User Access Services (Circulation)

Contact information and staff

Membership and Registration

Staff and students need to register with the library before being able to borrow any library material. This must be done at the Circulation Desk. You will need to have your barcoded Staff* or Student ID card with you when you register as this serves as your Library Borrower's Card. All users must renew their Library membership every year.
Visiting membership is available to members of the Grahamstown Community at an annual fee of R50. Applications are made to the Librarian, User Access Services. Members are required to re-register at the beginning of each year.

* Note that some old staff cards are not compatible with the Library's access control system and have to be replaced at the Student Bureau.

Loans

The maximum number of items that you may have on loan and the loan period depends on which category of borrower you fall under and the type of material you wish to borrow:

 
* See Loan Schedule 1 (Maximum no of items borrowable at any one time) and Loan Schedule 2 (Periods for which items may be borrowed) for more detailed information.

Returns

Return of materials on loan may be returned to the Circulation Desk during the library's opening hours or through the Book Return Chute which is located on the left-hand side of the entrance to the library. You will be charged a fine of 50c per day for items overdue. Overdue notices will be sent via e-mail.

Renewals

Items may be renewed for a further period unless another borrower is waiting for the book. All Library loans may only be renewed 3 times.

Reservations

Books which are out on loan may be reserved. If you want to reserve a book go to the Circulation Desk with your borrower's card and the item's details. Note: Reservations and renewals can be done via OPAC self-service provided no fines have accrued.

Short Loan

Purpose

The purpose of the Short Loan Unit is to provide access to books and periodical articles which are in heavy demand by students. In order to ensure these items are available to all who want access to them, they are kept behind the Circulation desk and normal privileges are severely restricted.

Loan period

Short Loan material is usually lent out for 1 or 2 hours or overnight only. Items are to be used on the Ground Floor of the Library, except in the case of overnight loans. A reader may borrow up to two books at any one time.

Overnight loans

Overnight loans may be made after 21h00, unless items have been booked for the evening session, in which case they become available when there are no further bookings or at 22h00. All Short Loan material on overnight loan must be returned by 08h45 the following day. Returns may be made via the Return Chute, next to the entrance to the library, when the library is closed. It is very important for Short Loan items to be returned on time as substantial fines are charged on overdue items.

For further information or assistance contact the Librarian: User Access Services at +27-046-603-8463 or e-mail her.