Ask a Librarian: All FAQs

1. Where can I find the nearest Unisa Library?
2. What are the Library's hours?
3. Unisa Mobile Libraries (buses): what are the hours, stopping points and contact details?
4. How do I get admission to the Unisa Libraries?
5. What is the Library's Code of Coduct?

• Who may borrow or request Library material?
• I am looking for a book, what do I do?
• How do I borrow library material?
• How many books can I borrow?
• Does the Library keep copies of prescribed books?
• Help, I can’t find the books on the shelf?
• Do I have to go to the Library to take out books?
• My postal address has changed. What should I do?
• Are there items I may not borrow from the Library?
• How long does it take for material I have requested to be delivered to me?
• How do I submit an interlibrary loan (ILL) request?

1. What are prescribed and recommended books?
2. Where can I find South African theses and dissertations?
3. How do I find electronic journal articles?
4. What does the term 'peer reviewed journals' mean?
5. How do I find out if a journal has been peer reviewed?

1. Does the library keep old exam papers?

1. How do I pay a Library fine?

2. What is meant by a 'block'?

1. How do I become a member?
2. Who can apply for special membership?
3. What are the Library privileges per membership category?
4. How do I get admission to the Unisa Libraries?
5. How much does it cost to use the Library?
6. I have lost my student card/Library access card. What should I do?
7. Can I lend my electronic student card to someone else to access the Library or to borrow books?

1. What is a HOLD?
2. What does it mean when a book is recalled?
3. Can I renew Library material?
4. How do I renew books and other material I have borrowed?

1. Is there study space in the Unisa Main Library or any of the branches?
2. What is plagiarism?
3. Who can assist me if I am an undergraduate or Honours student with a research component to my studies?
4. Who can assist me if I am a Masters or Doctoral student?
5. How do I find, retrieve and evaluate information for a research topic
6. Where can I find more information on research methods
7. Where can I find information on how to write a literature review?
8. What research services and tools are available to academics and students?

1. What is the 'Electronic Reserve' or 'e-reserves'?
2. How do I access materials in the e-reserves?
3. I found an article on the web and it doesn't link to the full text. How can I find the article?
4. What is an e-journal?
5. How do I go about finding e-journals?
6. What is an e-book?
7. How do I go about finding e-books?

1. Who do I contact for IT related problems
2. How do I configure my workstation to access the Library's electronic resources and services?
3. Is wireless Internet access available in the Unisa Library?
4. How do I access online resources and services
5. How do I create a Library PIN?
6. Access issues
7. Enabling cookies
8. Certificate error when accessing electronic resources
9. Authentication error
10. Google Scholar setup

1. How do I return Library material I have borrowed?
2. Where are the courier service points?
3. Must I return library material after my examinations?
4. Must I return library material if my studies are cancelled or suspended?
5. What happens if I don't return library material on time?
6. What must I do when library material is damaged or lost?
7. How do I check my loan record?

1. Can I use my laptop in the Library?
2. Is wireless Internet access available in the library?
3. Does the Library have computers where I can type up my assignment?
4. Are there photocopy machines in the Library and what are the photocopy fees?
5. What is meant by the Library’s electronic resources?
6. Where do l I find the Library’s electronic resources?
7. What is meant by the Library’s electronic services?
8. Where will I find the Library’s electronic services?

1. Can I ask the Library to purchase a particular publication or to subscribe to a particular journal or database? What procedure do I need to follow?

1. What services does the Library provide to students living with disabilities?