Skip to Main Content

Library Technology Support: Library PIN

To keep clients up-to-date concerning developments related to library e-resources, systems, databases and applications.

Why do I need a PIN & how do I create it?

You need a PIN if you are a special member of the Library and you are not able to log in via the JASIG CAS Single Sign-on screen. 

You also need a PIN to be able to use Unisa Library’s self-checkout machines at each branch and to view your record and submit requests on the AirPAC.

The PIN can only be created on the Library Catalogue. On the Library Catalogue screen, under Library Links, click the link to ‘Library PIN Login’ and you will get the following login screen: 

 

 

You will need to type your surname, student or staff number and a PIN. 

Suggestion: To make things easier for you, you could use your MyUnisa password as your PIN so that you would only need to remember one PIN / Password for Unisa. 

You make up or create your own PIN (if you choose not to use your MyUnisa Password): 

Your PIN should be a combination of letters and numbers, between 6 and 10 characters long. The first time you are asked to enter a PIN, type in the PIN you wish to use. You will be asked to enter it twice again to confirm your choice of PIN. This procedure will insert the PIN in your record on the Library system, and you will need to use the same PIN every time you are asked for a PIN on the Library system.

Tips for choosing a PIN: 

The IMPORTANT THING is that you should remember your Library Catalogue PIN, so we suggest you choose something that you won't forget. The best PIN is a random combination of letters and numbers as this is the hardest for other people to guess. The system will prompt you to change the PIN if it is not in the format it expects. 

If you are entering your PIN for the first time, you will be asked to enter it twice again on a second screen to confirm it. Then click on the Submit button.

Your personal record should appear, with your address and several links to among others, the items you have checked out (borrowed) and a Search box for the Catalogue. 

You will see a confirmation message that you are logged into the Unisa Library system near the top of the screen.

 

How do I modify or change my PIN?

First, access your own record, using the PIN Login link. Click on the Modify your PIN

Link. You will then see the following screen: 

 

Type your old PIN in the first space provided on the screen and enter your new PIN in the next 2 spaces and click the Submit button. 

What do I do if I have forgotten my PIN?

We cannot look up your PIN for you (it is stored in your record in encrypted form) but you can request that it be reset online by clicking the Forgot your PIN? link. 

Reset PIN Request:

 

 

Type your details in the PIN Request form and click Submit. An email will be sent to your student or staff email address with a link in it that you should click on within 3 hours of sending the Request to complete the deletion process. You will then be able to create a new PIN immediately. If you are not able to respond within the 3-hour period your request will lapse and nothing will have happened to your PIN. You could then repeat the Request to Reset the PIN procedure.

You can also ask the Library staff at the Circulation or Lending desks for help, or send an email with your surname and your student / staff number tolibrary-enquiries@unisa.ac.za or telephone the Library or branch libraries to ask that the PIN be deleted.

PIN login errors

Sometimes when login in with your pin you might encompass these errors: 

  1. ‘Invalid information’ usually means that the PIN you have typed does not match the PIN that is already in your record. Click the Forgotten your PIN? link and complete the process described above, or send an email to the library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za mailbox, stating your name and staff or student number, together with a request to have the PIN deleted. A member of the Library staff will then delete the PIN in your Library patron record and you will be able to create another PIN.
  1. ‘Cannot locate Patron record’ means that the Library system does not recognise your name; please check that you typed your details correctly. If the message persists, please contact the Circulation section of the Library:  library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za and explain that you are having difficulties with logging into the Library system via the PIN Login screen.