Dr. Rene Ferdinand Malan Immelman

University Librarian from 1940 - 1970. A new chapter in the history of the University Libraries was heralded in by the appointment of Dr. Rene Ferdinand Malan Immelman as University Librarian in 1940. Jagger Library was little more than a large College Library with a library collection of 110 000 volumes and ten staff members. Over the next 30 years, Immelman became instrumental in the rapid expansion of the University Libraries into an internationally recognised Research Library with over half a million books. Many branch libraries were established during his tenure as University Librarian. Being a well-known local historian, Immelman collected many special collections and rare books, and by approaching potential donors. A Special Collections department and African Studies Library were eventually established. Mr. Immelman retired from the University Library in 1970, leaving behind him a great research resource of which he and the University could be very proud. He would later be awarded an honorary doctorate for his services to the University.

About this item

Full Name
Dr. Rene Ferdinand Malan Immelman
Given Name
Rene
Family Name
Immelman
Additional Name
Ferdinand Malan
Biography
University Librarian from 1940 - 1970. A new chapter in the history of the University Libraries was heralded in by the appointment of Dr. Rene Ferdinand Malan Immelman as University Librarian in 1940. Jagger Library was little more than a large College Library with a library collection of 110 000 volumes and ten staff members.

Over the next 30 years, Immelman became instrumental in the rapid expansion of the University Libraries into an internationally recognised Research Library with over half a million books. Many branch libraries were established during his tenure as University Librarian.

Being a well-known local historian, Immelman collected many special collections and rare books, and by approaching potential donors. A Special Collections department and African Studies Library were eventually established.

Mr. Immelman retired from the University Library in 1970, leaving behind him a great research resource of which he and the University could be very proud. He would later be awarded an honorary doctorate for his services to the University.
Has Occupation
Librarian
Historian
Honorific Prefix
Dr.
UCT Position
University Librarian
Start Date
1940
End Date
1970
memberOfUCTDepartment
University of Cape Town
worksForUCTFaculty
UCT Libraries
worksinUCTBuilding
J.W. Jagger Building

Item sets

UCT Libraries
University Librarian

Linked resources