"Unlock a world of knowledge! Register with Busitema University Library today to activate your Library catalog account and access a wealth of resources for your academic success."

This guide is intended to walk you through how to self-register with Busitema University Library as a new student or staff of Busitema University. After you have successfully registered with the Library, you will be able to use the library's online catalogue

If you're new to Busitema University and you would like to use the library services, follow these simple steps to register with Busitema University Library.

Step 1

From the main Busitema University Library home page (https://library.busitema.ac.ug/),

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scroll down the page - to slightly in the middle of the page - under the library open hours, click on the link - Register with the Library

After you have clicked the link “REGISTER with the Library” it will take you to the page below

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Alternatively, you can access the “REGISTER with the Library” page by following the instructions below

Go directly to the registration page by clicking this link https://library.busitema.ac.ug/borrow-materials/register

If you're a staff (academic, administrative or support), follow this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_aqDAyPXx_G3DmS4o2Hg-Kmvr2wcxGgubAxG5_TK4UU/viewform?edit_requested=true

Complete the form by filling in all the details and click the submit button

Note: During the registration, provide a valid e-mail address - preferably a Busitema University E-mail address - If you don't have an Institutional e-mail [user@busitema.ac.ug], then click here to follow the instructions on how to get the institutional e-mail

The Library staff will receive your details, register you into the library system and after 1 day you will receive an e-mail to prompt you to complete the registration process. 

Then, go to the library catalogue by clicking this link https://libcat.busitema.ac.ug/ and start accessing customised services. 

The Library offers library instruction services - if you need assistance on how to register or using the library catalogue and other library electronic resources, contact the Campus Librarians and schedule an appointment to get the assistance you need.

Busitema University Library is a hub of contemporary resources and services, with extensive ICT capabilities. The E-learning Centre, located on the second level of the library, provides cutting-edge ICT amenities such as desktop Computers with Modern technology. After registering, students have access to a variety of digital tools and resources, as well as seamless connectivity to the Eduroam WiFi network. In addition, through its Computer Literacy Services, the library offers a tech-savvy environment, enabling skill development and digital competency. Our Library users can enjoy our ICT services through the following avenues; 

Computer labs: The Busitema University Library has computer laboratories in the e-learning centre and the research commons. These labs are outfitted with computers and software required for academic and research purposes. Students can utilise these labs to access digital resources, conduct research, complete projects, and undertake other computer-related tasks.

Wi-Fi Access Points: There are Wi-Fi access points on every level of the library, including reading rooms and discussion rooms. Students can connect their computers, tablets, or mobile devices to the university's network, giving them access to the internet for online research, communication, and other educational purposes.

Power Outlets: Power outlets are located throughout the library and allow students to use their computers or other electronic devices while studying. It's worth noting that the sockets provided are of type G. If a student's adapter is not compatible with these sockets, the library offers a solution by providing adapters or extensions at the reference desk. This service ensures that students can keep their devices powered during their study sessions

Computer Literacy Instructions; The Busitema University Library provides computer literacy teaching to individuals and groups upon request. This programme is useful for students who want to learn how to use specialised software, conduct internet research, or improve their overall digital skills. It can be customised to meet the needs of students at varying levels of expertise.

Because we know that you have special needs that require special and extended support time, you can schedule a meeting virtally with a Librarian over Zoom to discuss your information and research needs for an extended period of time.

Please fill the form bellow to schedule a zoom meeting with the university librarian. The university librarian will get in touch with you within 24 working hours from the time of your submission

                                                      Open Form

The library provides Resaech support on an Individual basis and this can be accesses via the following avenues;

• One-on-One Consultations; Students can schedule individual research consultations with librarians or subject specialists. During these sessions, students can discuss their research topics, information needs, and any challenges they are facing. Librarians can provide tailored advice on research strategies, finding relevant sources, and using library resources effectively.
• Personalized Guidance; Librarians provide assistance to  students in developing effective search strategies, refining research questions, and identifying appropriate databases, journals, and other resources for their research projects.
• Citation and Reference Help; Students can also receive guidance on citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and how to properly format their citations and references.
• Digital information retrieval; Librarians can help students navigate the library's online catalog and digital databases, showing them how to conduct advanced searches and retrieve relevant materials.
• Research Workshops; The library regulary organizes workshops and training sessions on various research-related topics, such as literature review techniques, academic writing, and reference management tools. These workshops offer students the opportunity to enhance their research skills.

Get our reference sevices via the following avenues;

Reference Desk; Busitema University Library likely has a dedicated reference desk or service point where users can seek assistance in person. Librarians and library staff stationed at the reference desk are available to help users with their research inquiries, finding relevant resources, and navigating the library's collections.

Virtual Reference Services; To make reference assistance more accessible, the library offers virtual reference services, such as:

Email Support; Users can send research questions or inquiries via busitemalibrardds@gmail.com, and library staff will respond with guidance and relevant resources.

Chat Services: The library  has a chat service available on its website(Ask a Librarian) and its a dedicated chat platform. Users can chat with librarians in real-time to get immediate help.

Online Resources; The library's website provides online resources to assist users in their research endeavors

Research Guides; The library has created subject-specific research guides that offer recommendations for databases, journals, and other resources related to particular fields of study.

Library Hours;Typically, reference services are available during the library's operating hours. The libray is open from Monday to sunday 

Personalized Research Consultations; For more in-depth research needs, library users can often schedule one-on-one consultations with librarians. During these consultations, librarians can provide tailored guidance and assistance for specific research projects.

Outreach and Workshops; The library regularly organize workshops and outreach programs to enhance information literacy skills amongour Students. These sessions can help users become more proficient in conducting research and utilizing library resources.

Online Catalog and Databases; Users can access the library's catalog at libcat.busitema.ac.ug and digital databases to search for books, articles, and other materials relevant to their research. Librarians are always available to assist users in effectively searching and retrieving these resources.

Reference Management Support; The library may offer guidance on reference management tools and citation styles to help users properly cite their sources.

What is Information Literacy?

Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.

Information literacy is a cornerstone for lifelong learning. “To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information” and as Busitema University Library we exactly live for that in a bid to remain the distinctive signifiers of Excellence

Information Literacy Mission @ Busitema University

To promote excellence in education and training at Busitema University through a clearly defined path of Information Literacy e-curriculum that meets the needs of our students and reflects current trends in all professions - a path to an information literate graduate
 

We know that for one reason or the other, you may encounter challenges in location, accessing, finding, and downloading full-text journal articles. It may also be a result of access restrictions posed by vendors on electronic resources. If you fail to get full-text articles online, then DDS is the way to go! Our library staff will help you locate information materials and send them to you by e-mail.

Send all your DDS requests to:
busitemalibrarydds@gmail.com
OR
Fill the form below with the details of the item, The library team will contact you soon regarding the matte. Open the form

Busitema University's Online Public Access Catalog offers a self-checkout feature that enables users to independently borrow library materials. To utilize this service, users should access the catalog through libcat.busitema.ac.ug. The users needs to log in using their library credentials, which could be their student ID or a unique username and password. Once logged in, users can locate the items they wish to borrow within the catalog. This is done  by searching for specific titles, authors, or keywords. Once the desired items are located, users the go ahead to select them and follow the prompts to initiate the self-checkout process. This process involves confirming the chosen items, reviewing borrowing terms, and confirming the transaction. The system will then update the user's library account, indicating the borrowed items and their due dates.

The self-check-in feature on Busitema University's Online Public Access Catalog likely allows users to return library materials independently. Users can access the catalog using libcat.busitema.ac.ug, and after logging in with their catalog Log in credentials, they can then navigate to the self-check-in section. In this section, users can interact with the system to initiate the return process. This  involves scanning the barcodes or RFID tags of the items they want to return. The system will then update the user's library account, marking the returned items as checked in. Users may also receive a confirmation message on their emails  that the return was successful. This self-check-in process enhances user convenience by allowing them to complete the return without needing to wait in line at the library's circulation desk.

As a Multi-Campus university, each campus has its own library, which is overseen by a campus librarian. While some libraries, such as the Engineering Library and the Health Sciences Library, have adopted automated systems for accessing library items, others continue to use Library Cards in combination with these automated systems. Library Cards are critical in providing students with access to the abundance of materials held in the university's libraries. These cards act as a physical form of identity, allowing users to borrow books, journals, and other resources while also easing their incorporation into the automated system

Returns refer to the act of bringing back borrowed Library Resources to the library once the borrowing period is over. Patrons are expected to return items on or before the due date to ensure equitable access for other users. Recalls on the other hand, occur when another user is seeking a resource that is currently checked out by another user. In such circumstances, the library may launch a recall procedure, which normally involves shortening the original borrower's borrowing time to meet the new request. This can happen if a resource is in high demand or is required for academic purposes, ensuring equitable resource distribution among users.

1. Overdue(Fine)UG Ugx 500 per day
2. Lost book, Replace with a new one 
3. Talking on phone in the Library Ugx 5000
4. Late Registration with the Library shall attract a fine of Ugx 2000 Per week after Stipulated time 
5. Mutilation/Defacing of a book shall result into buying a new one
6. Carrying and Eating foods and Drinks in the Library Ugx 5000

NB All Fines and charges are strictly payable to the authorized University Bank Account 

Busitema University Students  may borrow up to two volumes at a time for a period of two weeks. Teaching staff of the University may borrow up to four volumes at a time for the period of two weeks. Non teaching staff may borrow only one volume at any time for a period of two weeks. Books placed on reserve shelves during semester time are for use by students following a particular course of study. External Borrowers are required to pay a user fee of $20 per month. An External Borrower may have up o 2 volumes at anyone time from the date of issue

Busitema University Library's Digitalization and Technical Services Section provides photocopying and scanning services. Currently, these services are only available to our library staff members. However, we are actively seeking to extend the benefits to our students as well. These services are available at the Digitalization and Technical Services Section, which is located on the ground level opposite the Circulation Section.

To meet a variety of study demands, the library provides both open and closed reading areas. Closed rooms offer greater seclusion whereas open spaces provide a more comfortable and open environment. Individual and Group Reading Spaces are available to users based on their study choices. Individual spaces provide a quiet environment for focused study, while Group spaces allow for collaborative work.Users interested in using the Individual or Group Reading Spaces can sign up to borrow the keys required to access these rooms. The keys are available for borrowing at the circulation section of the library.

The circulation area of the Busitema Library serves as a point of access for library users who require to use Library materials. This however works mostly with the materials in the Closed access of the library much as the user can also have an inquiry concerning the materials in Open Access. At the Engineering Library, The Circulation section is located at the ground flow in the Eastern side from the Enterace adjacent to the Digitization Section.

Busitema University's Online Public Access Catalog offers a self-checkout feature that enables users to independently borrow library materials. To utilize this service, users should access the catalog through libcat.busitema.ac.ug. The users needs to log in using their library credentials, which could be their student ID or a unique username and password. Once logged in, users can locate the items they wish to borrow within the catalog. This is done  by searching for specific titles, authors, or keywords. Once the desired items are located, users the go ahead to select them and follow the prompts to initiate the self-checkout process. This process involves confirming the chosen items, reviewing borrowing terms, and confirming the transaction. The system will then update the user's library account, indicating the borrowed items and their due dates.

The self-check-in feature on Busitema University's Online Public Access Catalog likely allows users to return library materials independently. Users can access the catalog using libcat.busitema.ac.ug, and after logging in with their catalog Log in credentials, they can then navigate to the self-check-in section. In this section, users can interact with the system to initiate the return process. This  involves scanning the barcodes or RFID tags of the items they want to return. The system will then update the user's library account, marking the returned items as checked in. Users may also receive a confirmation message on their emails  that the return was successful. This self-check-in process enhances user convenience by allowing them to complete the return without needing to wait in line at the library's circulation desk.