Most books may be borrowed. Periodicals, reference, short loan material, American, Africana and UN collections are for use in the library

Reservation of library materials that are on loan can be done at the check/out counter. As soon as an item is returned, that awaiting 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.

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 Senior Librarian, User Services. A charge may be made to meet photocopying expenses, if any.
Users who wish to use another library may request for a letter of introduction from the Senior Librarian, User Services.

Recommendations are made through the Senior Librarian, Technical Services and through the “I need material” icon on the library web page (OPAC). For course text books, lecturers should forward their required lists to their respective deans which should later be forwarded to the librarian-acquisitions two months prior to the beginning of the semester to enhance acquisition.

Assistance with general inquiries and more detailed subject and bibliographical work may be obtained at the Reference & Instructional Librarians’ Office located on the first floor, at the information desks on the first and second floor and at the Liaison offices located on the first floor and at the basement. Research inquiry forms are provided at these desks.

The library hosts a chat service on the OPAC, 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 library web page.

One can book for library instructional classes to learn how to use library resources. The Classes are held in the library instructional room located on the first floor. For more information, consult Reference /Instructional Services Librarian.

The Library Liaison enquiry desk is on the first floor, within the Short Loan section. The Librarian in charge of Liaison Services has an office in the basement and is the one who provides a link between library user communities specifically faculty and the postgraduate students by providing various information services.

Subject classified lists of new books and journals are sent out to the university community through e-mail monthly.

The student multi-purpose identity card will be used on the card-operated photocopier/printer, which is located on the second floor next to the MFI office. Photocopying services are strictly governed by copyright laws on fair use.
The hours of service are:-
Monday – Thursday 8.15 – 6.00 p.m.
Friday 8.15 – 5.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.00 – 1.00 p.m.