DUT Library Video

Welcome to DUT's libraries. In this video, we'll introduce you to the services offered by the library that will help you succeed in your studies and in your personal and professional life. DUT has six libraries across its six campuses, which serve the faculties and departments housed at each campus. The operating hours at each library may vary, but they offer the same services. Your student card doubles as your library card, giving you access to all the library facilities across all the campuses. The library houses a wide variety of resources, from books, journals and daily newspapers, to CDs and DVDs. We also have subscriptions to a core selection of online resources and databases, including over half a million e-books and e-periodicals. All of these resources support the teaching, learning and research done at DUT. Much of our collection is now available online and can be searched using the library's Discovery System. This system allows you to access content from anywhere on campus, from home and even via your smartphone. You can also browse and search the computerised library catalogue on one of the many online public access terminals around the library, or you can ask a subject librarian for help. Each faculty or site has one or more subject librarians assigned to it. The subject librarians ensure that the library's resources are relevant to the academic department's needs and are used effectively to support teaching and research. Subject librarians are also responsible for training students in library usage and helping you to find relevant information for your projects, assignments and other academic activities. They are always happy to help you find whatever you need. The circulation desk is where you take items to borrow from the library. The loan period depends on the item. You can also return borrowed items to the circulation desk, or if the library is closed, you can use the book drop facility to return items. The circulation desk doubles as an information desk and the staff are happy to help you with any questions or problems. The library has copies of all prescribed textbooks which, along with other items in high demand, are housed in the short loan section located at the circulation desk. Items on short loan can only be used for two hours at a time and only in the library. This ensures that they remain accessible to all students who need them. All our libraries have photocopying, printing and scanning facilities. To use these facilities, you simply load credit onto your student card at one of our top-up machines, then use your card at the photocopier or printer. The libraries have computer facilities that can be used for study purposes. These computers come equipped with all the applications that you may need already installed. All DUT libraries are Wi-Fi enabled. There are also dedicated laptop areas with power plugs and comfortable seating where you can use your own personal devices. If you need a laptop to use in the library, we have laptops available to loan to students. The B.M. Patel Library also has an iPad zone where you can interact with the latest apps and technology. Our on-site IT and tech support staff make sure that computer problems never get in the way of your learning. The library has comprehensive study facilities. You will find 24-7 access control study zones, bookable rooms for group work and discussion, individual study cubicles for silent study, social areas and dedicated postgraduate research commons. The research commons are quiet research spaces within the library only accessible to researchers and postgraduate students. If you need help and support with writing your assignments, the library houses writing centres with expert staff who are always happy to help. DUT prides itself on having a student-centred library service. Feel free to drop us a note either online or in one of the physical suggestion boxes to say how we can make your student experience better. For more information, visit the information desk or have a look at our website. The library website contains information about our operating times, allows access to electronic resources and tutorials, provides links to subject-specific resources and allows you to search our collection. You can find it at library.dut.ac.za