The University of Botswana, based in Gabarone, will install a new Millennium automation system this month. The University will be the first Innovative site in Botswana; Millennium will replace EOSi T-Series and CDS/ISIS systems.

The university library consists of three branches and a special collections section, and has approximately 250,000 monographs, 30,000 bound volumes, 18,000 pamphlets, and 1,500 serials. The library's growth has prompted plans to move to a new, purpose-built facility next year; the library requires an automation system that will support its growing needs.

Kay Raseroka, the University's library director, said, "With a 20,000 per annum acquisitions program, over 10,000 patrons, and requirements for a reserve book section and Internet booking systems, Millennium was found to be the best match. The Web access to OPAC and possibilities for linking directly with vendors were also some of the significant features. These key points, together with Innovative's provision of committed and quick support service, are paramount to our operations and confirmed to us that Innovative was the right choice."

The University is closely involved with the national development process of Botswana and, in support of this strategy, the University is planning to open distance learning centers in various towns and villages. Millennium's rich functionality, and its ability to deliver integrated access to both physical and Web-based resources to distance learners, will allow the University to achieve these objectives.

The University of Botswana Library has been in existence since 1971 when the first thousand volumes were housed in an un-used church building in the village of Gaborone. The present building opened in 1986, and is now over-crowded. The library will be expanding into a purpose-built new extension, tripling its present size, by the middle of year 2000.