Requesting and finding library material: Fines & payments

• Monitor your Library account regularly
  • Go to Summon- click the Login link in the upper right corner of the screen
  • Enter your student number and myUnisa password
  • This service is also available via your mobile device
• Return the book before or on the due date.
• Respond immediately to emails from the Library asking you to return an item before the due date, so that another client may use it, or so that a loose-leaf publication can be updated. Kindly return such items promptly as a courtesy to fellow Library users and keep in mind that non-return of recalled items will also incur a fine
• Regularly check your myLife email inbox, including your junk email inbox. Set the Library's automated sending address as a “safe sender” in order to receive reminder emails directly to your myLife inbox, that is: milcirc@millennium.unisa.ac.za

Please note : send any enquiries regarding fines, accounts rendered etc. to library-fines@unisa.ac.za

Note: Library fines are subject to change.

The amounts for Library fines are as follows:

Overdue items: R5.00 per day per item.

Lost items: The Library prefers the student to provide a replacement copy in good condition, or, to pay the replacement cost of R1066.00  depending on the actual cost of the item. If the item costs more than R1066.00, then the student is liable for the exact amount of the replacement cost and the cost of delivering the item to the Library if the student cannot come in person.

Damaged items: If the item is repairable, then binding costs will be levied. If the item is not repairable, the Library prefers the student to provide a replacement copy in good condition, or, to pay the replacement cost of R1066.00  depending on the actual cost of the item. If the item costs more than R1066.00, then the student is liable for the exact amount of the replacement cost and the cost of delivering the item to the Library if the student cannot come in person.

A block occurs when a student or staff member has an outstanding amount owed to the University or to the Library. 

• The client will not be able to request or borrow library material or to to use the electronic resources to read or download articles. 
• Examination results may be withheld until the account is settled.

After the account is settled, the block is lifted and the client will be able to use the Library's resources.

For your convenience, the University provides a variety of different payment methods. Use the links below for detail information on ways to pay, payment channels, plus refunds and other information. In the case of electronic transfers, please ensure that the reference field is completed correctly. No cash or cheques will be accepted at any Unisa office. Cash can, however, be paid into the university’s bank account at any First National Bank (FNB) branch.

• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Unisa web credit card payments
• Bank deposit
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• Payments by employers / bulk payments, sponsors, bursaries, donors and international students
• Refunds
• General

Please refer to the Unisa payment methods and banking details page for the latest information.

The Unisa Library sends a courtesy reminder to the student's myLife mailbox seven days before a borrowed item becomes overdue.

Once an item is overdue the Unisa Library will take the following steps:

• seven days after the due date, the first reminder is sent to your myLife email address and/ or postal address
• seven days after the first reminder, a second reminder is sent to your myLife email address and/ or postal address
• 28 days after the due date, an account is sent to your myLife email address and/ or postal address
• if the item is not returned, Library Finance compiles a list of accounts outstanding for longer than 30 days and less than 60 days. A 'red letter' is sent by the Recovery Officer to the listed student's myLife email address and/ or postal address
• if the item is not returned after 60 days, the matter is handed over to Library Finance

When a borrowed item is overdue

Return the borrowed item as soon as possible.

Remain in communication with the Library on a regular basis via the library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za mailbox, e.g. let the Library know that you have posted your borrowed items back on or before the due date and attach proof of postage to your email message.

Monitor your Library account, myLife mailbox and post box on a regular basis.