Facilities | Library and Information Systems

Photocopying and Printing

The library provides photocopying/printing facilities, which are located on different floors or sections. The charges are as follows:

A4 size = 50 cents & A3 size = R1.00

The University uses a card-operated system that allows for loading of copying units/money into your student card. Loading money into the card is done on the recharging machines located at Finance.

Group discussion rooms

There are nine group discussion rooms available for group work. Group discussions are reserved for academic work only. A minimum of four users and a maximum of twelve, depending on the room, can make use of these rooms.

Private study cubicles

The Library has 40 private study rooms, located between the 1st and 3rd floors of the Main Campus Library. Private study rooms, for academic purposes only, accommodate one person, while other rooms can be used by a maximum of two users at a time.

Bookings: 1st floor, Media Centre counter

Media Centre

The Media Centre is located on the 1st floor of the Main Campus Library building. There are more than 2000 titles in various formats (DVD, VHS, and Audio, etc) all supporting various subjects taught at the University. Individual viewing facilities are available in the section via provided PCs or television monitors. Group viewing is also possible, but the viewing room must be booked in advance. All items are searchable via the Library Catalogue. Headphones are provided with the item to users.

Location: 1st floor, next to Digitisation Copyright Office

Telephone: 016-950 9656

Knowledge Commons

This is a high-level research space for University Research staff, Masters and Doctoral students that provides an environment conducive to research work. It is a one- stop-shop for most facilities required by researchers, including access to electronic learning and research resources and other software used by researchers. It offers services which directly support the research endeavours of Postgraduate students and researchers. Its opening hours are the same as that of the Library.

Location : 4th floor, Main Campus Library, Telephone: 016-950 9066.

Diploma Learning Commons

The Library also has a ‘drop-in’ lab for Diploma students to use for research via the Internet, called “Learning Commons”. All PCs in the room are connected to printing/copying machines. Users can access the Internet, printing, indexes to journals, library catalogue, full text online databases and other online resources for research. You need your student card to gain access to the lab. The business hours are the same as that of the Library.

Location : 1st floor, Main Campus Library, Right Wing

B-Tech Research Room

This is a dedicated place for B-Tech students to do research via the Internet in the Library. B-Tech students can access an extensive range of electronic resources, including the online catalogue (OPAC), databases and electronic journals. Users can work on assignments and projects, do research on the Internet, and use the printing and copying facilities provided. The business hours are the same as that of the Library.

Location : 4th floor, Main Campus Library

General Study Areas

All VUT libraries have additional study areas for use by students during business hours. At Main Campus, these are located on the ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the Library. These areas are designated for students to use for individual work. Group discussions are not permitted.

Two 24-hour study rooms are available for those who need to work and study after the Library’s closing hours. These are accessible from the 1st floor of block M (behind Library block), and students can walk in and use them for studying without any restrictions.