Prospective postgraduate guide
Selected services are provided to prospective postgraduate students to facilitate preliminary research and the writing of research proposals.
Access
All libraries of the Library and Information Service are accessible to all students of the University. Access control at the Stellenbosch University Library and branch libraries requires swiping a valid SU student card. Food and beverages are not allowed. Water from spill-proof containers only.
No access without a valid student card. See Library hours.
Borrowing privileges
A recommendation form, completed and signed by the supervisor of the prospective postgraduate student, must be handed in at the library.
- Number of loans: 15 items
- Borrowing period: 30 days per item
- Renewals: 2 per item (within maximum renewal period of 90 days) unless someone else has requested it. Renew online or ask a staff member.
In person, enquire at Client Service at the SU Library or the lending desk of any of the branch libraries. - Returns: To Client Service at the SU Library or the lending desk of any of the branch libraries.
It is possible to return books by putting them in the drop boxes at the libraries’ entrances. - Fines and payments - Only SnapScan and EFT payments are accepted.
Overdue items: R2.00 per item per day
Fine limit: R30.00 (borrowing privileges will be suspended when this limit has been exceeded)
Lost/damaged books: Replacement value payable to the Library and Information Service. - Reserving books currently on loan: Free and unlimited. Reserve online or ask a staff member.
In person, enquire at Client Service at the SU Library or the lending desk of any of the branch libraries. - Material available to borrow: All items marked "Loanable"
Services
Information services & research support
Please consult the following library guides:
- Find, access and use information effectively: a step by step guide
- The research process
- Referencing
- EndNote
- Subject guides provide access to subject-specific resources and pertinent research matters within a subject area
Your faculty librarian is available by appointment. Make an online appointment.
Finding books, articles and other information resources
Do a Library Search on the library homepage or choose Databases or E-journals from the FIND menu. Guidelines are available at Find, access and use information effectively: a step by step guide.
Finding your way around the Stellenbosch University Library: Floor plan.
When off-campus and prompted to sign-on, log in with your SU campus username (NOT email address) and password.
Short loans
- Frequently used items
- Only available to SU students and staff
- Number of items: 3
- Loan period during library hours: 3 hours
- Loan period when library is closed:
Overnight: 30 min before closing.
Return: 30 min after opening. - Fines for late items: R10.00 per hour (after a grace period of 30 min).
Library orientation and training
Consult the following training calendars:
Alternatively request a one-on-one training session - make an appointment with your Faculty librarian.
Other services
Due to licensing agreements, access to some electronic resources is restricted to currently registered students and staff members of Stellenbosch University.
See the user electronic application process for Prospective postgraduate students at Off-campus e-access.
An online information service is available at Ask a Librarian. Alternatively contact your faculty librarian for assistance.
Prospective postgraduates are able to print, copy or scan at Maties Copy and Print Shop that is situated in the Neelsie Student Centre.
Prospective postgraduate students may have internet access from their own devices with wireless access.
Internet via the Eduroam world-wide Wi-Fi roaming access service for the international research and education community, are accessible for visiting students, researchers and staff from participating institutions.
Various rooms are available to book. See Bookings.
All electronic resources offered by the Library and Information Service via our library homepage are available from home, office computers, laptops or mobile phones to registered students. Use your SU network username and password to sign in.
If you are not a registered prospective postgraduate, see the user e-application options to follow for access to electronic services at Off-campus e-access.