By grouping these together, it would make it much easier for readers to find whatever topic interests them. The shelves containing a meagre collection of recommended contemporary books could also be cleared. A substantial periodicals section should be established. The selection of periodicals at the Johannesburg Public Library newspaper reading room can only be described as absurd. So a new list would need to be established.
Cost is obviously a very major problem.
To obtain local magazines, CNA could be invited to supply magazines. They might be willing to do this as it would possibly resolve the problem they have at the Yeoville CNA of people reading in the aisles of the shop. They could be asked to donate full range of magazines that they stock, including those most popular with the browsers - sport, music and cars. More costly, but very necessary, a selection of the best journals in the fields of the arts and science - these will cater for the artists, intellectuals, civil servants and students, who cannot afford to buy the journals necessary to keep them in touch with contemporary thinking and events in Africa and the rest of the world. We could also request journals from universities to be sent free.