UNISA Library Tools: How to Access eBooks, Journals & Databases in 2025

As a distance learning institution, the University of South Africa (UNISA) provides its students with a wide range of online resources to support their academic success. The UNISA Library is a vital part of this support system, offering access to eBooks, academic journals, and research databases.

UNISA Library Tools: How to Access eBooks, Journals & Databases

Whether you’re a first-year student or completing postgraduate studies, understanding how to access and use these tools is essential for your learning journey.

Getting Started with the UNISA Library

To begin using UNISA Library services, you must be a registered student with an active myUNISA account. Once registered, follow these steps to access the library:

1. Log into myUNISA: Go to my.unisa.ac.za and enter your student number and password.
2. Navigate to the Library: Click on the “Library” tab. This will take you to the main UNISA Library portal.
3. Library Homepage: You can also go directly to www.unisa.ac.za/library, where you’ll find quick links to e-resources, catalogues, guides, and help options.

Accessing eBooks

eBooks are digital versions of textbooks and academic literature available through the UNISA Library. To access them:

1. Use the Library Catalogue (Encore):
   • Go to the UNISA Library homepage.
   • Use the search box to enter your topic, book title, or author.
   • Filter the results by “eBooks” to view only electronic resources.
2. E-Book Databases:
   • The library subscribes to eBook platforms such as EBSCOhost eBooks, ProQuest eBook Central, and SpringerLink.
   • To access these:
     • Go to the “Find e-resources” section.
     • Click on “eBooks” and select a database.
     • Log in using your student number and myUNISA password when prompted.
3. Download or Read Online:
   • Depending on the database, you may be able to download chapters or entire books for offline reading or read them online.
   • Some platforms require you to create a personal account for downloads.

Accessing Academic Journals

Journals are essential for research and assignments. Here’s how to access them:

1. Search by Journal Title or Subject:
   • On the UNISA Library site, click on “Find e-resources” > “Journals”.
   • Enter the name of a journal or a subject area to find relevant publications.
2. Use Databases to Access Articles:
   • UNISA provides access to thousands of peer-reviewed journals through databases like:
     • ScienceDirect
     • SAGE Journals
     • JSTOR
     • Taylor & Francis
     • EBSCOhost
   • You can browse or search for articles using keywords, authors, or publication years.
3. Accessing Full-Text Articles:
   • Make sure to log in with your UNISA credentials to view the full text of articles.
   • If an article is not available, you can use the Interlibrary Loan service to request it from another library.

Recommended for you: Accessing Study Materials on myUNISA 2025

Using Research Databases

Databases are curated collections of academic content, including journal articles, eBooks, conference papers, and more. To access them:

1. Navigate to the “Databases A-Z” List:
   • Go to the “Find e-resources” section.
   • Click on “Databases A-Z” to see all available databases alphabetically.
   • You can also filter by subject area or content type.
2. Choose a Relevant Database:
   • Select a database based on your field of study. For example:
     • LexisNexis for law students.
     • ERIC for education.
     • Business Source Premier for business-related topics.
3. Search and Save Results:
   • Use advanced search options to filter results.
   • Many databases allow you to save, cite, or export search results for future use.

Tips for Successful Use

• Bookmark the Library Website: Keep the library homepage saved for quick access.
• Use Library Guides: Subject-specific guides are available to help you navigate resources.
• Contact a Librarian: Use the “Ask a Librarian” feature via email, chat, or phone for help.
• Attend Library Training: UNISA regularly offers online training sessions to help you improve your research skills.

The UNISA Library is a powerful academic tool, giving you 24/7 access to thousands of eBooks, scholarly journals, and databases. With your student login, you can explore quality resources that support your studies and academic growth—anywhere, anytime. Make the most of these tools by familiarizing yourself with how to find and use them effectively.