Johannes Zimmermann Library

The Johannes Zimmermann library of ACI is a reference library that serves the Institute’s academic and pastoral programmes and its research projects. It is also open to visiting academics and students, Christian workers and others interested in researching in its areas of specialisation.

The library specialises in mission history and the history and theology of the church in the non-Western world generally, with a particular interest in the church in Africa and especially Ghana. Holdings include a collection of writings in Ghanaian languages dating from the mid-19th century, as well as studies in history, religion and culture. Inter-religious engagement is a further area of specialisation with a recently acquired up-to-date PhD level collection in Islamic studies. Modern biblical, theological and pastoral literature for the benefit of Christian workers is also available. A notable feature is the growing collection of journals from around the world, which gives access to the latest Christian thought and practice in mission. Library holdings (now over 20,000 books) are computerised.

The ACI library provides services for outsiders as well. They are charged for such services. However, our sister institutions such as PCE, Trinity Theological Seminary, Good News Theological Seminary, University of Ghana, Legon, and Ghana Christian University Collage do not pay library user fees. They will be charged for photocopies, Internet services. They cannot be allowed to borrow books.

As the Institute is expanding and its student population is growing, a new, purpose built library building is under construction. This will be a three-storey building with extended basement, comprising a reference/periodicals floor, with additional exhibition/lecture room, a main holdings/reading room/study carrels floor and an archive/audio-visual floor. Library offices will also be provided on each floor.
The Institute has on microfiche the important collection of materials from the Institute for the Study of New Religious Movements, Selly Oak, Birmingham, UK, and has plans to expand its microfiche collection with materials relating to Africa from missionary society archives. The Institute also holds on microfilm the early Basel Mission records on Ghana.

Archival holdings include books from the 19th century Basel Mission library at Odumase-Krobo and collections of old books and manuscripts from the libraries of notable Christian families in Ghana, including the papers and manuscripts of Dr. C.A. Akrofi, books belonging to Rev. David Asante, the first ordained Ghanaian minister of the Basel mission Church, the library of the late Rev. E.M.L. Odjidja (former Moderator of the PCG) and the papers of the late Dr. Ephraim Amu.
  • Johann Christaller and Johannes Zimemerman's first Ga and Twi Bibles. The dictionary of Christaller, as well as his 3600 Twi proverbs.
  • Zimmerman’s grammar book of the Akan or Ga Language
  • Anderson Akrofi’s Twi proverbs and grammar books
  • The history of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
  • The History of Andrea Riis, founder of the Gold Coast branch of the Basel
  • Evangelical Missionary Society.
  • Harold Turner's unique articles on Primal Religion, collections on African Christian Theology, and much more.

There are a number of donations to the library that has been termed Special Collections.
  • Methodist Missionary Trust
  • Prof. Kwame Bediako
  • Prof. Allison Howell
  • Dr. John Howell
  • Dr. Ephraim Amu
  • Prof. C. G. Baeta
  • Rt. Rev. F. D. Martinson
  • Dr. Emmanuel Evans Anfom
  • James Gibbs and Patience Addo Gibbs
  • Rev. S. K. Aboa
  • Rev. Mate Kudjo
  • Rev. Albert L. Kwansa, Aburi
  • Rev. R. A. Osei
  • Kwamena Poh
  • Andrew F. Walls
  • Information literacy
  • Current awareness services
  • Loan services
  • Photocopying
  • Scanning
  • Article /book chapter request
  • Services to the visually impaired (reading device and scanner)
  • Chat with the librarian (coming soon)
  • Plagiarism checker
Library facilities comprise a main reading room, a reference and periodicals reading room, study carrels, computer and microfilm/microfiche facilities, and archives. The Institute also has access to the Internet.
  • 24 hour reading room (Wilhelm Stamm room),
  • David Asante Periodical room which also doubles as a thesis room,
  • Professor Kwame Bediako’s room, (‘lounge’ for Newspaper reading)

Library Staff

Dr. Olive Akpebu Adjah - Librarian
Mr Evans Amoah -  Assistant Librarian
Miss Sandra Gaisie - Library Assistant
Mr Tauffic Mohammed - Library Attendant
Mr. Pascal Agombe     - Cleaner/Messenger


Contact Library


Opening Hours

  • Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 9:00pm
  • Saturday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
  • Sunday - CLOSED

Forms

  • Student registration form
  • Faculty registration form
  • Adjunct faculty registration form
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+ Publications
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Study Carrels
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Reading Rooms
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Theological Archive
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