The History of UCT Libraries

Additional room extensions were added to the Music Library to house the growing music holdings. The extension consisted of a Reading Room, Control Room, Record and Score Room and a Listening Room.

When the music holdings of the South African College of Music and the University Libraries were amalgamated. The Library was initially housed in the dining room of Strubenholme.

A new chapter in the history of the University Libraries was heralded in by the appointment of the RFM Immelman in 1940. Over the next 30 years, Immelman became instrumental in the rapid expansion of the University Libraries. Many branch libraries were established during his tenure as University Librarian.

The donation of the Van Zyl Collection of Legal Antiquarian Materials necessitated an additional wing in Hiddingh Hall Library to house the collection. The official opening of the Van Zyl Seminar room took place in 1949, to house the collection.

The Van Zyl Collection of Legal Antiquarian Materials was a significant donation by Rt Hon Gideon Brand van Zyl in June 1949.