The library collection is comprised of printed and electronic information resources accessible through the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). The use of information resources under each collection may differ depending on the type of materials and users’ demand.
Open Shelf Collection
This is the biggest collection in all library branches and items in this collection can be borrowed out to users. Borrowing privilege differs between undergraduate and postgraduate students, academic and administrative staff, researchers, and other users from various institutions.
Short Loan Collection
The Short Loan contains information resources that are high in demand but limited in supply such as prescribed books and lecture notes. It also contains other fragile materials such as DVDs and videos. Only two items from this collection can be loaned out for a period of four hours at a time. A fine of N$1.00 per item per hour or part of an hour will be imposed if the loan period is exceeded. Books can be issued for overnight but only two hours before the library closes. These books must be returned the following morning before 09:00 am. Ask library staff to direct you and provide further assistance.
Reference Collection
Library items in this collection are for use within the library and cannot be borrowed out. Items comprises of dictionaries, atlases, encyclopedias, and other reference books. Reference sources are selected to cover a wide range of subject fields. Print reference works are used in-house only. Online reference works are accessible on the library’s e-resources page: https://www.unam.edu.na/library-resources.
Audio Visual Collection
The library has a collection of audio-visual (short documentaries, DVDs, scientific materials) and these materials are loaned out for 2 weeks. Users can consult circulation desk for assistance.
Special Collection
Also known as the Namibiana, with the mandate to collect, preserve and provide access to diverse disciplines published about Namibia including rare books or documents that are either irreplaceable or valuable.
The collection is also housing printed thesis and dissertations published by UNAM scholars. Information resources in the Special Collections are no-circulating and users are only allowed to have access within the Special Collections reading space. Special collections are found at Oshakati and Windhoek main campus libraries.
Collection for users with Disabilities
The library provides information resources in suitable formats available in audio books, large print books, braille’s books and e-books with special features to support users with disabilities.
UNAM libraries provides special spaces fitted with computers installed with special software such as JAWS and Magic for speech enhancement. Provision of similar facilities will be made available at campuses where it does not exist.
Electronic Collection
The library subscribes to electronic information resources known as e-resources. These resources includes e-books, e-journals, and databases that are authenticated and only accessible through the use of username and password. Use the Library Catalogue to search and access e-resources (a-z link).
Archival Collections
The mandate of University of Namibia Archives (UNAM Archives) is to ensure the collection, management and preservation of the university’s institutional memory. The acquisition of UNAM official records is guided by the UNAM’s Records Management Policy. The university’s institutional memory contains records of the university since its inception in 1992, records of the former Academy, publications by UNAM, as well as photographic and poster collections.
It inherited the records of the former national education colleges (Windhoek, Rundu, Katima and Ongwediva Colleges of Education) and agricultural colleges (Neudamm and Ogongo Colleges).
UNAM Archives also holds private archival collections on Namibian history, politics, language and religion which are available for research.
All items described on the database are available physically at the UNAM Archives.