Book Collections at NWU Libraries
Short Loan Section
The Short Loan Section contains materials that can be borrowed for short periods, such as for a day, overnight, or over the weekend. Items borrowed overnight or for the weekend must be returned within one hour after the library opens. Failure to do so will result in a substantial fine and may lead to restrictions on future use of this service. The Short Loan Section includes eReserves, the Reserved Collection, and the Prescribed Collection.
- eReserves and Reserved Collection
- eReserves are additional reading materials assigned by lecturers to enhance understanding of specific course modules. These can be accessed online or in person at the relevant campus library’s Reserved Collection. For information about where to find your course readings, consult your tutorial guidelines or contact your lecturer.
- Prescribed Collection
- This collection contains books selected by lecturers as compulsory reading for students in their courses. Prescribed books are available in a designated area, usually adjacent to the Reserved Collection, and are made available similarly to other reserved items.
Open Collection
- The Open Collection holds the majority of the library's materials, including subject-specific books, both old and new. These can be borrowed by any registered NWU user, with borrowing durations varying depending on user type. Libraries at Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, Natural Sciences, and Theology use the term Open Collection.
Reference Collection
- The Reference Collection consists of materials for quick consultation, such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and indexes. These items cannot be borrowed and must be used within the library. eReference Works are also available online.
Journal Collection
- The Journal Collection includes periodicals, magazines, and serials that are published regularly. In addition to physical copies, access to a range of online journals is available through the library’s subscribed databases.