The University of South Africa (UNISA) is known for providing quality education through its distance learning programs. A key part of this educational experience is the UNISA Library and Research Resources, which are essential for students as they work on assignments, research projects, and exams. Whether you’re a new student or a seasoned learner, knowing how to navigate the library and make full use of its resources can be a game-changer in your academic journey.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to access and use the UNISA Library and Research Resources, including online books, journals, research support, and more.
What Does the UNISA Library Offer?
The UNISA Library and Research Resources provide a wealth of information for students across all disciplines. From textbooks to journal articles, the library caters to a variety of needs:
- Physical and Digital Collections: The library gives access to both physical books and online resources like e-books, academic journals, and other digital materials.
- Research Tools: Postgraduate students can access specialized research tools to assist with theses, dissertations, and advanced research projects.
- Subject-Specific Guides: There are curated guides based on different fields of study, directing students to the most relevant resources.
- Workshops and Training: The library regularly hosts workshops on how to use its resources effectively, covering everything from using databases to managing citations.
These resources are designed to support your learning and research needs, making it easier to find academic materials that align with your course requirements.
Related: How to Use the UNISA Invigilator App for 2024 Exams
Steps to Access UNISA Library and Research Resources
Log In to MyUNISA
To access the UNISA Library and Research Resources, you must first log in to myUNISA, which serves as the university’s main student portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the UNISA website: https://www.unisa.ac.za.
- Click on myUNISA in the top menu.
- Log in using your student number and password.
Once logged in, you can access the UNISA Library and Research Resources through the portal.
Access the Library Portal
After logging in to myUNISA, follow these steps to enter the library:
- On your dashboard, look for the Library or Library Resources tab.
- Click on it to visit the library homepage, where you’ll find a wide array of UNISA Library and Research Resources available to students.
Navigating UNISA Library’s Online Resources
The UNISA Library and Research Resources homepage offers several ways to find the information you need. Here’s how you can get started:
a. Searching for Books and E-books
Using the library’s online catalog, you can search for both physical books and e-books:
- Enter the title, author, or subject of the book in the search bar located on the homepage.
- The search results will show you whether the book is available in digital format or as a physical copy you can borrow.
- For e-books, you can click on the link to read or download the book immediately.
b. Accessing Online Journals and Databases
UNISA subscribes to a variety of online databases that host academic journals and articles. Here’s how to access them:
- On the library homepage, click on E-Resources or Online Databases.
- You will be directed to a list of databases like JSTOR, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect.
- Select the database that fits your research needs and log in if required, using your student credentials.
c. Using Subject Guides
The UNISA Library and Research Resources include subject-specific guides to help students find materials that are directly relevant to their field of study:
- On the library’s main page, click on Subject Guides.
- Choose your area of study, such as Law, Social Sciences, or Education, to access specialized resources, including books, articles, and databases.
- For postgraduate students, Research Guides are available to assist with deeper research, including thesis writing and dissertation planning.
Borrowing and Renewing Books
If you need a physical book from the library, the UNISA Library and Research Resources make it easy to borrow and renew items:
a. Borrowing Books
- Use the library catalog to search for books.
- If a book is available in physical form, you can place a request to borrow it. UNISA offers postal services, so if you’re unable to visit the library in person, the book can be sent to your nearest UNISA study center.
- You will be notified when the book is available for collection.
b. Renewing Books
To keep a borrowed book for longer, you can renew it through the library’s online portal:
- Log in to your library account using your student credentials.
- Navigate to My Library and select the book(s) you want to renew.
- Follow the prompts to complete the renewal process.
Interlibrary Loans
If a book or article is not available within the UNISA library, you can request it from another library through the Interlibrary Loan service. Here’s how:
- On the library’s homepage, click on Interlibrary Loans.
- Fill in the request form with the details of the book or article you need.
- The library will notify you when the material is available.
Getting Research Support
Postgraduate students working on research projects, theses, or dissertations can access a range of research support services from the UNISA Library and Research Resources:
- Research Consultations: You can book an appointment with a subject librarian for personalized research assistance.
- Citation Management: Tools like EndNote and Mendeley are available to help manage references and citations.
- Literature Reviews: Get guidance on how to perform comprehensive literature reviews using the library’s resources.
To access these services, visit the Research Support section on the library’s homepage.
Maximizing the Use of UNISA Library and Research Resources
To fully benefit from the UNISA Library and Research Resources, here are a few tips:
Attend Library Training Workshops
The UNISA Library and Research Resources team regularly holds training workshops for students. These sessions teach:
- How to search for academic articles.
- How to use citation management software.
- How to navigate the various databases.
These workshops are generally held online and are free to all students. You can sign up for these through the Training and Events section on the library homepage.
Join UNISA’s Online Library Community
Many students don’t realize that the UNISA Library and Research Resources include an active online community where students can ask questions and share tips. Being part of this community can help you:
- Get answers to common library-related questions.
- Learn how other students are using the library to aid their studies.
- Share advice and tips on finding resources efficiently.
You can join the community by accessing the Library Discussions forum via the library portal.
Utilize Study Spaces
If you need a quiet space to work, several UNISA campuses offer physical study spaces. These are often equipped with computers and printing services. You can book a study space via the library portal.
The UNISA Library and Research Resources are essential tools for any student wanting to succeed in their studies. Whether you are working on an assignment, preparing for an exam, or conducting in-depth research for a thesis, the library provides the resources you need.
Here’s a quick summary of how to make the most of the library:
- Log in to myUNISA and navigate to the library portal.
- Use the UNISA Library and Research Resources to find books, journals, and subject-specific guides.
- Take advantage of the Interlibrary Loan service if needed.
- Access the research support services if you are conducting postgraduate research.
- Join training sessions to enhance your knowledge of library tools.
With these resources, you’ll have everything you need to boost your academic performance.
