University of Zimbabwe Library Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page aims to answer most of the questions most frequently asked by newcomers to the U.Z. Library. The following are major items addressed:

Q: Its my first time here; how do I find out about using the Library? A: You have several options. Anyone new to campus should consider going on a library orientation tour. Browse the orientations tours page for details and times. For an online guide to getting started using the Library, check out the Fresher's Guide to the Library . If you are confused about the different catalogues and databases, their names, and which ones you should use, look at our list of Library Research Guides . For information about the Library via phone, call the Library Information Centre on 263-4-303211 extension 1170.   Q: I need help finding information on my topic. top What do I do? A: There are written instruction for using our catalogues, journal indexes, CD-ROMs , Digital Library facilities or other research tools. Please consult our online Library Research Guides and Library Orientation Guides. or the Library Information Centre. You are also free to consult our duty librarian at the Information Centre (phone 263-4-3-3211 Extension 1170) For personal research assistance or help finding materials or information at the Library, there are several resources available to you. Reference Service is available in the Information Centre on the ground floor of the Main Library and in all our branch libraries by phone through the Information Centre on 263-4-303211 Ext 1170. Priority is always given to in-person requests. Services and service hours vary from library to library, although most provide face-to-face and phone reference at specified times, as well as instruction in using research tools. For more information, check the Library Web for the individual Library Service Points of interest to you. The library also conducts free drop in Finding Books or Finding Journal Articles Workshops. Q: How does the Internet compare with using the Library to do research? top Can't I use it and instead of the Library. A: The Library (and libraries in general) and the Internet serve complementary functions. It is best you use them both. The Internet, the World Wide Web, and the many databases and full-texts available through the Internet have become rich information resources on many topics. For current or recent news, events, local information, government, business, and policy topics, and for many publications and text and image archives the Internet can be very valuable. However, it may not be easy to find the information you want on the Internet, nor to authenticate its source if you find it (anyone can "publish" via the Internet). If you are skilled at Internet searching, it is very often worth consulting the Internet on most topics. To learn more about Internet searching, you may consult our online tutorial or attend our free drop-in Internet/WWW workshops . Libraries are organized and standardized for access to information in ways the Internet is not. Libraries organize information in ways the Internet cannot yet do, which results in more reliable retrievals. Libraries preserve and provide access to many millions of documents that pre-date the Internet and will probably never be available online with their full texts and images. Access to journals, newspapers, books, and other published material is often easiest and most reliable by using reference research tools and libraries. Our reference staff can assist you in getting the most out of both the Library and the Internet. Q: Can I do my library research from my home or office? A: Yes, some of the Library research facilities like the Bibliographic Catalogue are available on the web and can be accessed from anywhere. Digital Library facilities are available from specific workstations. For more information, read about Remote Access to Library Catalogues & Internet Resources . Once online, you may also access the Library Web and the many resources available through it. Q: When do I have to come to the Library? A:A lot of searches like Catalogue Searches can be done from the office or home. However, to check out (browse) or check-in (return) a book, you have to come to the Library. CD-ROM database searches and printing services are only available within the libraries. A lot of services can be obtained by phone, but priority is generally given to in-person requests. For more information contact the Information Centre. Q: What are the mailing addresses and phone numbers of the libraries? A: Consult our Library mailing addresses , and Library phone numbers directories. Q: I'm not a U.Z. student or staff member. Can I use the Library? A: You need to register as an approved reader. This entitles you to read Library materials within the Library. Only U.Z. students and members of staff may take (borrow) materials out of the Library. Q: Are there photocopying services in the Library? A: Yes. There are companies which were subcontracted to run photocopying services in the Main Library and its branches. For more information contact the Library Information Centre. Q: When I try to use certain U.Z. Digital Library services I am asked for a password. How do I get a password? A: Access to Digital Library facilities is available from specific workstations and authentication is by PC workstation address. From these workstations you don't need to supply a password, connection is automatic. Q: Can I use a laptop computer in the libraries? A: Yes! You are welcome to use the electrical outlets that are located through the Library for stand-alone (word processing, etc) laptop use provided you agree to abide by University I.T. Policies. Laptop IP Service (LIPS) will be made available in the Main Library Stacks. LIPS is a drop-in laptop service that uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to provide dynamic assignment network ports. Only U.Z. students and staff are eligible to use the service. U.Z. students and staff can sign up for LIPS via a Web registration page . For more information about the service and how to sign up for the pilot, go to the LIPS Web site .

To submit questions or comments not addressed here, please visit our Suggestions Form . Click on any underscored link below to get more information on a topic