Ask a Librarian: About the Library

Look up the physical addresses for the Pretoria Muckleneuk Library and all the Branch Libraries via the Branch Locator link on the Unisa Library home page.

The business hours of the Unisa Libraries vary from branch to branch, and according to the time of year. Look up the hours for the Pretoria Main Library and all the Branch Libraries via the Branch Locator link on the Unisa Library home page.

Note that all the Unisa Libraries are closed on public holidays and between Christmas and New Year. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Announcements section on the Library’s home page for up-to-date information on the opening hours and temporary closures of the various Branches.

Wireless access to the Internet is available via access points in the Main Library on the Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria and at some of the Branch Libraries in major centres. 

Please visit the Library Technology Support guide for information on WiFi connections in the Unisa Libraries.

A photocopy / print service is available on Level 4 of the Main Library on the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus and at each Branch Library.

Photocopiers / printers operate on student / staff access cards at a cost of 55c per A4 black & white copy. You will need to load money on your access card by using the ICAM machine available in the photocopying area in the library. 

Printing can be done from computers in the Information area on level 3, and print-outs can then be collected from level 4. You can then make your print-outs by swiping your access card using a card reader attached to a machine.  

Note that the percentage of a publication that may be copied is subject to the provisions of the South African Copyright Act 98 of 1978 and to the Unisa Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism Policy (PDF). Please be copyright conscious.

• The Library has a security system which detects any library material which has not been issued. Any attempts to remove non-issued Library material may lead to the suspension of library membership and possible further disciplinary measures, which may include charge of theft and cancellation of University registration.

• The Library requests that users of the Library take care of their personal property, since the University cannot be held responsible for loss, theft or damage of private property.

• Students bring in their own computers into the Library at their own risk.

• We regret that computer equipment is not available for private use by students or for the writing of assignments.

• Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in the Library.

• Please do not reserve seats for friends by placing books and bags on study tables and chairs.

• Due to the high demand for workstations, and out of respect for all Library users, we regret that workstations, PCs and study tables may not be reserved or used for extended periods (permission to exceed the standard time limit is determined by the number of clients waiting).Workstations, PCs and study tables that are vacant for longer than 30 minutes will be treated as available for the next client.

• Students may not conduct business in the Library.

• As cell phones are disturbing to people studying and doing research, please do not use them in the Library.

• Student notices and posters may only be placed on notice boards specifically supplied for this purpose. Enquiries may be made at the Lending Desk.

• Students are requested not to panic when the sirens go off in the Library, but to gather their belongings and calmly evacuate the Library via the staircase. The lifts may not be used.

• Please support our "Quiet Library Campaign" in order not to disturb other users of the Library.

Information is available on the Code of conduct page

When visiting the Unisa Libraries in person you will need an access card. You will have to present or swipe the card at the entrance and exit turnstiles of your nearest Unisa Library branch. You will also need your access card when borrowing books at the Lending Counter or using the self-service checkout machines.

Unisa Staff: Unisa employees must use their staff cards to gain access to the Library. This card is produced by the Human Resources Department upon the employee’s formal appointment.

Unisa Students: Students who visit the Unisa Libraries in person need to purchase an electronic student card at a cost of R45. This card must be presented to gain admission to the Library. Students have to present their print student cards when they purchase an electronic student card.

Watch the video on how to obtain an electronic student card.

Special membership: Information for the different categories of special membership is available on the Library Membership categories page.

You are allowed to use your laptop in the Unisa Libraries. However, please let Library security know that you are bringing a laptop into the Library. They will note the laptop's serial number when you arrive and will check it against your laptop when you leave.  Please do not leave your laptop unattended.

We regret that the Unisa Libraries do not provide computers to students for typing up their assignments.

Library computers in designated areas can be used to search the Library Catalogue and electronic resources for books, journal articles and other publications for an assignment or research topic. These computers can also be used to request books, download or print journal articles or law reports, or to request a literature search on a research topic.

Library computers are available on the 3rd floor of the Main Library.

Masters and Doctoral students have access to the Research Space on the 4th floor of the Main Library, where they can work on their research projects. Access to this area is controlled.