide array of specialised subjects, including:

The Rare Books and Antiquarian Collection, which consists of rare and specialised material, including African children’s literature and a fore-edge painting collection.
A rich collection of manuscripts and archives, which offers primary research material relating to the political, social, cultural and economic history of South Africa, with a focus on the Western Cape.
The African Studies Collection of published material, which provides research and reference resources on Africa, with a strong southern African focus.
Government Publications, which includes historical and current publications for Southern African countries and current publications of most African countries, including French- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
UCT Libraries Digital Collections represent a selection of material available through UCT’s archival holdings, primarily held in UCT Libraries Special Collections, but also gathered through academic field recordings, primary data collation and UCT departmental collections.

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