LIS SUPPORT: lockdown period
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES: FAQs
What services remain on offer?
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Access to electronic books (multi-disciplinary).
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Access to some electronic textbooks.
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Access to electronic databases (multi-disciplinary).
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Access to electronic databases (specialised).
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Access to university research output (theses and dissertations).
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Access to electronic journals.
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Telephonic or virtual guidance may be provided by Faculty/Information Librarians to students and staff in respect of available online information resources with self-search on various platforms (e.g. Google Scholar).
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Searching and downloading online information resources to forward to students and staff.
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Limited telephonic or virtual assistance with the Citation tools (i.e. EndNote, Mendeley, etc.) when needed.
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Small group online/virtual information training sessions when essential/ possible (pre-arrangements to be made with relevant Faculty/Information Librarians).
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Limited possibility for availability of scanned chapters of specific books online for blended learning if arranged with relevant Faculty Librarian and other colleagues (i.e. Copyright office, or Bibliographic).
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Each campus has a designated area / pigeon hole / book chute available for the return of materials/books.
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Liaising and assisting students and staff with the return of library print materials/books (both Mandela and non-Mandela materials) to the campus if necessary.
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Ad hoc services for students/staff on request where possible.
Which sites can I be able to access without incurring data costs?
The following sites are zero rated:
• https://learn.mandela.ac.za
• https://Incoko.mandela.ac.za
• http://unitube.mandela.ac.za/
• https://wowza.l.nmmu.ac.za
• https://www.mandela.ac.za
• https://assessment.mandela.ac.za
• https://students.mandela.ac.za
• https://webservices.nmmu.ac.za
• https://itsweb.mandela.ac.za
• https://webapps.nmmu.ac.za
• https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za
MTN, Cell C and Telkom has confirmed implementation of the zero-rate service on all the above URLs . Vodacom has indicated that they will be making a public announcement once they have activated.
Where can online access problems be reported?
Who can I contact to attend to urgent ordering of e-books?
Who is the contact person for access to Theses and Dissertations (Institutional Repository):
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: FAQs
How will international students receive support?
During the week of 20 April 2020, the International Office will conduct a survey with all international students asking them to provide the office with different types of information including their internet connectivity and access to devices. This survey will give us a sense of the number of students who are having trouble to continue their studies and the nature of their struggles. It will also enable us to have a sense of the whereabouts of those students that live in private accommodation around PE, produce a conclusive number of students that have returned to their home countries and the extent to which they are able to participate in any of the pathways. All students are encouraged to update their contact details through the NMU website.
Will international students be able to sit for exams at partner universities abroad?
According to university policy and as stipulated on page 223 of the 2020 General Prospectus, an undergraduate study abroad student or a local student who officially participates in a study abroad programme, who qualifies for a re-examination, special examination or extraordinary examination in a module, but is unable to write such examination at the University due to being abroad at the time of the examination, may apply to sit for the examination at any of the University’s Partner Universities abroad or any other university abroad as determined by the relevant committee, at its discretion.
Any such application must be submitted on the prescribed application form to the International Office at least five (5) working days before the commencement of the re-examination/special examination period.
Will I be able to access library site off campus?
Yes, accessible on this link
https://library.mandela.ac.za/
Will I be able to access online databases off campus?
Databases are accessible on this link and listed in alphabetical order.
https://library.mandela.ac.za/Information-resources/Databases
How do I create a library pin for off-campus access?
Click on this link and follow the steps
https://library.mandela.ac.za/General-Information/How-to-login-from-off-campus
Is it possible to renew my books during lockdown?
YES, you can renew online or email Cikizwa.Mlahleki@mandela.ac.za
On the library site click on page 20 of the library guide OR follow the steps below
Classic Catalogue accessible on this link http://opac.seals.ac.za/search~S12?id=28
Will there be a fine if my books are late?
No, provided they were due back in the first term of 2020.
How many items can I borrow?
Depending year of study, see on the library site and click on LIS guide page 26.
https://library.mandela.ac.za/
How do I access Tutorials/Guides to Electronic Information Resources off campus?
Click on “Library on i-Learn” under Useful Links
https://library.mandela.ac.za/General-Information/How-to-login-from-off-campus
CONTACT DETAILS OF STAFF DURING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN PERIOD
Bibliographic Services Queries
Circulation Services Queries
Information Service Queries
Library Systems Queries