General Library Access
Q: Where is the University of Botswana Library located?
A: The University of Botswana Library’s main campus library is located in Gaborone. The Library also has branches at the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) in Francistown and the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) in Maun. See our Get in Touch section at the bottom of the website for location and contact details.
Q: Who can use the UB Library?
A: Current University of Botswana students, academic staff, researchers, and authorized users may access the Library’s physical and electronic resources.
Q: What are the Library opening hours?
A: Library opening hours may vary during semesters, examinations, and holidays. Please check the UB Library website or contact the Library for updated hours.
Electronic Resources & OpenAthens
Q: How do I access electronic resources off-campus?
A: UB Library uses OpenAthens for remote access to electronic resources such as eBooks, journals, and databases. Sign in using your University of Botswana library credentials.
Q: What is OpenAthens?
A: OpenAthens is a secure single sign-on system that allows UB students and staff to access subscribed library resources both on and off campus using one login.
Q: How do I activate my OpenAthens account?
A: An activation link is usually sent to your University email account by the Systems Librarian. Follow the instructions in the email to activate and set your password.
Q: I forgot my OpenAthens password. What should I do?
A: Use the “Forgot Password” or “Problems signing in?” option on the OpenAthens login page, or contact the Library Systems team for assistance.
Q: Can I access library databases on my phone or tablet?
A: Yes. OpenAthens supports access from mobile devices, tablets, and computers.
EDS (EBSCO Discovery Service)
Q: What is EDS?
A: EDS (EBSCO Discovery Service) is the Library’s discovery platform that allows you to search books, journal articles, eBooks, theses, and other resources from one search interface.
Q: Why should I use EDS instead of Google?
A: EDS searches UB Library’s subscribed academic resources, giving you access to reliable scholarly materials that may not be freely available through Google.
Q: Do I need to log in before using EDS?
A: You can search without logging in, but signing in through OpenAthens ensures you can access full-text resources available through the University subscriptions.
Q: Why can’t I access the full text of an article?
A: Some articles may not be included in UB Library subscriptions. You can request assistance from your Subject Librarian or use the Inter-Library Loan (ILL) service.
Locate (Library Catalogue)
Q: What is Locate?
A: Locate is the University of Botswana Library catalogue used to search for books, journals, multimedia resources, and other materials available in the Library collections.
Q: How do I find a book using Locate?
A: Search by title, author, keyword, or subject. The results will show the call number and availability status of the item.
Q: What does a call number mean?
A: A call number indicates the exact shelf location of a book or resource within the Library.
Q: Can I renew borrowed books online?
A: Yes. Eligible materials can usually be renewed online through your library account unless another user has requested the item.
LibGuides & Research Support
Q: What are LibGuides?
A: LibGuides are online subject and course guides created by UB librarians to help students and researchers find relevant databases, journals, books, and research materials.
Q: Where can I access UB LibGuides?
A: UB LibGuides are available online and provide access to subject-specific research support, tutorials, and recommended resources.
Q: Can I get help with referencing and citations?
A: Yes. Subject Librarians provide training and support on referencing styles, citation management tools, database searching, and research skills.
Q: Can I book a research consultation with a librarian?
A: Yes. Students and researchers can book appointments with Subject Librarians for research assistance and database support.
Borrowing & Library Services
Q: How many books can I borrow?
A: Borrowing limits depend on your user category (undergraduate, postgraduate, or staff). Contact the Circulation Desk for current borrowing policies.
Q: Does the Library offer printing and photocopying services?
A: Yes. Printing and photocopying services are available within the Library.
Q: Does the Library provide study spaces?
A: Yes. The Library offers seminar rooms, study carrels, Learning Commons spaces, and an all-night study area.
Q: Does the Library support students with disabilities?
A: Yes. The Library provides inclusive services and assistive technologies such as reading cameras and braille printers.
Q: Can the Library help me get materials not available at UB?
A: Yes. The Inter-Library Loan (ILL) service helps obtain materials from partner libraries worldwide.
Technical Support
Q: I am unable to log in to a database. What should I do?
A: Ensure you are using your University credentials through OpenAthens. If the issue persists, clear your browser cache or contact the Library Systems team.
Q: Which browser works best with Library resources?
A: The latest versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari are recommended for the best experience.
Q: Who do I contact for Library assistance?
A: Contact the UB Library help desk or your Subject Librarian for assistance with access, databases, referencing, or research support.