Visitor guide
Visitors are welcome to use the resources of the Library and Information Service, providing this does not conflict with the primary responsibility to students, lecturers and other staff of the University.
Access
All libraries are accessible to visitors Mondays to Fridays 08:00-16:30.
Access is free of charge subject to positive identification with a valid identification document (photo identification is essential). Food and beverages are not allowed. Water from spill-proof containers only. See Library hours.
Scholars are permitted access to the SU Library only through school groups coordinated by the Head of Marketing: Library and Information Service, or if accompanied by a parent; but then not to study or to do research.
Visitors may not use the library space as study space.
No visitors are permitted during examination periods, 2 weeks prior to mid-term exams or 3 weeks prior to end-of-term exams, except for formal CHELSA borrowers (not for study purposes).
No students from Private Institutions or Colleges are allowed as visitors.
No visitors are permitted on Saturdays and after 16:30 on weekdays.
Borrowing privileges
Please apply at Client Service at the Stellenbosch University Library or the lending desk of any of the branch libraries. Copies of your identification document and proof of address are required.
The following visitors living within a 150km radius from Stellenbosch may obtain free borrowing privileges:
- Stellenbosch University pensioners at any of the libraries
- Clergy at Theology Library only
Other visitors living within a 150km radius of Stellenbosch may obtain borrowing privileges by paying a membership fee of R330.00 for 3 months or R1200.00 per annum. Only SnapScan and EFT payments are accepted.
The borrowing privileges are:
- Number of loans: 3 items
- Borrowing period: 14 days per item
- Renewals: 2 per item (within maximum renewal period of 42 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: R1.00 per item per day
Fine limit: R30.00 (borrowing privileges will be suspended when this limit has been exceeded)
Lost/damaged items: 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
Basic information services are provided to visitors. These include assistance to become self-sufficient in finding sources and information, in either printed or electronic format. Should assistance be required, please enquire at Client Service at the Stellenbosch University Library or the lending desk of any of the branch libraries.
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. See Find information.
Services restricted to staff and registered students
- Short loans
- Interlibrary loans
- Print, copy and scan
Electronic resources
Due to licensing agreements, access to some electronic resources is restricted to currently registered students and staff members of Stellenbosch University.
Visitors will only be able to view the open access content. See the section How to find open access resources in the library catalogue in the Open access resources library guide.
Electronic resources freely available (open access)
| Open access resources | The resources in this library guide are regarded as Open Access and therefore freely available to anyone. It includes a section on how to find open access resources in the library catalogue. |
| SUNDigital | Images and photos of student life, music, literature, Die Matie; Vrye Weekblad; Noseweek, etc. |
| SUNScholar | Articles, book chapters, theses and dissertations, conference papers of SU staff and students |
| SUNScholarData | Research data of SU staff and students |
| SUNJournals | Open access journals hosted by the Library |
| Google Scholar | Allows users to search for digital or physical copies of articles, whether online or in libraries. Some digital copies may be freely available. |
| Google Books | The world's most comprehensive index of full-text books |
| Core | The world's largest collection of open access research papers |
| The Internet Archive | A non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more |
Other services
Visitors are able to print, copy or scan at Maties Copy and Print Shop that is situated in the Neelsie Student Centre. See Print, copy and scan.
Visitors 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.