USA Africa Dialogue Series - We need your help - make a lasting difference to the SOAS Library ( Please Donate to SOAS)

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From: Sam Henney, SOAS University of London <philanthropy@soas.ac.uk>
Date: Tue, Apr 1, 2025, 8:00 AM
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Dear Oluwatoyin, Do you remember the quiet focus of the Library, the weight of books in your hands, and the discoveries made between the shelves?  For over 50 years, the SOAS Library has been a cornerstone of learning, research, and discovery. Housing 1.3 million volumes in over 3,000 languages, it is one of the UK's five National Research Libraries, offering students, researchers, and alumni unparalleled access to knowledge. But libraries are more than just books—they are dynamic spaces that evolve to meet the needs of the academic community. With your support, we can continue to provide vital resources, study spaces, and expert research assistance to all who rely on the SOAS Library.   Innocent, a final-year PhD student, came to SOAS to work with leading experts on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Innocent, like you, is driven to build a better future: 'The Library provides access to essential cutting-edge academic databases, journals, and e-books. Losing access would mean relying on limited open-access materials or expensive subscriptions, slowing down research progress.'  The Library's extensive collection on African politics has been essential to his research. His research focuses on youth political participation in Zimbabwe. Innocent is policy focused, and he imagines possibilities and opportunities for Zimbabwean youth. With his PhD, he hopes to become an expert in politics and citizen engagement. The specialist collections held at the Library have made his research possible.    Can you make a gift of £50 to support the Library?  Transform the Library – Donate now 'This PhD is an important step towards a career as a public intellectual and researcher in Zimbabwe working at the interface of academia and policy... The SOAS Library has firmly provided strong support to my studies through a combination of extensive resources, research services, and dedicated academic support.'  Innocent Kasiyano  As one of only five National Research Libraries in the country, the Library's value cannot be understated.  Many of these specialist materials are not available elsewhere. Your generosity could support a variety of measures: £50 - Repair a damaged circulation book or undertake small repairs to archives or manuscripts, making them accessible and usable for our patrons once again. £250 - Provide Perspex boxes to create a microclimate within display showcases, protecting Special Collection materials from environmental damage. £500 - Fund the purchase of museum-quality frames with glazing for artworks, enhancing their display and protection. £1,000 - Fund the digitisation of several early printed books or manuscripts from our international collections, making these treasures accessible to scholars and the public.  Your generosity could also support the digitalisation of rare books and manuscripts. The digital archive has grown to 35,000 records and is accessed by millions every year. An expanding digital collection enhances the experience of students on campus and online.  The Library also provides access to hundreds of academic journals, databases and eBooks. These materials are often behind paywalls and inaccessible to students. With these resources, Innocent has called the Library a 'reading sanctuary'; a feeling I'm sure you'll remember.   With a gift of £50, you help provide world-class resources and an enriching education.  The Library serves a cornerstone to the research excellence and student experience. Students come to SOAS because they want to build a better future for the world. An act of kindness today will support the Library and the next generation of thought leaders.   With best wishes,  Sam Henney  Interim Chief Librarian  SOAS Library   P.S. the Library is still accessible to you as an alum of SOAS. By making a gift today you are also ensuring your access to the best kept specialist collections in the UK.   Make your gift today Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe SOAS University of London SOAS University of London, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG

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