Circulation Services

Borrow, Renew & Return

• How to borrow books
• How to renew books
• How to return books

How to Borrow Books

How do I Borrow Books?

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

Where to Borrow Books:

• Circulation Desk
  At the Circulation Desk, you can check out, renew, and return books, pay fines, pick up holds, and more. These desks are typically located near the main entrance of each library.
• Self-Checkout Machines
  ​​Self-service machines are available at all main campus libraries for your convenience. If you encounter any issues, please visit the Circulation Desk. Note that you won’t be able to use the self-checkout machine in the following cases:
  • Borrowing items without a barcode.
  • Borrowing "Non-circulating" items (e.g., Reference materials).
  • If your university card has expired.
  • If there’s a block on your university card.
  • If your item has been invoiced for replacement costs.
  • If you have overdue charges over R10.00.
  • If a book you’re trying to renew has been requested by another user.

You are responsible for all items checked out on your university card.

Requesting Items:

• If a book you want is currently out on loan, you can request it through the hold service at the Circulation Desk. The library may ask you to return high-demand books earlier than their due date.
• If an item you want to borrow is missing from the shelves, report it to the Circulation Desk. Library staff will search for it and place a hold on it for you. If we can’t locate the item, we will mark it as missing in the catalogue.

Borrowing During Recess:

• If you're going on vacation and have books on your record, or plan on borrowing books before leaving, ask Circulation Services to adjust the due dates to match the start of the new term.
• You can also renew your books online. Check the library website for operating hours.

Email Reminder Notices:

• For NWU Staff and Students:
  • You’ll receive notices via email and SMS about recalled items, hold requests, document delivery (intercampus requests), and overdue items. Ensure that Campus Administration has your correct email address and phone number.
• For Other Library Members:
  • You’ll receive notifications via email or SMS regarding recalled items, holds awaiting collection, and overdue books.

If you find an unfamiliar item on your loan record, contact the Circulation Desk immediately for investigation.

How to Renew Books

Please note the following:

• You are allowed a maximum of two renewals per book.
• Items requested by another user cannot be renewed. Return these items as soon as possible. If returned after the due date, a recall fine will apply, in addition to an overdue fine.
• Items from the reserve collection cannot be renewed.
• Interlibrary Loan items are renewed separately. Please contact Interlibrary Loan staff for information on renewing these books.

You can renew your books using any of the following methods:

• Web Renewal: Go to your account and renew your books online. [User Guide]
• Self-Checkout Machine: You can renew your books using the self-checkout machine, but please note that the following conditions will prevent renewal:
  • If the item is on its expiry date.
  • If the books are already overdue.
  • If you have outstanding fines exceeding R10.00.
  • If the book has already been renewed twice.
  • If your university card has expired.
  • If another user has requested the item.
• Circulation Desk: Visit your nearest Circulation Desk with your university card, and the staff will renew the items for you.
• Phone, Email, or Library Ticket: You can also request a renewal via phone, email, or a library ticket.

How to Return Books

You can return books using the following methods:

• Circulation Desk – Return books directly to the circulation desk.
• Self-checkout machine – When returning books via the self-checkout machine, please take your receipt as proof of a successful return.
• Book Bin (Dropbox) – Located next to the Main Library entrance.
• Courier Service – Books can be returned via courier to the following addresses:
  • Mahikeng: North-West University, Mahikeng Library: Circulation Services, Building A-7, Corner of Dr Albert Luthuli and University Drive, 2745, MMABATHO.
  • Potchefstroom: North-West University, Ferdinand Postma Library: Circulation Services, Building E7, Hoffman Street 11, 2531, POTCHEFSTROOM
  • Vanderbijlpark: North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Library: Circulation Services, Building A14, Hendrik van Eck Blvd, 1900, VANDERBIJLPARK.

Important Information

• Books must be returned by the due date indicated on the date label inside the book or on the self-checkout machine receipt.
• Overdue books will incur a fee.
• You are responsible for all items borrowed using your University card.