Alumni guide
Alumni 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 alumni. For alumni without borrowing privileges the conditions for visitor access indicated in the Visitor guide will apply. Access is free of charge subject to positive identification with a valid identification document (photo identification is essential). See Library hours.
Alumni may not use the library as study space.
Borrowing privileges
Please apply online by completing the Alumni application form and send to Client Service. In-person applications can be done at Client Service in the SU Library or the lending desk of any of the branch libraries. Copies of your identification document and proof of address are required and need to accompany both online and in-person applications.
Verification will be done on SU alumni database weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00. If immediate alumni database verification is not possible, please allow 1-3 days to confirm status and process application.
Borrowing privileges available to alumni who reside within a 150 km radius of Stellenbosch:
- Membership fee - Only SnapScan and EFT payments are accepted.
R130.00 for 3 months; R480.00 per annum. - 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. - 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
Lost/damaged items: Replacement value payable to the Library and Information Service
Fine limit: R30.00 (Borrowing privileges will be suspended when this limit has been exceeded until such time as the fine has been paid).
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 alumni. 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 & scan
Electronic resources
Due to licensing agreements, access to some electronic resources is restricted to currently registered students and staff members of Stellenbosch University.
Alumni 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
Alumni 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.
Alumni 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.