The National Library of Namibia is a remarkable information resource and the items held in the library represent the documentary wealth of Namibian literary output. The library has the country’s largest collection of Namibian publication, including a valuable collection of Namibian newspapers, some dating back to early 1900s.

MISSION

The mission of the reference section is that of the library at large: to support the provision of information to all Namibians and Namibian libraries. The main goal is to support education and research through access to national and international information resources.

SERVICES

The library provides the following services:

1. Research and Study
Users are allowed to do research in our library and the collection comprises of the following:

Open Shelves

• Reference Collection: All reference materials are found on the lower shelves in the library.
  
• The General Collection: All books in this section are arranged according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC).

Closed Access

This section is restricted for the public, it is on the 3rd floor down stairs with the following collections:

• Namibiana Collection: this collection is developed by legal deposit on all Namibian publications
• Newspapers (dating from 1910) and Periodicals.

• Namibian acts.

• South West African Acts from 1942

• South African Legislation from 1910.

• South African Law Reports from 1947.

• UNESCO, UN and World Bank publications

  
  
• Users are privileged to make electronic searches by using:
  

  
  

  • SABINET: Southern Africa Bibliographic and information Network, this is an online service used for searching books and periodicals, cataloguing and interlending services.
    
    
  • Ebsco-host: This is a database which provides full text on articles, periodicals and books.
    
    
  • CDS/ISIS avails the following databases in the library,
    -Open Public Access Catalogue(OPAC) where users can search materials in the library by them selves.
    - National Library Catalogue (NLC): is an electronic catalogue for all the general collection.
    - Last Copy Collection (LCC): this is a catalogue for old general books that has been replaced by new edition.
    -National Library Periodicals (NLP): is an electronic catalogue for periodicals

  
  The library has got a collection of CD-ROMs on various subjects, e.g. Encyclopaedia Britanica. There is also a provision of a quiet study area provided to those who come with their own text books. There are also five study cubicles in the library provided to individuals on a first come first serviced basis free of charge, however persons with laptops gets preference. Room 453 can be used for discussions, but must be booked 3 days in advance.

2. Interlibrary Loans

This service is provided to individual users through requests from the libraries where they hold membership. Four books are allowed to be loaned out at a time for a period of one month and two weeks inside Namibia and three months to other registered libraries outside Namibia. Books on demand may not be readily available on Inter-library loan e.g.

Namibian related books may be borrowed if more than one copy of the publication is available. Periodicals and newspapers may not be borrowed, however photo copies may be supplied on some articles on request.

3. Photo Copy Services

The photocopying service is only for library materials.

• No private photocopying is allowed.
• The Library makes use of coin operated machines and users make their own copies.
• 20 cents is charged on all copies A4 and A3.
• The copyright law is observed on all printed material hence 10% is allowed to be copied in a book for personal research.
• Copies are made at own risk and should there be any malfunction of the machine, there will be NO refund made.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Eating, drinking or smoking is not allowed in the library.
• Handle library materials with care.
• Mobile phones shall not be used in the library.
• No animals may be brought into the library.
• Any user losing or irreparably damaging a book or other item. Damaging a book or other item belonging to the library shall be liable for the replacement cost of the item plus the processing charge.
• Stealing library books is an offence that will be reported to authorities. (Police)
• Library materials shall not be marked, damaged or deliberately misplaced.
• Bags or Jackets are not allowed in the library.
• Do not bend book backs, lay them face-down or damage the binding.
• Photocopying of bound newspapers and from rare books is not allowed.
• If you cannot find what you want ask the Reference Librarian.
• No phone calls will be made for the public.
• Moving of furniture is prohibited.
• Users shall at all times conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner so as not to disturb other library users.
• Users that do not abide by these rules will not be allowed to use the facilities

OPERATING HOURS

08:00-17:00 (Monday - Friday)

ENQUIRIES

Circulation Desk

Tel: (061) 2935300
Senior Librarian: Reference Services
Tel: (061) 2935304

Fax: 061 2935321.

E-mail: natlib@mec.gov.na
Web Site: www.nln.gov.na

National Library of Namibia
1-7 Eugene Marais Street
Private Bag 13349
Windhoek
Namibia