Skip to Content

Welcome to Hawassa University Main Library

Hawassa University is one of the oldest first-generation universities in Ethiopia.


Contact us

Welcome to Our Library

As the director of HU Library Services, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our dynamic and resourceful learning hub. HU Library is committed to fostering knowledge, innovation, and intellectual growth by providing access to a vast collection of books, journals, digital resources, and specialized databases. Whether you are a student, researcher, faculty member, or community visitor, we strive to support your academic and personal development through our curated services and state-of-the-art facilities.

Learn more

What Makes Us Proud

Delight in Every Bite, Every Moment

80k+

More than 80K books

20k+

Institutional Repositories

12

Library at different campus

03

Digital Library

Overview

Libraries serve as foundational pillars in higher education, facilitating access to knowledge, fostering academic excellence, and supporting research innovation. Hawassa University (HU) acknowledges the critical role of libraries in advancing its tripartite mission of teaching, research, and community engagement. In alignment with global trends in academic librarianship, HU has undertaken strategic initiatives to modernize its library services, transitioning from traditional print-based collections to a hybrid model integrating digital and physical resources.

Currently, Hawassa University Libraries operate 24 hours including weekends across multiple campuses, comprising nine branch libraries strategically distributed to serve diverse academic disciplines:

The Main Campus Libraries
  • Main Library
  • College of Education Library
  • College of Law and Governance Library
  • College of Social Sciences & Humanities Library
  • College of Natural & Computational Science Library

  • Bensa Daye Library
  • College of Agriculture library
  • Institute of Technology Library
  • College of Medicine & Health’s Sciences Library
  • Awada College of Business & Economics Library
  • Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources Library

The main library, which is located at the main campus, is organized into sub-sections (Digital Library and Automation, Library Users Services (Circulation), Technical Processing Team (cataloging, Classification, Acquisition), Documentation and Ethiopian Archive). It is also assumed to oversee library services in all Campuses. Since its establishment, the Library supports the University to bring academic excellence through the provision of access to knowledge, information sources, and services that fits the needs of its diverse user community.

Hawassa University library acquires books, journals, magazines, electronic materials and other documents required for undergraduate and graduate level teaching and research through procurement and donations. The library also provides Internet services for both graduate and undergraduate students. In carrying out this vision, HU Library will speed up its effort to acquire, manage, and provide information resources, both in electronic and printed formats, and will also provide information literacy course to enable users to identify, locate, and use e-resources adequately, so that users will empower and benefit from the full potential of the universe of knowledge.

Library Facilities

There are different facilities in the library that would enhance HU's endeavor in the teaching-learning process, research and community services. Some of these facilities include:

  • Digital Library Service
  • Institutional Repository Service
  • Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) Service
  • Electronic Journal Service
  • Circulation Service
  • Documentation Service
  • Stack services
  • Open stack Services
  • Documentation  Services

Important links

List and describe the key features of your solution or service.

Digital Library

Proficient in backend development, specializing in Python, Django, and database management to create efficient and scalable solutions.

Institutional Repositories

Mastering frontend craftsmanship with expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to craft captivating and responsive user experiences.

OPAC

Experienced in effective project management, adept at leading cross-functional teams and delivering successful outcomes with a strategic approach.

Strategic Initiatives and Technological Advancements

HU Libraries conduct workshops on research methodologies, citation management, and database navigation, aligning with the Framework for Information Literacy.

Library Automation:

Hawassa University Libraries have embarked on a Library Automation to modernize their systems and keep pace with the digital era. This involves collaboration between the University library system, branch libraries’ Head Librarians, library staff, and ICT professionals.

HU has adopted Koha, an open-source Integrated Library Management System (ILMS), to streamline operations such as automated circulation, machine-readable cataloging (MARC), and Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). This digital transformation enhances accessibility, allowing users to remotely search and reserve materials. Koha enables automated book loan services, machine-readable catalog operation. OPAC web service allows users to access easily library resources.

Digital Resources and Services:

Hawassa University Libraries have made significant efforts to expand their digital resources and services. They provide access to online databases, e-journals, and e-books, enabling users to access scholarly materials from anywhere at any time. Additionally, the libraries offer computer workstations with Internet access ensuring that students and researchers have the necessary tools to engage in their academic pursuits. The University also subscribed E-resources from 7 international publishers to be renewed every three years. These E-resources consists of hundreds thousands of articles, journals, books etc. from different vendors. The digital services provide:

  • Institutional Repository Services (archiving HU’s scholarly output)
  • E-Journal Portals (facilitating access to global research)
  • Computer Workstations (enabling digital literacy and research)
  • Information Literacy and User Training
Resource Acquisition and Digital Transformation

Hawassa University Libraries employ a dual acquisition strategy, procuring and receiving donations of books, journals, electronic resources, and multimedia materials to support undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In line with global digital library trends, HU has prioritized the integration of electronic resources, subscribing to seven international publishers’ databases, offering access to hundreds of thousands of peer-reviewed journals, e-books, and research articles.

Collaborative Partnerships

Engaging in consortia such as consortium of Ethiopian Academic Research Libraries (CEARL), HU leverages resource-sharing agreements to expand its collections and adopt best practices in library science. Hawassa University Libraries recognize the value of collaborations and partnerships in enriching their services. They collaborate with other libraries, both nationally and internationally, to share resources, expertise, and best practices. These collaborations enable the libraries to expand their collections, provide access to a wider range of resources, and enhance the overall quality of their services." 

Community Engagement

Hawassa University Libraries actively engage with the university community through workshops, training sessions, and information literacy programs to enhance research skills and promote effective use of library resources. These initiatives aim to empower students and researchers with the necessary information literacy skills to navigate the vast world of academic resources. 

Future Directions

Hawassa University Libraries aim to:

  • Strengthen digital infrastructure to support open-access initiatives.
  • Enhance interdisciplinary research support through specialized librarian consultations.
  • Foster international collaborations to position HU as a regional knowledge hub.

By embracing technological innovation and user-centered services, HU Libraries are poised to meet evolving academic demands, reinforcing their role as catalysts for scholarly advancement in Ethiopia and beyond.