Helen Kanitkar Anthropology Library Appeal
Help us keep the Helen Kanitkar Library open
The Helen Kanitkar Library is a unique and vibrant hub within the Anthropology and Sociology Department, serving students of all years, undergraduate and postgraduate. Named after Dr Helen Kanitkar, a beloved Anthropology lecturer who passed away in 2001, the library was refurbished by her (now late) husband to honour her dedication and care for students.
It offers a serene environment for study, hosts a variety of student-led initiatives, and plays a crucial role in fostering community and discussion among the student body.
A student-led library
Our library is not just a study space: it is a place where undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students come together to share knowledge and ideas. There is a strong element of peer support, where students help each other with referencing, essay-writing, and other study skills.
The Helen Kanitkar Library also serves as the department's Postgraduate Research Student Study Centre, making it a significant space for writing, research, and informal meetings. The library houses a vast collection of popular anthropological texts, as well as successful dissertations from previous years for on-site consultation.
How you can help
Throughout June, the Helen Kanitkar Library appeal aims to secure funds for the student librarian position for the upcoming 2026-27 the academic year. The role is crucial for managing the library, organising events, and archiving dissertations, ensuring the library remains a vital resource for both current and future students.
When you donate today, you are supporting the heart of the SOAS Anthropology community and helping to maintain a space where knowledge, creativity and community thrive.
We only need £2,500 to fund the student library and keep it open throughout the year.
The library relies on donations of funds, time, and materials for its upkeep, with the student librarian and volunteers working under the supervision of a staff member. When you donate today, you are supporting the heart of the SOAS Anthropology community and helping to maintain a space where knowledge, creativity, and community thrive.
Make your gift today.
