The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Library offers a virtual online reference service by using both LibApps software and via email. The online reference desk has proven to be beneficial for users especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UWC Library virtual reference service user group composes mostly of part-time and distance students who are unable to visit the physical library and the traditional reference desk.

LibChat

LibChat offers a live messaging reference service. Library staff respond to messages from students, academics and other library users in real-time. While LibChat is an instant messaging service, when a query cannot be answered immediately, the enquiry is referred to a faculty librarian or a relevant library specialist.

LibAnswers

LibAnswers is the offline component of LibChat and is a knowledge base of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). These questions and answers are not only harvested from the live chat, but also when new developments, new products and new procedures are introduced at the UWC library. The questions are developed and predicted by staff when there are changes that may impact the UWC library's services and resources. This database of FAQs is maintained, by staff, to ensure relevance of responses as some questions may no longer be valid.

LibGuides

LibGuides are online library guides that are usually subject or service specific and are a quick reference for students and academics to access information online. The guides are self-directed learning resources on various topics, subjects and products. At UWC the guides are referred to as Information and Research Guides, these are then grouped into the different categories on the library's website.

See the page on: Information and Research Guides

Email Reference

UWC Library’s user community has access to a generic library@uwc.ac.za email account. Users are provided with an in-depth response, via email, which could include setting up an appointment for consultation with a librarian, a document delivery service, manuals and instruction for downloading and using research tools and reference management software. The following are email addresses for other services:

library-research@uwc.ac.za - for research queries

circadmin@uwc.ac.za - for circulation queries

interlending@uwc.ac.za - for interlibrary loans