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Access and Membership

  • UCT Council Members

    How to Join

    • Complete a Library Subscriber's Application Form and bring it to the Loans Desk on the Main Level of the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library.

    • The library staff will enter your details in the Third Party System and provide you with a Third Party number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle). The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday. Here you will be issued with your Library Subscriber Card.
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books and journals, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost Subscriber Card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus).Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 30 items 
      Loan period (books): 90 days (renewable once)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (journals) : 6 bound journals 
      Loan period (journals): 3 days (not renewable)

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: Yes
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes
    • Short Loans: Yes
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: This facility is reserved for specified primary members of UCT Libraries, viz. emeritus professors, current academic staff, postdoctoral research fellows, and postgraduate students at masters or doctoral level. (Honorary staff and research associates may not use the Research Commons.

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

     

  • UCT Staff Category
    • Current UCT permanent staff members
    • Current UCT contract staff members
    • UCT Postdoctoral Research Fellows
    • Emeritus professors

    How to join

    • Permanent UCT staff members: You need to be registered as a member of the Libraries. Bring your staff card to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the system.
    • Your staff card is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books and journals, and make photocopies.
    • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for materials issued on it.
    • Lost staff card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone: (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Contract staff: Please bring your letter of appointment and your staff card to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the system.
    • Postdoctoral Research Fellows: Please bring your UCT card and documentation confirming your Fellowship to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the system.
    • Emeritus professors: Please bring your UCT retiree's card to the Loans Desk so that your record can be updated accordingly.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 30 items
      Loan period (books): 90 days (renewable once)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (journals) : 6 bound journals 
      Loan period (journals): 3 days (not renewable)

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: Yes
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes
    • Short Loans: Yes
    • Knowledge Commons: Yes
    • Research Commons: Yes

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • UCT Postgraduate Students

    How to join

    • As a UCT student, you are automatically registered as a member of the Libraries.
    • Your student card is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books and journals, and make photocopies or computer printouts.
    • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for materials issued on it.
    • Lost student card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 12 items 
      Loan period (books): 35 days (renewable three times)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (journals) : 6 bound journals 
      Loan period (journals): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (Short Loan items) : 3 items 
      Loan period : 3 hours or 1 hour during the day, depending on the status of the item
      Overnight loans: from 15h00 to 09h30 the following morning
      Weekend loans: from 15h00 on Friday to 09h30 on the following Monday morning

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: Yes
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes
    • Short Loans: Yes
    • Research Commons: Yes, for postgraduate students at masters or doctoral level.

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: none

  • UCT Undergraduate Students

    How to join

    • As a registered UCT student, you are automatically registered as a member of the Libraries.
    • Your student card is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies or printouts.
    • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for materials issued on it.
    • Lost student card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone: (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 6 items
      Loan period (books): 7 days (renewable three times)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
      Journals may not be borrowed.

    • Borrowing quota (Short Loan items) : 3 items 
      Loan period : 3 hours or 1 hour during the day, depending on the status of the item
      Overnight loans: from 15h00 to 09h30 the following morning
      Weekend loans: from 15h00 on Friday to 09h30 on the following Monday morning

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed.The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: Yes
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes
    • Short Loans: Yes
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Retired UCT Staff

    How to join

    • Fill in a Library Subscriber's Application Form, and take it, together with your UCT retiree's card, to the Loans Desk on the main level of the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library.
    • The library staff will provide you with a library subscriber number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Library Subscriber Card.
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost Subscriber Card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone: (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 12 items
             Loan period (books): 35 days (renewable three times)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (journals) : 6 bound journals 
      Loan period (journals): 3 days (not renewable)

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes (on request when joining the Libraries)
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • UCT Alumni (Graduated)

    Alumni who have graduated from the University of Cape Town may apply to UCT Libraries for a subscription lasting 6 months or a year. The subscription is granted for research purposes only, and is subject to approval.

    How to join

    • For  graduates who wish to borrow material or use physical Library spaces, they need  to apply to UCT Libraries for a subscription lasting 6 months or 1 year.
    • Complete the online Alumni Membership Application form.
    • You will be informed of the outcome of the application within 7 days, after which you can make an EFT payment for your subscription fees.
    • The library staff will provide you with a library subscriber number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday
    • Here, you will be issued with your Library Subscriber Card.
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost Subscriber Card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone: (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Bring your Subscriber's Card to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota : 6 books may be borrowed at a time. 
      Loan period: 7 days (not renewable)
    • Please note that access extends only to the print collection. Formats such as videos, DVDs, music CDs, and LPs may not be borrowed.

     

    Access to Facilities

    Alumni have access to certain database resources. Unfortunately, the services and/or spaces listed below are for current staff and students of UCT:

    • Electronic resources
    • Interlibrary Loans
    • Short Loans
    • Research Commons
    • Knowledge Commons

     

    Fees

    • R1000.00 for a year.
    • R500.00 for 6 months.

  • CHELiN Members (UCT, SUN, CPUT & UWC staff and students)

    All registered staff and students, excluding short-course students, of the Universities of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch (SU) and the Western Cape (UWC) and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) are considered Cape Higher Education Library Network (CHELiN) members and may access the CHELiN libraries free of charge to use the materials within the libraries.

    Access to CHELiN libraries is by means of staff or student card, although specific institutions may issue additional library access cards where access is controlled electronically.

    CPUT

    All CPUT libraries are accessible to CHELiN members free of charge subject to positive identification with a valid identification document (photo identification is essential).

    SU

    All SU libraries are accessible to CHELiN members free of charge subject to positive identification with a valid identification document (photo identification is essential).

    UCT

    • At UCT, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library and the Health Sciences Library are accessible to all CHELiN members.
    • UCT’s Law Library may only be accessed by staff, LLM and doctoral students from CHELiN institutions.
    • During examination periods; 2 weeks prior to mid-term exams; and 3 weeks prior to end-of-term exams.
    • NO ACCESS for students not registered at UCT, except for formal CHELiN borrowers.

    UWC

    • Mid and final year examination periods.
    • 2 weeks prior to the start of the Examinations, except for formal CHELiN borrowers.
    • NO ACCESS for students not registered at UWC.

    Visit the CHELiN website more for information

  • CHELSA Members

    Staff, doctoral, and masters students from institutions covered by the Committee of Higher Education Libraries of South Africa (CHELSA) Memorandum of Understanding.

    How to join

    • Get an official CHELSA letter of introduction from your own University library.
    • The letter should :
      • confirm that you are a bona fide staff member, masters, or doctoral student of the institution;
      • state the purpose of your visit, your field of study, and why you need to use UCT Libraries;
      • state the period of time for which you will need access to the Libraries.
    • Bring the letter of introduction to the Loans Desk in the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library. In addition to the letter, you will be required to produce your staff or student card and your ID, passport, or driver's licence.
    • At the Loans Desk, you will be asked to complete a Library Subscriber's Application Form
    • The library staff will provide you with a library subscriber number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Library Subscriber Card.
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost Subscriber Card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the library immediately: telephone: (021) 650 3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • Borrowing quota : 4 books 
      Loan period: 7 days (not renewable)
      Journals, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and LPs may not be borrowed.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes, at current South African Interlending Scheme rates, provided that the user's home institution is outside the Western Cape. A copy of your letter of introduction from your home institution must be produced.
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • External Examiners

    How to join

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete an online Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable.
      • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Bring your card to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    No borrowing privileges.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Extramural Lecturers

    How to join

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete an online Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00 -16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Fill in a Letter of Introduction to UCT Libraries. This must be signed by the Head of the Department you are working with at UCT.
    • Bring your card and Letter of Introduction to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    Library materials may only be borrowed if your host Department has signed surety for them in your letter of introduction.

    • Borrowing quota : 4 books 
      Loan period: 7 days (renewable once)
      Journals, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and LPs may not be borrowed.

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Prospective Masters and PhD students

    Prospective Masters and PhD students who have not yet registered to study at UCT.

    How to join

    Note: Library membership will be granted for a period of 3 months. If you have not registered as a UCT student after 3 months, you may apply for a renewal of library membership for a further 3 months. Thereafter library privileges will cease.

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete an online Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle). The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the guest register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Fill in a Letter of Introduction to UCT Libraries.This must be signed by the Head of the Department you are intending to register with at UCT.
    • Bring your card and Letter of Introduction to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    Library materials may only be borrowed if your host Department has signed surety for them in your letter of introduction.

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 12 items 
      Loan period (books): 35 days (renewable three times)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (journals) : 6 bound journals 
      Loan period (journals): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (Short Loan items) : 3 items 
      Loan period : 3 hours or 1 hour during the day, depending on the status of the item
      Overnight loans: from 15h00 to 09h30 the following morning
      Weekend loans: from 15h00 on Friday to 09h30 on the following Monday morning

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: Yes
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes (photocopies only)
    • Short Loans: Yes
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • UCT-affiliated Research Institute Members

    For example members of the following institutions:

    • Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
    • Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
    • iThemba Labs (formerly National Accelerator Centre (NAC))
    • South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
    • SA Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)

    If you wish to query if your institution qualifies please contact Niel Mostert.

    How to join

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete an online Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Fill in a Letter of Introduction to UCT Libraries.This must be signed by the Head of the Department you are working with at UCT.
    • Bring your card and Letter of Introduction to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    Library materials may only be borrowed if your host Department has signed surety for them in your letter of introduction.

    • Borrowing quota : 12 books 
      Loan period (books): 35 days (renewable once)
      Journals, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and LPs may not be borrowed.

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Supernumerary Registrars

    Supernumerary Registrars are self-funded individuals not paid by the province who work at one of the primary teaching hospitals, i.e. Groote Schuur, Red Cross, Mowbray Maternity, Valkenberg, Lentegeur, Hanover Park and Manenberg hospitals. 

    Access to the Health Sciences Library and Institute of Child Health Library differs from the main UCT Libraries. 

    How to join

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete an online Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Ring Road).The Office is open 08h00 -16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
    • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R60.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Ring Road), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00 -16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Fill in a Lib91 (Application for visiting staff and academics). This must be signed by the Head of the Department you are working with at UCT.
    • Bring your card and Letter of Introduction to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    Library materials may only be borrowed if your host Department has signed surety for them in your letter of introduction.

    • Borrowing quota: 4 Books 
      Loan period (books): 14 Days (renewable twice)
      Journals, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and LPs may not be borrowed.

    Please note Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Western Cape Government Staff

    Western Cape Government (WCG) staff are Provincial staff members working at Primary Teaching Hospitals, i.e. Groote Schuur Hospital, Red Cross, Somerset, Valkenberg, Victoria Hospital, GF Jooste Hospital, Mowbray Maternity and Lentegeur Hospital. WCG staff may only use the Health Sciences and Institute for Child Health Libraries. 

    Staff Categories include

    • Community Service Doctors
    • Dieticians
    • Interns
    • Medical House Officers
    • Nurses [excluding those employed by agencies]
    • Occupational Therapists
    • Pharmacists
    • Physiotherapists
    • Radiographers [Qualified]
    • Senior Medical House Officers
    • Speech Therapists
    • Student Perfusionists [GSH]
    • Student Technologists

    How to join

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete an online Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Ring Road).The Office is open 08h00 -16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books, and make photocopies.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for books issued on it.
      • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R60.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Ring Road), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00 -16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Fill in a WCG Staff Application Form.This must be signed by the Medical Superindendent and counter-signed by the Health Sciences Library manager.
    • Bring your card and WCG Staff Application Form to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privlieges

    Borrowing quota: 4 books 
    Loan period : 7 days (renewable once)
    Journals, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and LPs may not be borrowed.

    Please note Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Visiting Academics

    • Visiting lecturers

    • Visiting academics/researchers and students working with a UCT Department

    Academics and postgraduate students from international academic institutions who are visiting Cape Town (but not officially visiting a UCT Department), please visit the category for Visiting Researchers.

    Bona fide researchers visiting to consult specialist research collections, please visit the category for Day Visitors.

    How to join

    • Ask the Department you are visiting to complete a Third Party card application form on your behalf.
    • You will be provided with a Third Party ID number.
    • Take this number to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle).The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Here, you will be issued with your Third Party ID card:
      • This is a multipurpose card which you can use to access the Libraries, take out books and journals, and make photocopies.
      • You will be required to present your card at Library Reception and sign the Guest Register whenever you enter the Library.
      • Your card is not transferable and you are responsible for materials issued on it.
      • Lost card: If you lose your card, please report the loss to the Library immediately: telephone: (021) 650-3118/3120/3134. You can replace your card for a fee of R120.00, to be paid at the Cashier's office in the Kramer Law Building (Middle Campus). Take your receipt to the Access Control Administration Office on the Ground Floor, Marine Geoscience Building (off Madiba Circle), to get your new card. The Office is open 08h00-16h00, Monday to Friday.
    • Fill in a Letter of Introduction to UCT Libraries.  This must be signed by the Head of the Department you are visiting at UCT.
    • Bring your card and your letter of introduction to the Loans Desk and we will register you on the Library system.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    Library materials may only be borrowed if your host Department has signed surety for them in your letter of introduction.

    • Borrowing quota (books, videos, CDs, DVDs) : 30 items 
      Loan period (books): 90 days (renewable once)
      Loan period (videos, CDs, DVDs): 3 days (not renewable)
       
    • Borrowing quota (journals) : 6 bound journals 
      Loan period (journals): 3 days (not renewable)

    Note: Materials that have been requested by another borrower will not be renewed. The Libraries may shorten the loan period of an item that has been requested by another borrower.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: Yes
    • Interlibrary Loans: Yes
    • Short Loans: Yes
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No

     

    Fees

    Fees payable: None

  • Visiting Researchers

    • Academics and postgraduate students from international academic institutions who are visiting Cape Town, but not officially visiting a UCT Department.

    Visiting lecturers, researchers, and students attached to a UCT Department, please visit the category for Visiting Academics.  

    Bona fide researchers visiting to consult specialist research collections, please visit the category for Day Visitors.

    Access

    • Academics and postgraduate students from overseas academic institutions may have access but no borrowing privileges.
    • You will need to produce a Letter of Introduction (on a formal letterhead) from your home institution. The letter should:
      • confirm that you are a bona fide staff member or postgraduate student of the institution;
      • state the purpose of your visit, your field of study, and why you need to use UCT Libraries;
      • state the period of time for which you will need access to the Libraries.
    • You will be required to sign the Guest Register and present your ID document (with photograph) at Library Reception whenever you visit the Library

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    No borrowing privileges.

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No
    • A Visitor's photocopy card can be purchased from the Document Centre for R25.00 (which is not refundable). You will then need to add credit to the card in order to make photocopies. This can be done in the Document Centre or at the vending machines in the Library.

    Fees

    Fees are charged according to the length of your visit, and are not refundable if your visit is cut short.

    • 0 - 3 weeks visit: No fees
    • 3 weeks to 3 months: R500
    • 3 to 6 months: R1000
    • 6 to 9 months: R1500
    • 9 to 12 months: R2000

     

  • Day Visitors

    • Members of the public who wish to use the University Libraries* on a once-off basis, or for a few visits.
    • Bona fide researchers visiting to consult specialist research collections

    Note : The following libraries have restricted access

    • Health Sciences Library: Only bona fide members of the health profession.
    • Brand van Zyl Law Library: Only bona fide members of the legal profession and judges.

    Access

    Members of the public:

    • Members of the public who wish to use the University Libraries on a once-off basis or for a few visits, may do so at the cost of R60.00 per day.
    • This entrance fee allows you access only to the Library at which you paid.
    • You will be required to sign the Guest Register and present your ID document (with photograph) at Library Reception whenever you visit the Library.
    • You may use the Library's print materials and may have limited staff assistance.
    • Day visitors may not use the Library as a study venue.

    Researchers visiting to consult specialist research collections:

    • Bona fide researchers wishing to consult specialist research collections such as the African Studies Collection, Government Publications, Rare Books & Special Collections, and Manuscripts & Archives, may do so free of charge by arrangement with the head of the relevant section of the Libraries. See Library Contacts for contact information.

     

    Borrowing Privileges

    • No borrowing privileges

     

    Access to Facilities

    • Electronic resources: No
    • Interlibrary Loans: No
    • Short Loans: No
    • Knowledge Commons: No
    • Research Commons: No
    • A Visitor's photocopy card can be purchased from the Document Centre R25.00 (which is not refundable). You will then need to add credit to the card in order to make photocopies. This can be done in the Document Centre or at the vending machines in the Library.

     

    Fees

    • Members of the public: R 60.00 per day
    • Bona fide researchers visiting specialist areas: None

 

We regret that we are unable to admit school learners, students from private educational institutions, or undergraduates from other tertiary institutions, including distance-learning institutions.

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