University Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning : The Porous University : Palgrave Macmillan : 9783319561622 : 3319561626 : 25 Jul 2017 : This book offers a conceptual re-think of how university community engagement functions as a lifelong learning resource for communities. While having a specific focus on the South African context, it has important implications for other universities which are concerned with their communities, and makes a compelling argument for the university as a public good, in spite of current trends towards marketization and commodification of higher education. The book draws on a theoretical framework of capabilities, asset-based community development, and the adult learning concept of dialogue, to propose a model whereby the boundary walls of the university become metaphorically ?porous', so that community members feel free to interact with the university as equal members of society. A historical outline of African universities is provided, as well as an