The university is renowned for its libraries, and boasts an impressive seven libraries across UP campuses. UP libraries are a useful asset to students throughout their degrees, and offer many services that come in handy throughout the semester, during tests and assignments and for exam season.
Students have access to the following libraries across the campuses:
• Merensky 2 Library
• Education Library
• Health Sciences Library
• Oliver R Tambo Law Library
• Mamelodi Library
• Music Library
• Jotello F Soga Veterinary Science Library
A number of services and tools are offered by the Department of Library Services to all UP students and staff. The largest library is Merensky 2 and it has six floors of books of many disciplines. Each floor offers different subjects and browsing the floors can be a great break from studying. Most books can be borrowed for two weeks (and can be renewed via the UP Library app), and textbooks can be borrowed for two hours in the Reserved Study Collection.
Beyond thousands of books, there are also study spaces available for use to work or study. These open tables and chairs throughout the libraries are great for working on assignments, prepping for tests and studying for exams. There are plug points for chargers and Wi-Fi hotspots across the library. There are also over 100 computers that can be used by any student – simply log in with your UP details. UP libraries also offer printing services via TuksPrint (you can register on their website), and regular plagiarism workshops and training throughout the year.
For group projects, assignments and research work, discussion and conference rooms can be reserved for private use aside from the general study areas.
For students with disabilities, level 3 of the Merensky 2 Library offers a study space with equipment to make studying a smoother process. For blind and visually impaired students, JAWS, Zoomtext and desk magnifiers are available, and the WYNN program is available for students with ADHD, dyslexia and cognitive and learning disabilities. The desks are also accessible by wheelchair.
The library also offers guidance from the teams of friendly and professional librarians and staff. Different UP departments have specific subject librarians, so be sure to check with your faculty or contact UP Libraries on their newly redesigned website, library.up.ac.za. The website also has information on specific libraries and collections, as well as a full list of services and library features such as the MakerSpace.
You can also keep up to date with the Department of Library Services on Instagram @uplibrary. Check out their highlights to catch up on #InstaNovels, short stories featured on @uplibrary’s IG stories.
The Merensky 2 Library on Hatfield Campus is open from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, and the Study Centre is open 24 hours everyday. Most other UP libraries are open from 08:00 between 15:00 and 18:00. The Health Sciences library is open by appointment only, aside from the research commons. The libraries’ hours can change as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so always check the library website for the most recent operating hours.
Kayla is the Editor of PDBY for 2020 and 2021. She joined the copy team in 2017, and became head layout editor in 2018 before starting her term as Editor. Kayla is obsessed with PDBY and is considering moving into the office to live with Pssst... forever. You can reach her by email.