Rules and Regulations

  • Users must show a valid ZOU University or Approved Readers’ Identity Card to the Security Guard upon entering Library premises.
  • Return all materials issued out to you on the due date indicated.
  • Do not bring food and drinks into the library.
  • Serious study requires a quieter environment.  Therefore, observe silence all the time you are in the library.
  • Do not make any markings in books, theses, journals and journal articles because these destroy materials and distract the other users’ attention from the real reading materials.
  • Users shall be required to replace all materials damaged in their possession, or shall be charged an equivalent replacement value of the damaged item(s)
  • Bags and parcels must be left outside the library.

Rules

Please observe the following rules to make the most out of the services available.

  • Return all materials issued out to you on the due date indicated.
  • Do not bring in food and drinks into the library.
  • Study requires a quiet environment. Therefore, observe silence all the time you are in the library.
  • Do not make any markings in books, theses, and journal articles because these destroy materials and distract other users’ attention from the real reading materials.
  • Users shall be required to replace all materials damaged in their possession or shall be charged an equivalent replacement value of the damaged item(s).
  • Bags and parcels must be left outside the library.
  • Use cell phones outside the library.
  • Registration with the library is a must for everyone and pockets must be produced upon clearance before graduation.

Library Fines for Over-Due Materials

  • For ordinary items not returned on time, the offender shall be charged $1.00 day delayed for the first 5 days, there after the charge will be $2.00 per day.
  • For reserved items not returned on time, the offender shall be charged $1.00 per hour delayed.
  • To replace lost library pockets, $1.00 shall be charged per pocket.
  • For lost library materials the replacement value plus added administration cost involved will be charged.
  • For ZOU members of staff who lose library materials debit orders shall be made directly on the offender’s salary.
  • Please note that there will be not option, but to indefinitely suspend those found persistently defaulting by failing to observe the above rules and regulations.

Approved Membership Fees

  • Day pass $1.00
  • 1 Month subscription $10.00

Organisation of Library Collections

  • Materials are arranged on shelves according to the Library of Congress Classification scheme.
  • Shelf-guides are put in place, which guide users to locate resources.
  • An OPAC has been put in place to help you identify and locate required material.
  • Please ask for assistance from a Librarian in attendance, if you have any problem using the library.
  • Circulation of Resources

As you will notice, the information resource base is still growing. Presently it is not possible to lend materials to all students for use out of the library for longer periods. The following is the current circulation policy, which we hope you will follow:

Circulation to Students

Limited circulation for use over-night and return to the Library the next morning by 9.00 am.

Limited circulation for use over the weekend and items returned Monday morning by 9.00 am.

Students may borrow library materials for a period of 1 week.

Circulation to Academic and Non-Teaching Staff

  • Academic Staff – 2 weeks
  • Non-Academic Staff – 1 week

NB: Currently it is not possible to issue out materials for longer periods of more than 2 weeks to all users.

  • Most materials are largely available for use within the ZOU Libraries wherever possible.
  • Items may be taken out for photocopying for a limited time.
  • The library system upholds International Copyright and National Copyright conventions. Therefore, photocopying of parts of a publication FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES will be permitted and not whole works.
  • Copyright permission is sought from ZIMCOPY whenever it is necessary to reproduce whole works.

Closed Access Material/Reserved Materials

Materials that are heavily demanded and yet so few may be placed on closed access or on reserve section. These materials will be available for use within the library only.

NB

  • Reserve books can be borrowed over-night and returned to the library the next morning by no later than 10.00am
  • Reserve books can be borrowed over the weekend and returned on Monday morning by no later than 10.00am.