🤖Meet Lexi – Our Library Robot!

Lexi is here to help you find your way and get the most out of our services at the Ferdinand Postma Library.

Lexi can assist you with:

  • Navigating the library and finding specific sections
  • Locating librarian offices and restrooms
  • Answering general questions about the library
  • Providing information on library services and operating hours
  • Offering guidance on how to use library resources

How to start a conversation with Lexi

  1. Start a conversation
    Tap the robot’s screen to begin interacting.
  2. Ask a question
    Lexi can answer library-related questions, including directions to offices, restrooms, and other facilities.

If Lexi gets stuck or doesn’t return to her dock

  • Press the red button on the back of the robot.
  • Manually guide Lexi back to her docking station.
  • Press the red button again to reactivate her.

Say hello to Lexi next time you’re in the library — she’s here to help! 😊

 

Temporary closure of selected spaces - Ferdinand Postma Library

Following heavy rainfall in Potchefstroom yesterday, Building E7 flooded, affecting several areas of the Ferdinand Postma Library. 

As a precaution, the following spaces are temporarily closed until further notice:

  • Masters and Doctoral Research Commons
  • Information Commons (Ground Floor)
  • Portions of the 2nd floor

In the interim, Master's and Doctoral students may make use of the Honours Commons on the 3rd floor. Students requiring access to the Information Commons facilities may utilise the Education Library (Building C6c) or the available computer laboratories across campus.

Further updates will be communicated as the situation develops. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Dina Mashiyane (dina.mashiyane@nwu.ac.za)

Notice placed on 27 January 2026

EBSCO to Transition to LCP DRM

Starting in April 2026, EBSCO will transition all customers from Adobe DRM to LCP DRM. We recommend using Thorium Reader for EBSCO eBook downloads. Patrons will continue to use their MyEBSCO accounts for personalization and license management. When opening their first DRM-protected eBook in Thorium on each device, patrons will be prompted to enter a one-time EBSCO passphrase.

Benefits for libraries and patrons:

  • Simpler access: No Adobe ID required
  • Accessible by design: Thorium Reader is WCAG 2.2 AA compliant and includes text-to-speech, flexible font and layout options, color and background controls, annotations, bookmarks, and more
  • Modern and secure: LCP DRM is a widely adopted, standards-based solution supported by the non-profit consortium EDRLab
  • One reader, many formats: Thorium supports LCP-protected EPUB and PDF files as well as DRM-free content

Notice placed on 26 January 2026

NWU-Guest Wi-Fi phasing out

Please note that the current NWU-Guest Wi-Fi service will be phased out and discontinued on 31 January 2026.

What this means for visitors

The NWU-Visitor Wi-Fi is the designated wireless service for university guests and visitors.

  • Access is provided via a self-registration captive portal when connecting to the NWU-Visitor SSID.
  • Visitors will have access for a period of three days.
  • Steps

This service is strictly for visitors and guests.

NB!!! NWU staff and students may not use the NWU-Visitor Wi-Fi and must continue to connect to the appropriate institutional networks, such as NWUWIFI.

International visitors

  • Visitors from institutions that participate in eduroam can connect to the eduroam SSID on any NWU campus using their home institution credentials.
  • If a visitor's institution does not participate in eduroam, or if the visitor is not affiliated with an institution, a building representative may log a request with the IT Helpdesk.
  • The IT Helpdesk will create an eduroam visitor account for the duration of the visit, where required.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to improve connectivity and access across NWU.

Kind regards
Information Technology

Notice placed on 21 January 2026

2026 Undergraduate Survival Guide

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require additional information.

Dina Mashiyane (dina.mashiyane@nwu.ac.za)

Notice placed on 20 January 2026

2026 Library and Information Service (LIS) Calendar

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require additional information.

Dina Mashiyane (dina.mashiyane@nwu.ac.za)

Notice placed on 13 January 2026

Construction-Related Noise in Ferdinand Postma Library (Building E7A)

Please note that ongoing construction in Building E7 may cause noise disruptions in some areas of the Ferdinand Postma Library (Building E7A).

Affected Area:

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Notice placed on 21 July 2025, updated 22 October 2025, updated 15 January 2026.

Protect your Belongings

Please don't leave your belongings unattended.
Your belongings are valuable, and they're safe with you.

Remember:

  • Keep an eye on your bags, laptops, and personal items.
  • Unattended belongings may be at risk of theft or damage.
  • The library is not liable for lost or stolen items.

Keep your belongings safe and secure to enjoy a worry-free visit to the library.

Notice placed on 15 January 2026