About the Onderstepoort Research Commons

The Onderstepoort Research Commons (OPRC) is a facility made available by the Faculty of Veterinary Science and managed by the Jotello F Soga Library staff with a view to strengthening the University of Pretoria's capacity for research and postgraduate success. The facility may be used by researchers, specifically Masters and Doctoral students in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, as well as

• persons involved in library activities that fall under research support
• persons involved in activities of a research/academic nature initiated by academic staff and researchers and/or Masters and Doctoral students
• study leaders or promoters.

The OPRC is situated on the fifth floor of the Sir Arnold Theiler building, Onderstepoort Campus. It combines research and social spaces that contribute to social dialogue, scholarly exchange and intellectual development. This facility enhances both the Faculty of Veterinary Science's and its Library's commitment to supporting postgraduates, academics, and researchers in their research endeavours. The space includes workstations, a seminar room, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a separate lounge that provides for relaxation.

Card access to the facility is activated after registration each year. Any access problems should be reported to the Library front desk. Access hours are dependent on the opening of the Sir Arnold Theiler building. Keep up to date with the Library's hours by clicking here.

Facilities at the Onderstepoort Research Commons

Seats

• 35 open cubicles with individual seating plus plugs and network points for laptop connectivity
• Lockers

Computers and software

• 4 computers for individual use
• All computers have the following software:
  • Microsoft Office
  • EndNote
  • ATLAS.ti
  • IBM SPSS
  • SAS
  • R

Group facilities

• Seminar room
  • 14 seats
  • 1 large plasma screen
  • 1 whiteboard and 1 notice board
• Meeting room
  • 8 seats
  • 1 whiteboard and 2 notice boards
  • Plugs and network points for laptop connectivity

Social space

• A social lounge that is an attractive and relaxing area with seating for individual or group needs
• A microwave and a fridge as well as hot water are available

Services at the Onderstepoort Research Commons

The Department of Library Services (DLS) offers the following services at the Research Commons:

• Access to all electronic resources
• Skilled staff who are familiar with the research process and research-related requirements specific to the University of Pretoria
• Support services in all software preinstalled on Research Commons computers

A postgraduate student is appointed to deliver part-time, frontline support to visitors of the OPRC. This student can offer support in the following areas:

• Information consultation and information resources training or assistance
• IT support such as addressing basic IT problems and assisting students with laptop problems
• Microsoft Office support such as advanced Microsoft Word editing and support with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
• Statistical programs such as R, IBM SPSS, Stata, SAS, and ATLAS.ti