Makerere University Library

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Question-1:
Answer:
Which books in the library are meant for borrowing?
There are two categories of loan services in the library (i.e. Short loans and Long loans). Under each category, books are borrowed differently.
Books borrowed for short loan sessions are those that are in closed access areas or cages. These are borrowed for a period of five hours and used only within the library. An ID is what is used for short loans.
Books borrowed for long loan sessions are those that are on the open shelves. These can be borrowed and used outside the library premises. A borrowers card is what is used for long loans.

Question-2:
Answer:
How many books can I check out or borrow?
The number of books checked out or borrowed depends on the category of library user. There are three categories of library users: Students, Staff and External users.
Students are allowed to check out a maximum of six books (from the open shelves) at any one time for a period of two weeks
Staff members are allowed to check out a maximum of six books at any one time for a period of one month
External users are allowed to check out a maximum of two books (from the open shelves) at any one time for a period of two weeks

Question-3:
Answer:
How do non-university members utilize the library?
Non-university members are categorised as external users in the library. They need to present an introductory letter from their parent organizations, then register with the library as external users. After registration, they are issued two borrowing cards.
Registration however, depends on how long an external user intends to use the library services.
Registration charges are as follows:
US $50 for a period of One Month
US $100 for a period of Three Months
US $150 for a period of Six Months
US $300 for a period of Twelve Months
Payments can be made in US Dollars or Uganda shillings equivalent.

External users can borrow books and use them within the library. However, when borrowing to use books outside the library premises, they are required to pay a refundable deposit fee of Ug. Shs. 50,000 per copy before it is loaned out.

Question-4:
Answer:
What services are offered to distance learning students in the library?
All students admitted to the university are expected to register with the library. So, as long as distance learning students are registered library users, they are allowed to use the library just like any other student. The only exception is that for long loans, they are allowed to borrow a maximum of two books for a period of one month.

Question-5:
Answer:
How can I find the book I want once I find the call number?
You need to know the locations in the library where the collections are kept. However, once you use the online catalogue as your search point, then the location of each item searched for is indicated. Otherwise, the locational symbols at the beginning of each call number in the manual catalogue is an indicator of the location of the item in the library.

Question-6:
Answer:
Where is the computer laboratory in the library?
There are currently three computer laboratories in the library. Two Labs on level III and one on level IV.
One of the two Labs located on level III is meant for the Visually Impaired/Blind students, located directly opposite the Main Entrance and next to the Information Desk. The second Lab is meant for undergraduate students and is located between the stairs and the Periodicals Workroom.
The third Lab is meant for graduate students and members of staff, located opposite the open shelves in Africana (Level IV).

Question-7:
Answer:
When does the computer laboratory close?
Time of closure in the computer laboratory is as follows:
Monday - Friday: 9.00 pm.
Saturday: 6.00 pm.
Sunday: 1.00 pm.

Question-8:
Answer:
Where do we find reference materials in the library?
Reference materials are in two locations: On level III on the open shelves (On the right after entering the library), and in IDA (Closed Access Cage).
The reference materials in IDA include: Dictionaries, Directories, Year books, Encyclopedias, Atlases & Maps, etc.

Question-9:
Answer:
Where are periodicals/serials located in the library and how are they accessed?
Periodicals and serials are located on level II in the periodicals closed access area (cage). Access to these materials is via a service window, i.e. users do not have direct access to the documents on the shelves.
They are therefore only served on presenting their requests. There is a compiled journal index that users consult to access the section holdings. However, with the online catalogue, these materials are accessed by specifying your search as either: a periodical, newspapers, etc. under the quick search option.