Circulation Services

Borrow, Renew & Return

Borrowing, Renewing and Returning Books

Can you borrow books?

All registered staff and students of the North-West University may borrow books from any of our campus libraries. Please be sure to present your university card for all borrowing transactions.

• You can borrow books from the following:
  • Circulation Desk
    You can check out, renew and return books, pay fines, pick up your holds, and more at this desk. They are usually located near the main entrance of each library.
  • Self-checkout machine
    ​​Self-service machines are available at all our main campus libraries. If you encounter any problems, please go to the Circulation Services desk. You will NOT be able to use the self-checkout machine:
    • to borrow items without a barcode
    • to borrow books that are "Non-circulating", e.g. Reference items
    • if your University card has expired
    • if you have a block on your University card
    • if your item has been invoiced for the replacement cost
    • if you have overdue charges over R10.00
    • to renew a book if another user requests it
• You are responsible for all items issued on your University card.
• If an item you want is out on loan, you can request it using the holds service provided by the Circulation Desk. The library may ask you to return books earlier than their expiry date if the specific item(s) are highly in demand.
• If an item you want to borrow is not on the shelves, please report it to the Circulation Desk. The Library staff will search for the item and place a hold on it for you. If we cannot find the item, we will change the item's status to missing on the catalogue.

Borrowing books during recess

• If you are going on vacation and have books on your record, or plan on taking out new books before going away, kindly ask the Circulation Services staff at any of the libraries to adjust the expiry dates to when the new term starts.
• You can also renew your books online.
• Please see the Library website for our operating hours.

Email reminder notices

• North-West University staff and students
  • Notices from the Library about recalled items, hold requests awaiting collection, inter-campus requests, and overdue items will be sent to you by email and SMS. Please ensure that Campus Administration has your correct email address and cell phone number.
• Other members of the library
  • Notices from the library about recalled items, hold requests awaiting collection, and overdue items will be sent to you by email or SMS if you provide an email address and cell phone number when you register.
• If there is an item in your loan record that you are sure you have not borrowed, please get in touch with the Circulation Desk immediately so we can investigate.

How to renew books?

Note that:

• Only two renewals per book are allowed.
• Items requested by another library user can not be renewed. Please return the requested book as soon as possible. Requested books returned after the expiry date will incur a recall fine plus an additional fine if also overdue.
• Items from our reserve collection may not be renewed.
• Items from Interlibrary Loans are renewed separately. Please contact your Interlibrary Loan staff for more information on renewing Interlibrary Loan books.

Use one of the following methods to renew your books:

• Items may be renewed via the web. Go to your your account to renew your books. [User Guide]
• Use a self-checkout machine. Please note that you will not be allowed to renew your books online or via the self-checkout machine:
  • on the date of expiry
  • if your books are already overdue
  • if you have outstanding fines over R10.00
  • if you have already renewed the book twice
  • if your patron record/university card has expired
  • if another user has requested the item
• Visit your nearest Circulation Desk and provide your card. Ask the staff to renew the items for you.
• Items may be renewed via telephone or email.

How to return books?

You can return books via the following:

• Circulation Desk
• Self-checkout machine
  When you use the machine to return books, please take your receipt, which proves the return transaction has been successful.
• The Book bin (dropbox) is next to the Main Library entrance.
• Courier service
  Mahikeng: North-West University, Mahikeng Library: Circulation Services, Building A-7, Corner of Dr Albert Luthuli and University Drive, MMABATHO.
  Potchefstroom: North-West University, Ferdinand Postma Library: Circulation Services, Building E7, Hoffman Street 11, POTCHEFSTROOM
  Vanderbijlpark: North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Library: Circulation Services, Building A14, Hendrik van Eck Blvd, VANDERBIJLPARK.

Books must be returned by the date/time stamped on the date label in the book or as printed on the receipt if you use the self-checkout machine. Overdue items are liable for a fine. You are responsible for all items issued on your University card.