There are two easy ways to request items from the Library: the first is to search the Library Catalogue for the book or journal article you require - this search could be by title or author (or both) or keyword. Or use the Search Options dropdown to select another search, for example the ISBN search.
Once you have found the item within the catalogue, the Request option (next to the red tick mark) appears on the full bibliographic description screen which also displays the Location, Call Number and Status information of the item.
Click on the Request link, enter any instructions you may have and click on Submit. You might be asked to confirm the request if the Library has multiple copies of the same title.
You could also use the Encore Quick Search, type the words (any words, just like Google) of your search and click the round arrow button or press Enter. Each title result has a 'Request It' link. Click the link and click Submit in the pop-up box to place the Hold on the item.
The Library staff process these requests every day and the items will be posted to the address you supplied at registration as soon as possible, unless you indicated otherwise in ‘Instructions to the Library’. Please make provision for possible delays in the postal system.
Type the title or keyword you want to find. For example:
| Wildcards |
Words may be right-hand truncated using an asterisk ('*') in place of other characters. The '*' wildcard may also be embedded in a search string. You may use '?' to replace a single character anywhere within a word. Examples : environment* polic*, wom?n |
|---|---|
| Boolean Operators |
Use "and" or "or" to specify multiple words in any field, any order. Use "and not" to exclude words. Example : stocks and bonds Example : (alaska or canada) and (adventure and not vacation) |
| Field limits | A field limit causes the system to search only the specified field for the specified word(s). |
| Grouping | Keyword search results are usually grouped by relevance to bring the most likely titles to the top of the list. Each group represents a similar level of relevance and results are sorted within the group by date or title. To get an ungrouped result set, use boolean operators to form a complex query. |
When searching multiple words the system will automatically supply the Boolean "and" operator between each word; multiple words entered for the search will all occur somewhere in the retrieved records though not necessarily in the order entered. Both examples on the right will retrieve the same results.
Using multiple words:
university science department
university and science and department
Search for complete phrases by enclosing them in quotation marks. Words enclosed in double quotes will appear together in all results exactly as typed.
A phrase Search:
"university science department"
* Matches any number of non-space characters, starting at the specified position in the word. For example, "comput*" will match all words that begin with "comput" (e.g., "computer", "computation", etc.).
The '*' wildcard may also be embedded in a search string.
? You may use a question mark ('?') to replace a single character anywhere within a word.
Use AND or OR to specify multiple words in any field, any order. Use AND NOT to exclude words. Select the operator you wish to use from the selection list on the Advanced Search form.
Using Boolean operators:
stocks and bonds
stocks or bonds
stocks and not bonds
Field limits may be specified by selecting a field limit from the selection list. These limits appear before the word or phrase to be searched. A field limit causes the system to search only the specified field for the specified word(s).
Keyword search results are usually grouped by relevance to bring the most likely titles to the top of the list. Each group represents a similar level of relevance and results are sorted within the group by date or title. To get an ungrouped result set, use boolean operators to form a complex query.
Most relevant Most relevant titles
Highly relevant Highly relevant titles
Very relevant Very relevant titles
Relevant Relevant titles
Other relevant Other relevant titles
If you have a favourite author or subject that you often search for in the catalogue, you can save the search with the click of a button. This will prevent your having to type in the search each time and let you place requests on new materials sooner.
How to save your search:
Library users may renew their own materials online. All material may be renewed except for materials with holds or on short-loan.
How to:
The Events Booking System (EBS) allows users to view and register for events and training sessions offered by the Library. Search for the events available in the Library by using the keyword search - the results will appear at the top of the list. Click on the "Register" link to book for the event. Users may retrieve these events in either a calendar or browse view.
Encore Quick Search is a new easy-search interface to help staff and students quickly discover the resources of the Library and find research information. Encore Quick Search has a single "Google-like" search box – there is no need to select an index before you start. Results can be refined by using the facets in the panel on the left.
You need a PIN to be able to use Unisa Library’s self-checkout machines at each branch and also to view your record and submit requests on the AirPAC. The PIN can only be created on the Library Catalogue page, under Library Links, where you need to click the link to "Library PIN Login".