Library Policies & Rules

1. Membership

The Library is accessible to the following categories of users: registered students, members of the full-time and part-time academic staff, and members of the administrative and support staff of the University of Venda.

Community members and external users may be granted access at the discretion of the University Librarian subject to applicable fees and conditions.

2. Admission

A valid UNIVEN student or staff card must be presented at the entrance. Users may not lend their cards to others. Visitors must sign in at the entrance and wear a visitor's tag at all times.

3. Conduct

• Silence must be maintained in designated quiet study areas.
• Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode inside the library.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the library (sealed water bottles excluded).
• Users are expected to treat library staff and other users with respect at all times.
• Any form of vandalism, theft, or misuse of library resources will be reported to university authorities.
• Users must not rearrange furniture without permission.

4. Borrowing

• Undergraduate students may borrow up to 5 items for 14 days.
• Postgraduate students and staff may borrow up to 10 items for 30 days.
• Items may be renewed online, by telephone, or in person, unless they have been reserved by another user.
• Reference materials, reserved items, and periodicals may not be borrowed.
• Overdue fines apply per item per day after the due date.

5. Computer & Internet Use

Library computers are provided for academic and research purposes only. Users must book computers in advance via the online booking system. Recreational browsing, downloading of non-academic material, and streaming of audio/video content unrelated to study is not permitted.

6. Venue Bookings

Library seminar rooms and group study spaces may be booked for academic purposes. Bookings must be made in advance and groups are expected to vacate the venue on time.

7. Library PIN

A Library PIN is required to access your library account, renew items, and access certain services. Create or reset your PIN at any time via the self-service portal.

8. Off-Campus & Database Access

Most electronic resources use Office 365 SAML authentication — log in with your UNIVEN Microsoft 365 credentials to access resources from off campus. For assistance, see the Authentication & Library Account FAQs.

9. Disciplinary Action

Violation of library rules may result in suspension of library privileges, referral to university disciplinary structures, and/or prosecution under applicable law. The Library reserves the right to deny access to any user who fails to comply with these rules.