More Than Just A Makeover: The Transformation of a Historically Disadvantaged Medical University Library

Abstract

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Library, originally established in 1976 as the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA) Library, located in the Ga-Rankuwa Township in Pretoria, holds a significant place in South Africa’s academic history as the first and only Health Sciences University Library that serving black students during the apartheid era. After 48 years, the library underwent a major refurbishment, transitioning from a traditional knowledge repository into a dynamic, technology-rich learning space for 21st-century users.

The refurbishment focused on space optimization, technology integration, and accessibility. Repurposing spaces into high-tech labs, postgraduate research centre, individual and collaborative learning spaces. A state-of-the-art podcast studio was also incorporated, to ensure a high broadcast-quality audio content for academic and creative projects.

This refurbishment demonstrates how libraries can adapt to the digital age by balancing smart space utilization, cutting-edge technological advancement, user-centered and relaxed study spaces designed to foster creativity and learning. This transformation positions the SMU Library as a model for modern academic libraries, demonstrating how Historically Disadvantaged Institutional (HDI’s) libraries can adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a user-centred approach.

Keywords: Library refurbishment, Health Science Libraries, User-centred design, Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI)