The library is housed on the top floor of the administrative block of the institute. It has a book stock of about 6,000 and subscribes to about 20 journal titles and many online journal articles including those provided by Research for Life (AGORA, HINARI, OARE, ARDI and GOALI). Since 2000, the library has gradually transitioned from a manual cataloguing system to library automation using computer-based cataloguing software known as KOHA. The library has been able to catalogue over 4000 books and 700 journal articles in its collections using the KOHA library management software. The database is being used extensively by students and researchers. The library is now gradually transitioning from its traditional role as a books and journal repository to that of a Forestry Information Centre where all kinds of information resources are employed to address clients’ queries. As a result of this new focus, patronage of the library’s services has increased considerably in recent years.

In line with this, the office of the Librarian is tasked to set policies and to direct and support programmes and activities to accomplish the Library's mission. The staff of the library in collaboration with management and scientists is responsible for acquiring relevant information resources (books, journals, maps, e-resources, etc) to stock the centre. Technical processing of resources such as Accessioning, Cataloguing, Filling, and Shelving are done by the library staff. The staff of the library is also responsible for making materials at the centre accessible to users, maintaining and preserving the resources, and directing clients to relevant resources at the centre.

Proactive services such as the distribution of Journal Content Lists and Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) services continue to be provided for users. CD-ROM searches using databases such as FOREST SCIENCE CD, formerly called TREE CD, PROSPECTS, WOODS OF THE WORLD, FORESTRY COMPENDIUM, etc are used extensively for literature searches to support teaching and research. Students and lecturers from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology register annually with the library to access its services.

The library has deepened its linkages with international institutions and organizations such as Oxford University, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Arizona School of Forestry, the International Tropical Timber Organization, and others to share information. The library hosts many local and international networks. Among them are the Forestry Information Network (FIN), the Environmental Information Network (EIN), and the Global Forestry Information Services (GFIS).

The library is responsible for the publication of the Institute’s Annual Reports, Newsletters, flyers, Technical Notes, and Bulletins as well as the Ghana Journal of Forestry (an international journal of repute in forest sciences). The publications mentioned above have a wide range of information on Forest Management, Plantation Development, Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, Forest Policy and Socio-Economics, and Non-Timber Forest Products.

Mission

The Library’s Mission is to provide access to up-to-date technology and informational resources to all who use its facilities, including students, faculty, staff, and researchers. The Library exists to commit to excellent modern practices to create, preserve disseminate and apply information in support of learning, teaching, and research in raising transformational leaders.

Vision

To strive for excellence in the provision of quality, relevant, current, and timely information for the Institute.

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Public Holidays Excluded

Our Services:

• Borrowing
• Staff and Student Support
• General rules
• Search: Library catalogue (OPAC)
• Online Databases
• Institutional Repository

Publications:

• Book of Abstracts
• Annual Reports
• Books/Handbooks/Manuals
• List of Journal Publications