On behalf of the University of Limpopo Library and Information Services (UL LIS) staff, I would like to welcome you all and in particular, I warmly welcome the first entering students.

The UL has libraries at Turfloop and Medunsa campuses and at Polokwane hospital and Mankweng Nursing College. Your UL student or staff ID allows you to use all these libraries. UL LIS are fully computerised and use the III Integrated Millennium System.

The UL LIS exist to provide information and services that support teaching, learning, research and community engagement programmes of the University. This is achieved by working together with academic staff to develop outstanding and relevant collections and services.

The UL LIS offer both traditional and electronic resources and services. Information resources including books and journals are available in various formats like CDs, DVDs, sound recordings, audio visual materials, print materials and electronic resources. Services include lending, short loans, interlibrary loans, reference including online reference service and the Internet.

You are urged to visit the Libraries to consult information resources on site in the comfort of our quiet study environments or to borrow materials you need. You can access electronic resources by using computers in the Library computer laboratories, laboratories found on campus or on your desktops. The Library has got wireless connections that enable you to use your laptops to access electronic resources and the Internet.

You are advised to develop a habit of visiting the Library Webpage to familiarise yourself with Library resources and services including the Web Public Access Catalogue (WebPac). The Webpage has links to other resources including past examination question papers. The Webpage is found @ http://www.ul.ac.za and then clicking on Libraries. It is updated on a regular basis and is thus a good source to consult for current information on UL LIS services and resources.

Please take advantage of our knowledgeable staff who will offer you training in the use of information resources and services and information application. LIS staff members are always prepared to offer individual or group instruction and guidance. They will train you in navigating, selecting, locating, evaluating and using the information you need effectively and ethically. This training is very important and essential especially in this world that is characterised by information overabundance. They will help to connect you to both locally held information and to remote information as well. They will also help by providing you with specialised subject support and research level information services.

UL LIS are always striving to offer the best of services and resources within their budget limitations. Your feedback and suggestions will help us develop and improve on our services and resources. Please use suggestion boxes in the Library, the WebPac and surveys to inform us of your needs.

Please visit our Libraries more often to experience the warmth of our staff and the comfort of the learning environment that enhances your teaching, learning and research. We look forward to your visits during your stay at the University of Limpopo.