OPAC

Online Public Access Catalogue

How do you access OPAC?

Open up your internet browser: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Click on START button. Hover your mouse on PROGRAMS.You will see a drop-down of applications. Now Select INTERNET EXPLORER.

How do you access OPAC? Continues…

Click on Library

How do you access OPAC? Continues…

Click on Online Catalogue/OPAC

Advanced Search Screen

Two Search options availableAdvanced & Quick Search

Hints:1.One or more keywords may be used with the respective INDEX in each field/box.2. The Fields are linked with the Boolean Operator AND.3.At the bottom of the search screen you will find some ‘Search Hints’

Example 1: Assignment TopicFor argument sake say you have been given this topic for your assignment:

Write an essay on soccer in South Africa.

The first step is to identify your keywords. Remember, the function of a KEY is to help you open a closed door. That comparison applies here as keywords help you retrieve the information you need.

Your keywords are:Soccer AND South Africa

Also think of synonyms.soccer = footballSouth Africa = Republic of South Africa, Mzantsi Africa

Additional keywords:FIFA World CupBafana

Advanced Search Strategy

1. Conduct a Search by typing the Keywords in the textboxes.

2. Do not change the fields.3. Click on Go

Results

You have retrieved 41 records with the keyword SOCCER and

18754 with the keyword SOUTH AFRICA.

There are EIGHT (8) RECORDS for your combined search (SOCCER and SOUTH AFRICA). Click on this number to view the full list of your RESULTS.

Results List

This column provides us with information about the LOCATION of the items as well as its availability. The first record shows that we have two (2) copies of the book in the Main Library. Please note that the first number indicates how many copies are available in the Library, while the second digit indicates how many copies are out on loan. Click here.

Holdings Information of Item

Bibliographic details of the item

Item status indicates the circulation policy pertaining to that specific copy. ‘Open shelves’ indicates the book may be borrowed from the Library.‘Cataloguing’ indicates another copy is still being prepared for the shelves. Ask a librarian if you need this copy.

AvailabilityThe date indicates when the book should be returned.

Shelf numberBooks are filed according to this number. Please, note this before you go look for the book on the shelf.

LocationIndicates the level where the item is held.

This book is in the Main Library collection. Examples of other libraries are Dentistry Library or The School of Government Resource Centre

BarcodeEach item has an unique barcode. Note this number if you wish to request a book, which has been borrowed.

Back to the Results List…

This is the record number. Click on it to see the full

view.

Full View of Record

Click here to see where the copies are available .

Shelf Number

Title

Editors

Subjects covered

Publication Details

Abstract

Online Short Loan Booking

Perform an Online Reserve BookingOnly Books showing Reserve Fulltime or Reserve

Part-time can be Reserved

Click on booking Expand

Identity Requested

Your Identity RequestedType Student Number

Verification means: Type Student Number again

Read through the different time slotsCheck out copies available

Select the one of your choiceClick Request

Check if Booking has been Registered

Response of OPAC should indicate –BOOKING HAS BEEN REGISTERED

Click My Library Account to Check Loan History OR Cancel

a Booking

Want to cancel booking? Click on the number next to

Booking Requests

Cancellation of Booking

Click on the number to view booking information

Click Delete

Booking has been cancelled

Click GO

End Session