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With the University of the Free State (UFS) academic programme suspended and following guidelines by the UFS Coronavirus (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) Task Team to minimise the gathering of people in one place, all UFS libraries will be closed from Friday 20 March to Monday 13 April 2020.
During this time, staff and students will not have any access to the following campus and branch libraries of the UFS Library and Information Services:
• Sasol Library (Bloemfontein Campus)
• Neville Alexander Library (South Campus)
• TK Mopeli Library (Qwaqwa Campus)
• Frik Scott Medical Library (Bloemfontein Campus)
• Music Library (Bloemfontein Campus)
The university community is advised as follows:
• Use Wednesday (18 March) and Thursday (19 March) to borrow books you might need during the long recess. During these two days, students are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid sitting in groups that might compromise their health.
• During this time, all due dates for borrowed material will be automatically extended, no late fines will be charged, and patrons can return material when libraries reopen.
• Please make use of the ‘Ask-a-Librarian’ service for any assistance you might require (go to the UFS Library and Information Services website – click Library Services – click Ask-a-Librarian); OR use the UFS Library social media.
• The UFS Library and Information Services will also be available on a new ‘LiveChat’ service accessible here (listed under Resources – LibGuides). With this service, you can connect ‘live’ with your information librarian.
• All planned activities for the South African Library Week are postponed until further notice.
Water use on campus
2015-12-14
Report water wastage on the campuses.
High temperatures and the fact that no rain was falling, puts pressure on the existing water supply. The Free State is one of the most arid areas in the country, and the province was also declared a drought area by the government.
It is therefore very important that the UFS community will use water sparingly – both where you live and in the workplace.
Report water wastage on the campuses by sending an email to news@ufs.ac.za or phone 051 401 3422.
Tips to use water sparingly in the workplace:
- Set up an inventory regarding water use and identifiable water management goals in your department. Control this to indicate progress.
- Keep a bottle of tap water in the fridge to avoid running the tap until the water is cold.
- Fill the kettle with water according to your needs.
- Sweep paving with a broom instead of washing it with water.
- Apply mulch to your garden, as it can reduce water use by up to 70%.
- Don’t rinse glasses and other dishes under running water. Plug the sink and reuse the water in the garden.
- Where possible, recycle water. Support projects making use of recycled water.
- When waiting for hot water to come out of the tap, place a bucket under the tap so that the cold water can be used later.
- Don’t let water run wild. Make sure all taps in the kitchen or bathroom are closed when leaving the office/residence.
Tips to use water sparingly at home:
- Showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute. Take short showers, less than 5 minutes.
- Turn the tap off between washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving
- Ensure that you have a full load of washing when using the washing machine.
Source: water tips: Rand Water, Bloem Water.