Unit for Students with Disabilities

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) library’s hub for persons with disabilities, is located in the Malangatana Reading Room on level 5. The area contains a variety of adapted equipment, including thirteen desktop computers, with large text keyboards, JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NV Access (Nonvisual Desktop Access) software, ZoomText, and a Merlin Magnifier for visually impaired students. The use to the equipment, within the hub, is restricted via specific login credentials and there are no time constraints for users. The UWC Library collaborates with the Differently Abled Students Association (DASA) and the UWC Office for Students with Disabilities (OWSD) to ensure that we offer inclusive services to all of our users.

Postgraduate Research Commons

The Research Commons located on level 13 of the Main Library, is a research environment intended for use by postgraduate students at masters and doctoral level, as well as academic staff and researchers of the UWC. Access is limited to the above designations in order to provide a more conducive environment for research at a postgraduate level.

The Research Commons is equipped with computers, workstations, printers and photocopiers and three bookable seminar rooms, as well as areas for discussion and relaxation. The research librarian, and skilled student assistants, are available to offer technical, digital literacy and research help.

In the Research Commons there is a quick reference print collection for postgraduates students. The collection holds a small number of items that can be borrowed out on a 5-day loan period. This supplements the larger online postgraduate reference collection.

24/7 Learning Centre

The 24/7 Learning Centre offers a quiet and safe study space open to all registered UWC students. The facility is well equipped and has controlled access that requires a valid UWC student card, and there are security officers on duty at all times.   

Knowledge Commons

The Knowledge Commons is a study space which brings together technology, content and information services in one physical space within the library. It is a space that is conducive to learning and research. Although the space is available to all library users it is primarily used by undergraduate students.

The Knowledge Commons contain discussion rooms which can be used for group discussions and other collaborative course work and research.

Study Zone

The Study Zone on level 4 is designated as a quiet study area and is open for all students to use.

Training Rooms

The library has computer training labs, as well as conference and discussion rooms, that are used for Information Literacy, Digital Literacy, Research Support and other events. The following are a list of the training rooms available in the Library.

• Level 6 Thintana Training Room

• Level 7 Training Room

• Level 9 Honours Discussion Room

• Level 10 Honours Discussion Room

• Level 13 Conference Room

• Level 13 Consultation Room

• Level 13 Training Room