New Protocols

New health and safety protocols to limit numbers of library users, time spent in facilities and in ensuring physical distancing, in addition to strict screening processes on entering the buildings, will be in place.

In addition, there will be limited access to certain areas, while others will be closed altogether. Special equipment in place to sanitise library materials in adherence to COVID-19 health and safety regulations and student assistants will be in attendance to ensure all new processes and protocols are followed.

You are encouraged where possible, however, to continue to use the virutal library, open 24/7. Go to the Library and Information Services website for a full list of virtual links to the many services offered).

New Processes

Library Booking System

A new library booking system is being developed further to improve on the above system which will allow better management of library visits and enable students to plan ahead, thereby avoiding possible queues and waiting time. Please use https://webapps.mandela.ac.za/library

Screening at Library Entrances

Each library will be equipped with a station at its entrance to ensure that everyone entering the premises is checked as per temperature screening protocols. All prospective library users should have their university identification cards, permits and COVID-19 online self-screening results available for sharing at the stations.

The new stations, developed by ICT Services, also monitor library occupancy levels, and keep a record of attendees for purposes of COVID-19 contact tracing, should such a need arise.

Student assistants and Protection Services staff will be at hand to monitor physical distancing at the stations and ensure that all COVID-19 health and safety protocols are observed within the libraries.

Short Visit Allowances

While numbers are limited at each library (see below), the new system does make allowance for staff and students to collect or deliver items or undertake other tasks that do not take long to complete e.g. quick printing.   

Numbers and Operating Hours

The new opening hours and limited number of users, inclusive of staff, is indicated for each library below:   

George Campus                               Mon - Fri 9H00 TO 15H00                           25

Missionvale Campus                       Mon - Fri 9H00 TO 15H00                           50

North Campus                                  Mon - Fri 9H00 TO 15H00                           50          

Second Avenue Campus                Mon - Fri 9H00 TO 15H00                           50

South Campus                                  Mon - Fri 9H00 TO 15H00                           50

Business School Campus               Tue & Thu 9H00 TO 15H00                         10

In addition, the limited on-site services include: 

• Browsing of shelves (treated on a campus-to-campus case basis). 

• Limited study spaces.
• Limited computer access

Please note the buzz rooms, study rooms and discussion rooms are closed.

Additional Information

For all additional Library and Information Services support such as borrowing of books, contact details of the different libraries, the return of books, inter-library loans, printing, photocopying and scanning, research assistance and training and virtual library links, please go the LIS website on https://library.mandela.ac.za/

There is an option to place holds/ reserve material online, users will then be notified by email when the reserved material is ready for pickup. NB, this does not apply to short loan and study collection material.

Patience and Understanding

As with any new system, there may be initial teething problems. Please bear with us as we address these challenges, as we consistently strive to improve our service to you in very trying circumstances.

We welcome all input to this end. Contact ZingisaniNokubonga.Makrwede@mandela.ac.za

Coronavirus Task Team
ICT and Library and Information Services Workstreams