Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
What is an Interlibrary Loan Request?
Interlibrary Loans (ILL) allow NWU postgraduate students, academics, and researchers to access materials not owned by NWU Libraries. Through a national and international loan network, the library can obtain documents from other institutions.
How to Request an Interlibrary Loan
STEP 1: Check Availability – Ensure the item is not owned by NWU Libraries.
STEP 2: Submit a Request – Use WorldCat Discovery to request books or articles.
- WorldCat Discovery User Guide.
- Contact your Faculty Librarian for assistance.
STEP 3: Monitor your request– Track the status via CAS login (requests won’t be processed if you have outstanding fines).
Interlibrary Loan Desks & Office Hours
- Mahikeng: Library foyer | Mon-Fri: 08:00 – 17:00
- Potchefstroom: Ferdinand Postma Library foyer | Mon-Fri: 07:30 – 16:30
- Vanderbijlpark: Ground floor, next to the Reserve Desk | Mon-Fri: 07:30 – 16:30
Delivery Times
- Books: ± 3 weeks
- Articles: ± 1-10 days
Delays may occur due to availability or processing times at lending libraries.
Receiving & Returning Items
- Articles are emailed directly to users.
- Books must be collected from the ILL Desk at your campus library.
- For users outside Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, or Vanderbijlpark, books can be couriered upon request.
- Books must be returned in person or via courier.
Loan Period & Renewals
The supplying Library determines loan periods.
- Loan periods (3–8 weeks) are determined by the supplying library.
- Renewals may be granted once, depending on the lending library’s policies.
- The due date is on the book strap—do not remove it until returning the book.
- Overdue fees: R10.00 per book per day.
Costs involved in Interlending services
- National requests: Free when possible; courier fees may apply outside Gauteng (cost communicated before processing).
- International requests: Articles may cost upwards of $10, depending on length (cost communicated before processing). No international books are requested.
Useful links
Contact Information
Mahikeng
Contact person: James Kolodi | Email: itumeleng.kolodi@nwu.ac.za | Tel.: +27 (0)18 389 2419
Courier address: North-West University, Mahikeng Library: Interlibrary Loans, Building A-7, Corner of Dr Albert Luthuli and University Drive, MMABATHO, 2745 [Maps and directions]
Potchefstroom
Contact persons: Seka Sizani-Kelobang or Itumeleng Khunoane | Email address: interbib@nwu.ac.za | Tel.: +27 (0)18 299 2793
Courier address: North-West University, Ferdinand Postma Library: Interlibrary Loans, Building E7A, Hoffman Street 11, POTCHEFSTROOM, 2531 [Maps and directions]
Vanderbijlpark
Contact person: Siyabonga Sithole | Email address: siyabonga.sithole@nwu.ac.za | Tel.: +27 (0)16 910 3044
Courier address: North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Library: Interlibrary Loans, Building A14, Hendrik van Eck Blvd, VANDERBIJLPARK, 1900 [Maps and directions]