Library and E-Resources
Discover the many library resources that you get to enjoy as a USIU-Africa student/staff.
At the heart of academic success at USIU-Africa is our modern, tech-enabled library. We offer students, faculty, and researchers access to a vast collection of physical books, journals, multimedia resources, and powerful digital platforms.
Seek, Find, Flourish
About Us
Our library strives to provide the highest quality services and resources to the University community. The library is committed to aligning its goals with the university’s mission by consulting members, evaluating resource usage, and using data for planning. As USIU-Africa grows in reputation, the library strives to be a leader in providing accessible and innovative information services. It invites those passionate about lifelong learning to collaborate in supporting scholarship and knowledge creation, helping shape the future of the library.
LIBRARY SERVICES
01
Information Service
Assistance with general inquiries and more detailed subject and bibliographic instruction may be obtained at the Senior Librarian, Reference/ Instructional Services Office located on the first floor or information desks on the first and second floor, Principal Liaison office located on the second floor and the Liaison Librarians office on the ground floor. Research inquiry forms are provided at these desks.
02
Ask a librarian
The library hosts a virtual reference chat service on the OPAC (library.usiu.ac.ke), where a user can get assistance in real time, through chatting with a librarian. This service is also available through email by sending an email to askalibrarian@usiu.ac.ke. This email link is also available on the USIU-Africa library web page.
03
Instructional classes
One can book for library instructional classes to learn how to use library resources. The class sessions are held in the library instructional room located on the library’s first floor, lecture rooms and virtually on zoom. For more information, consult Reference /Instructional Services Librarian or write to askalibrarian@usiu.ac.ke
04
Liaison Services
The Library Liaison offices are on the ground and second floors. The librarian in charge provides a link between the library and the user community specifically faculty and the postgraduate students to ensure library and information needs are understood and met.
05
Current Awareness Service
This service is done through book displays on the ground floor adjacent to the library check in check-out counter and also through email alerts from the library.
06
E-Notice Board
The e-Notice Board keeps you informed of the latest developments in the library and within the university through the announcements/screensavers. This is located at the library lobby.
07
Photocopying/Printing
The library hosts two photocopying/printing machines on the second floor. One can log in through to print or photocopy through their individual MyQ – Log In account, whose details can be found by writing to ICT on email helpdesk@usiu.ac.ke Library users must ensure that they are financially cleared to make use of this service. Payments are made at the finance office. Copyright laws must be adhered to when photocopying
The hours of service are: –
Monday – Thursday 8.1 5a.m – 6.00 p.m.
Friday 8.15 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m.
Recommending Materials For Purchase
Recommendations for purchase are made through the Principal Librarian Collection Development or through “Recommend a book” on the USIU-Africa’s Website or by sending an email to library@usiu.ac.ke
All our Resources
we have a vast database of resources that you could take advantage of to complete your academic goals.
Library Layout
The USIU-Africa Library and Information Center provides accommodation for the university library on four floors.
Ground Floor
The library entrance leads to the exhibition area and an open lounge. The services and collection located on this floor include: –
Information and control desk check in/ checkout counter, reference collection, course text section, Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACS), conference room, courtyards and reading space, the Director Library and Information Centre office, the Deputy Director Library and Information Centre -Academic Services office and Liaison Librarians office
First Floor
The library entrance leads to the exhibition area and an open lounge. The services and collection located on this floor include: –
Information and control desk check in/ checkout counter, reference collection, course text section, Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACS), conference room, courtyards and reading space, the Director Library and Information Centre office, the Deputy Director Library and Information Centre -Academic Services office and Liaison Librarians office
Second Floor
This floor houses circulating collection from RA-Z. It also houses the Special collections comprising of Africana, Americana and the Zeleza collection. This floor also hosts the E- resource center which has been set up for the purpose of accessing eResources. More study carrels and reading space, the Principal Liaison Librarians Office, Information desk, Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), card operated copiers and additional photocopying facilities are also available on this floor.
Study Carrels
A mixture of small and large study rooms destined to promote collaborative learning are available on the first and second floors of the library. Six carrels on the first floor are designated for doctorate students while the other three carrels are fitted with video viewing workstations. We recommend users to have headphones to ensure quiet listening. Ten study carrels on the second floor are designated for graduate students, while four are reserved for faculty members.
Reading Areas
We have more than 1200 reading areas on the ground, first and second floors.
Conference Room
The library houses a conference room on the ground floor for official use by the university community. Booking must be done through the link below.
Laptop Registration
Laptops are registered at the biometric desk to ensure security and convenience of entry into and exit of users from the library.
Our Facilities & Collections
Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs)
This facility is used to locate library information resources including books, AV materials, and journal titles. OPAC searches provide information on what is in stock in the USIU-Africa library. It is advisable that you start at the OPAC to find out whether your information needs are provided for at your library. The OPACs accept any keywords, subject headings, author names and titles. Library PIN number is used for managing a user’s account online i.e. renewing items you have checked out, reserving items, reading online newspapers etc.) Please note that access to the OPAC is also possible via smart phones and other connected devices.)
Bound Periodicals
These are are collections of several issues of a periodical—such as magazines, journals, or newspapers—that have been physically bound together into a single book-like volume for preservation, organization, and easier storage. They are housed in the library basement floor next to Archives section.
Reference Collection
This collection is comprised of Encyclopaedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, handbooks, yearbooks and other reference books are shelved on the ground floor, overlooking the Check in/ checkout counter.
The Graduate Research Hub
This section provides USIU-Africa graduate students and faculty with resources designed to support and inspire them in their academic endeavors. It also provides collaborative and individual spaces that foster inquiry and analysis. This section is located at the first floor of the library.
Course Texts
Course texts are issued to students to meet their core readings needs in their specific areas of study. These resources are loaned to students and faculty for an entire semester. They are issued at the beginning of each semester and must be returned at the end of the semester.
Note:
The section opens from 8.15 a.m -7.00 p.m (Monday – Friday) for the first four weeks of the semester and from 9.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m. for the first four Saturdays of the Semester. Thereafter, the section remains open from 8.15 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday).
Africana Collection
This is a collection of works by African authors as well as works about Africa. This collection provides readership and research content for those patrons who have an appreciation for this collection. These books are used within the library
American Studies Collection
This collection promotes a thorough understanding of the United States of America. It is open to the academic and research community in the East and Central African Region. These books are used within the library.
Institutional Repository
The Library hosts an institutional repository that supports open access to information. The repository which has been hyperlinked for direct access through our library portal and University website is available at USIU-Africa Digital Repository Home. The repository hosts a range of resources including Journal articles by faculty and researchers; theses and dissertations; Podcasts by Journalism class; conference proceedings and Newsletters to Case study reports and Publications. The administration office for the institutional repository is hosted within the library archives section.
Archives
This is a section that preserves and provides rare and historical collections including USIU-Africa Historical material,
Back collections of Newspapers, Rare Books, Bound Periodicals, Valuable artifacts and older Reference books etc. Visit the Archive section in the library basement.
Bindery
The bindery section is located at the library basement. This is the section in which book repairs and preservation is done, and also thesis binding.
Library Membership
USIU-Africa Members
The library is accessible to all registered students of the university, members of staff and faculty. Registered alumni may use and borrow library materials at a fee of Kshs. 5,250 per year, and Kshs. 3,250 membership fee is charged for a short period of up to three months. Access to the library is free for other registered alumni (with no need for borrowing library resources)
External Members
| Period | Amt |
|---|---|
| 1 year | Kshs. 10,000 |
| 6 months | Kshs. 6,000 |
| 3 months | Kshs. 4,000 |
| 1 month | Kshs. 2,000 |
| 1 day | Kshs. 100 |
Borrowing
Books tagged as circulating (cc) can be borrowed out of the library. Reference and American studies collection, Africana and Zeleza collection are for use in the library only. Books to be loaned out must be taken to the Check in Check out desk alongside your USIU-Africa ID. Issuing of library books stops 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing.
Please Note:
You will need your valid USIU-Africa ID card to borrow books. (NOTE: In case of loss or misplacement of ID card, kindly notify the library staff so that we can secure your user account by blocking it as you await to replace the ID card.)
Loan Period
| Faculty | 15 books for a month |
| Staff | 6 books for 2 weeks |
| Doctorate | 15 books for a month |
| Students | 10 books for 2 weeks |
| Alumni | 2 books for 2 weeks |
| Others | No borrowing |
Reservation/Recall Service
Reservation of library materials that are on loan can be done at the check/out counter. As soon as an item is returned, the user will be notified. Users should keep constant checks at the check in/out counter. Items placed on reserve/hold will be held for 3 days, after which they may be returned to the shelves or given to the next person on the waiting list. Items required by another reader may be recalled and must be returned within 7 days.
Inter-library Loan
Materials not available in the library can be obtained through an inter-library loan service from other local libraries. Requests should be handed to the Librarian. A charge may be incurred to meet photocopying expenses, if any. Users who wish to use another library may request for a letter of introduction from the Librarian. Feel free to consult the librarian on askalibrarian@usiu.ac.ke when such a need arises.
Fines
Fines are charged for all overdue items as listed below:
- Circulating books – Kshs30.00 per day
- Course Text – 50.00 per day
- Short Loan – Kshs. 25.00 every 30 minutes
- Audio visual – Kshs. 50.00 per day
Those items borrowed through inter-library loan have their fines charged as follows:
- Audio visual material – Kshs.120.00 per day
- Others – Kshs.100.00 per day
Note: All fines are payable at the finance office.
Normal Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 08:15 – 21:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
Public Holidays: Closed
During Semester Breaks
Monday – Friday: 08:15 – 17:00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday & Public holidays: Closed
NOTE: Issuing of library materials stops 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing
Instruction Support
USIU-Africa Library plays a crucial role in supporting the academic and research activities of the university community. This service facilitates the creation, dissemination, and preservation of scholarly works, ensuring that valuable research outputs are accessible and impactful. The support we provide includes
- Assisting researchers in making their work freely available to the public, increasing the visibility and reach of their research.
- Hosting and maintaining the institutional repository, which includes journal articles, theses, dissertations, conference proceedings, and more.
- Providing advice on copyright issues, ensuring that researchers understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Offering support for managing, storing, and sharing research data effectively.
- Helping researchers track and analyze the impact of their work using various metrics and tools.
- Conducting sessions on topics related to scholarly communications, such as open access, copyright, and research data management.
- Providing one-on-one consultations to address specific needs and questions related to scholarly communications.
Databases
The USIU-Africa Library provides access to a wide range of e-journals and e-books through its subscribed databases, supporting research across all disciplines.
Resources are accessible both on-campus (via university Wi-Fi) and off-campus through Cisco AnyConnect VPN.
Need help navigating?
Step-by-step tutorials are available to help you search and use platforms like EBSCOhost and Wiley effectively.
Subject Guides
The Library has over 120 published subject guides. These are designed to help USIU-Africa students, researchers, and faculty to navigate and utilize the wealth of information available on specific subjects/topics. The guides provide a comprehensive overview of key resources, including books, articles, databases, websites, and multimedia, organized by subject area. They also include recommendations, research tips, and useful tools to make the research process easy. To see what guides are available in your area of specialization or interest, click on the link below then search the collection using a keyword.
Contacts
Director, Library and Information Center
Mail: library@usiu.ac.ke
Tel: 0730116429/430
Deputy Director-Academic Services
Tel: 0730116294
Issue desk
Tel: 0730116549/252/652
Course Text
Tel: 0730116378/373/235
Reference and Instruction
Tel: 0730116254
Reference Desk 1
Tel: 073011364
Reference Desk 2
Tel: 0730116371
Graduate Research Hub
Tel: 0730116319
Bindery and Book Preservation
Tel: 0730116346/321
Senior Librarian-Digital Repository
Tel: 0730116345
Principal Librarian-Collection Development
Tel: 0730116227
Collection Development Librarians
Tel: 0730116233/276/427
Principal Librarian Cataloguing
Tel: 0730116315
Librarians-Cataloguing
Tel: 0730116344/236/275
Principal Librarian-Liaison
Tel: 0730116525
Librarian
Tel: 0730116171