We have to supply educational materials to our students, though we have libraries but demands to own books are rising every day. Therefore, to cater to the needs of those students want to buy books, this book store is a step further; and AMU will provide them at a fare price, said Arba Minch University President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes.
Dr Feleke said this after inaugurating a book store in the Main Campus premises on February 10, 2014. This book store has been started with a donation from one of the UK-based NGOs called - TCS.
Nechsar Campus is already having one which will soon be revived. Our prime aim is to make available books of different subjects to our teaching and student community; we would sell them at the price at which publishers sell, thus making marginal profit.
We have printing press, which isn’t functional, so our next aim is to rejuvenate it to print and publish assorted communication collaterals i.e. magazine, graduate bulletins, newsletters within the university itself, President assured.
Conjoined shipping containers housing this book store is situated bang opposite students’ cafeteria in the Main Campus. This store was opened by AMU President amid the presence of few deans and directors and Vice President, Dr Agena Anjulo.
Director of Income Generation Directorate, Mr Geresu Beyene, the in-charge of this endeavor, attributes the entire credit to AMU President and seeks his guidance to move further.
The above mentioned NGO-donated 900 books on Ethiopian history and other subjects along with AMU-purchased books on Arts, Science, History and Technology are on the shelves. Gradually, books on all the subjects being taught in the university will be accommodated.
When asked what prompted this initiative, Mr Geresu said, ‘‘We have found there are some students and teachers keen to purchase and own books. However, our objective is to inculcate reading culture in students, thus enriching them with knowledge.’’
He said, those who can’t purchase books, can have them for reading on nominal charge. Even University can purchase books and replenish libraries that ultimately will benefit students.
To strengthen this initiative, AMU would start networking with different NGOs and other education institutions abroad to seek their assistance and aid to get this store enriched and sustain our objective, he quipped.