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Ask a Librarian: Returning Library Material

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How do I return Library material I have borrowed?

You may return Library material that you have borrowed in the following ways:

If you would like to verify if your Library items have been returned, log in to your myLibrary (https://oasis.unisa.ac.za/patroninfo) and check the items out on your name

Important when returning Library items by post or courier:

  • Students are liable for the cost of returning library items.
  • Library material must be returned in sturdy packages. The Post Office parcel slip should be kept as proof that the books have been returned. Students are advised to insure their parcels because the Post Office compensates clients for the loss of insured parcels only. If a parcel is lost in the post, the sender will be held liable for the replacement cost. The replacement cost is payable to the Library.
  • All audio-visual material should be returned in separate parcels that are clearly marked For attention: Audio-visual Collection.
  • Do not return photocopied articles to the Library - they are yours to keep

Important when returning Library items in person

  • Library material should be handed in at the Library and nowhere else. Books may not be posted in the assignment boxes.
  • Audio-visual material borrowed from the Muckleneuk Library must be returned to the Lending Counter of the Audio-Visual Collection and not at any other service point.
  • Always ask the Library staff member on duty at the Lending Counter for a receipt.
  • Keep all your receipts together in a safe place as proof of return.

Must I return library material if my studies are cancelled or suspended?

Students who cancel one or more of their courses must return all library material for the relevant courses without delay.

Students who are obliged to suspend their studies due to ill health or other circumstances should immediately return all library material in their possession.

The material may be requested again after re-registration.

What happens if I don't return library material on time?

Failure to return library material on time could lead to the rendering of an account. The Library will send an account for the standard price of R1066.00 per item plus R5.00 per item per day for library material that is not returned by the due date.

If a borrowed item is returned to the Library after an account has been rendered, the student remains liable for the administrative costs of R5.00 per item per day (minimum R35.00 per item) for the late return. The administrative cost will not be cancelled. Students will not be allowed to borrow other material until this amount has been paid in full.

Where are the courier service points?

A comprehensive list of courier service points is available on the Library's home page. On the menu on the left, click Library services and then Lending services. Under Delivery of requested material click the down arrow next to Courier services.

An additional note about courier services: A courier service provided by a private company, for a fee, is available between the Main Library in Pretoria and the following Branch Libraries: Akaki Campus, Ethiopia/ Cape Town (Free)/ Durban/ Polokwane/ Unisa Regional Offices in Bloemfontein, East London, Kimberley, Mthatha and Nelspruit/ Morula Community Library in Mabopane/ Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (South Campus) in Port Elizabeth and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (Vista Campus) in Port Elizabeth.

Must I return library material after my examinations?

All Library material must be returned immediately after the examinations, regardless of further study plans and / or expiry dates.

The examination results of students who fail to return library material by the due date will be withheld until the material has been received or until the replacement cost of each item as well as all outstanding administrative costs have been paid in full. Re-registration will also be prevented.

Students who qualify for supplementary or aegrotat examinations will be notified to this effect in a letter from the University. These students should submit a copy of this letter to the Main Library or the relevant branch library so that their membership can be extended until after the examinations.

What must I do when library material is damaged or lost?

Please inform the Library immediately if an item is damaged or lost. Damage includes marking, underlining and making notes in an item.

The student has to pay the replacement cost or supply the Library with a new copy if library material is damaged or lost.

If the Library is not immediately notified about the damage to or loss of an item, an account for the standard item price will be posted to the student. See Fines and Payments for more information.

The student will not be allowed to borrow any other library material until this account has been paid or the item has been replaced. 

How do I check my loan record?

Students may use the Library catalogue to check which items have been issued to them. Log in onto your myLibrary (https://oasis.unisa.ac.za/patroninfo) and check the items out on your name