Your student card is essential for accessing library services. It serves as:
✔ Access to computer labs – You need your student card to access computer labs.
✔ A borrowing card – It allows you to check out books and other materials.
✔ A renew card – It allows you to extend the loan period of books you have already borrowed.
✔ A printing and photocopying card – It is linked to your printing account.
✔ Access to study rooms – the card will be kept for the duration of the period that the key is held by the user.
💡 Important Tips:
Your Library PIN is required for accessing online resources and managing your account.
👉 How to set up/reset your Library PIN:
Past exam papers are a great study tool to: ✔ Familiarize yourself with exam formats ✍️ ✔ Practice time management ⏳ ✔ Identify commonly tested topics 📖 ✔ Boost your confidence before the exam.
🔹 Past papers are available for various faculties, including: ✅ Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment 🏗️
📢 Note: Not all past papers may be available due to university policies.
✔ Attempt papers under timed conditions ⏱️ ✔ Review marking schemes (if available) 📋 ✔ Identify key themes and patterns 🔎 ✔ Work in study groups to discuss solutions 🤝 ✔ Use them as a revision tool, not a prediction ❌🔮
⏰ Library Operating Hours
The library is open at convenient hours to cater to your academic needs. Below are the library's standard operating hours:
Please note: Operating hours may change during holidays or exam periods. Always check the library's homepage or consult the Library Staff for any updates to the schedule.
Make sure to plan your library visits accordingly to maximize your study time!
To ensure a conducive study environment, all library users must follow the rules below. Failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action.
⚠️ Card misuse is a serious violation – Never share your student/staff card for library access or book borrowing.
📢 Report lost or stolen cards immediately to the library to prevent unauthorized use.
🆔 Library staff may request your card for verification at any time.
📖 You are responsible for all items borrowed using your card.
🚨 Report lost or stolen books immediately to the library where they were borrowed.
⏳ Return or renew all borrowed items before the due date (stamped on the book or printed on the self-check receipt) to avoid late fees.
🕐 Overdue books will accumulate fines – return them on time!
📑 Unpaid library fees may result in withheld exam results or blocked borrowing privileges.
🚫 No phone calls inside the library – step outside if you need to talk.
🔕 Keep your phone on silent or vibrate at all times.
🤫 Loud talking is not allowed except in designated discussion areas.
🚪 Users who disturb others will be asked to leave the library.
🚱 Only sealed bottles of water are allowed.
❌ No open cans or food permitted in the library.
🖥️ Library computers are strictly for academic and university-related work.
🎮 Gaming and non-academic activities are not allowed.
📢 Remember: Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and productive experience for all library users! 😊
The Built Environment Library offers a variety of resources to support your academic journey. Whether you need books, e-books, journal articles, databases, or research support, the library is your go-to source for high-quality academic material.
1. Short Loan Services
Short loan services provide students with high-demand study materials for a limited period to ensure that as many users as possible can access essential resources. These materials often include prescribed textbooks, recommended readings, and lecturer-reserved items that are crucial for coursework and assignments.
🕒 Types of Short Loan Services
🔹 Hourly Loan – Books and materials can be borrowed for a few hours (e.g., 2–4 hours) and must be returned the same day. 📖🕑
🔹 Overnight Loan – Items can be borrowed before the library closes and must be returned the following morning. 🌙📚
🔹 Daily Loan (24-Hour Loan) – Some resources are available for a full day, allowing flexibility while ensuring availability for other users. 🗓️✅
🔹 Weekend Loan – Selected materials can be borrowed over the weekend and returned on the next working day. 📅📘
💡 Short loan services help ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to access important study materials. Make use of them wisely and plan your study time effectively! 🎓📚✨
Students can print, copy, and scan at any secure pull-print printer in the library using their student card. Photocopying facilities are available in all the libraries. Photocopiers operate on student, staff or permit cards at a cost. Money can be deposited on student cards at any of the ICAM-machines available at various locations on campuses. After loading money on to your card, you only need to swipe your card through the card reader attached to a machine to enable you to make photocopies. Please be aware that there are copyright restrictions on photocopying large amounts of material. 
ICAM-machine locations:
3. Study Spaces – Quiet study areas, discussion rooms, and collaborative learning spaces.
The study and focus rooms are available for use by all registered University of the Witwatersrand students. To access these study rooms, one must make a booking online for the specific study room they wish to use. The following rules and procedures apply:
4. Information Literacy Training – Workshops on referencing, citation management, and more.
The library offers Information Literacy Training to equip students with essential research skills, including:
These training sessions are designed to support your learning and research needs by providing hands-on guidance on using library tools such as the e-Wits Catalogue, Discovery Page, and Online Databases.
How to Access Training:
Information literacy training is available in multiple formats:
5. Self-Check-Out Service 📚🔄
The Self-Check-Out Service allows library users to borrow books independently without needing assistance from library staff. This convenient service helps save time and provides a quick and easy way to check out books.
1️⃣ Locate a Self-Check-Out Machine – Found near the circulation desk or designated self-service areas.
2️⃣ Scan Your Student/Library Card – Tap or scan your card to access your library account.
3️⃣ Place the Book on the Scanner – The system will read the book’s barcode and record it under your account.
4️⃣ Confirm & Print Receipt – Verify the book details and take your receipt for the due date.
✅ Quick & Efficient – No waiting in long queues.
✅ Available Anytime – Use the machine even when the circulation desk is busy.
✅ User-Friendly – Simple scanning process for easy borrowing.
✅ Privacy – Check out books without staff assistance.
📌 Make sure your library account is active before using the service.
📌 Return books on time to avoid late fees.
📌 If you experience any issues, visit the library circulation desk for assistance.
🔗 Need Help? Ask a librarian or check the library’s website for more details! 😊
6. Interactive Library Display 📚🎨🖥️
The library's digital screens are an innovative way to provide students and visitors with real-time information, research tools, and interactive content. These screens are placed in the library to enhance user experience, promote resources, and keep students informed. 
7. Access to Computers 💻🖥️
The library provides computers to support students, researchers, and faculty with their academic work. These computers are available in various sections of the library and can be used for research, assignments, and accessing digital resources.
🖥️ Access Online Databases – Search for journal articles, e-books, and research materials.
📖 Use the Library Catalog – Find books, e-books, and other resources using the library catalog.
📝 Work on Assignments & Research – Write essays, create presentations, and analyze data.
🌐 Browse the Internet – Conduct academic research and access reliable online sources.
📨 Check Emails & Learning Portals – Stay updated with university emails and e-learning platforms.
🖨️ Print, Scan & Copy – Use library printing services for academic documents.
✅ Log in with Your Student Credentials – Use your student number and password to access library computers.
✅ Save Your Work Regularly – Use cloud storage or a USB drive to prevent data loss.
✅ Follow Library Policies – Computers are for academic purposes only; gaming and social media use may be restricted.
✅ Time Limits May Apply – Some computers have time restrictions during peak hours to ensure fair access for all users.
NB: Log Out for Your Security! 🔐💻
For your safety, always log out once you're done using a library computer! 🚫👤 Leaving your account open can put your personal information at risk.
✔️ Protect your data 🛡️
✔️ Prevent unauthorized access 🚷
✔️ Keep your information safe 🔒
Simply click Log Out before leaving the workstation. Stay secure while studying! 📚✅
If you encounter any issues with logging in, printing, or accessing databases, library staff are available to assist you! 😊
General Enquiries: (011) 717 1977
Staff:
Katlego Chiya: Library Manager (011) 717 1978
Winkie Siebane: Research Librarian (011) 717 1929
Pitso Marema: Library Assistant (011) 717 1977
Donald Mbele: Library Assistant (011) 717 1977