Internet & ICT Services
MCA Library Internet and ICT Services support access to electronic information resources, online learning materials, digital library services and other legitimate academic and research activities.
The service complements the Library's physical collections by helping users access and use digital information in support of teaching, learning and research.
What Internet & ICT Services Provide
Internet Access
Where Library Internet facilities are available, users may access online information and digital services for legitimate academic and research purposes.
Electronic Resources
Use Internet-enabled facilities to access electronic databases, e-books, e-journals and other digital resources provided through the MCA Library.
Online Research
Access scholarly information and other appropriate online sources to support assignments, projects, dissertations, theses and research activities.
Catalogue Access
Use the MCA Library catalogue to search for books and other Library resources and to access available information about their status.
Digital Learning
Access legitimate online learning materials and academic information services relevant to your studies.
ICT-Assisted Study
Where appropriate facilities are provided, use Library computing resources to support academic and research activities.
Appropriate Use of Internet and ICT Facilities
Internet and ICT facilities provided through or within the Library are academic resources. Users are expected to use them responsibly and in accordance with applicable College, Library and ICT requirements.
- Use Internet and ICT facilities primarily for legitimate academic, learning and research activities.
- Respect applicable College ICT policies and information security requirements.
- Do not use Library computing facilities for unlawful, fraudulent, abusive or harmful activities.
- Do not intentionally interfere with computer systems, networks or other users' access.
- Do not attempt to gain unauthorised access to systems, accounts or information.
- Respect copyright, licensing conditions and the terms of use applicable to electronic resources.
- Log out of personal accounts when using shared equipment.
Electronic Library Resources
Internet access enables MCA users to connect to the Library's electronic information services and subscribed resources.
Access to particular electronic resources may depend on institutional subscription, authentication requirements, licensing conditions and the user's eligibility.
MyLOFT
Use the Library's MyLOFT service to discover and access electronic information resources made available to authorised MCA users.
Research4Life
Access scholarly information provided through the Research4Life programme where MCA institutional access requirements are met.
Turnitin
Use the institutional Turnitin service in accordance with MCA's academic, research and information-resource procedures.
Electronic-resource access may require institutional authentication. Users should use the official MCA Library links and their authorised institutional credentials where required.
Computers and Library ICT Facilities
MCA's campus information identifies computer laboratory facilities alongside the Library at the Blantyre and Lilongwe campuses. Specific equipment, access arrangements and availability may vary by campus.
Users should follow the instructions provided by Library and ICT staff when using shared computers and other ICT facilities.
Using Shared Computers
- Use only your authorised account credentials.
- Keep passwords and authentication information private.
- Do not leave an active account unattended.
- Log out when you have completed your session.
- Do not install unauthorised software or alter system configurations.
- Report technical problems to the appropriate Library or ICT staff rather than attempting unauthorised repairs.
Access to Digital Resources
Users should begin from the official links provided through the MCA Library Website when accessing subscribed electronic resources.
This helps ensure that users are directed to the correct MCA institutional access route and reduces the risk of using unofficial or inappropriate copies of online resources.
Copyright and Responsible Use
Electronic information resources are often supplied under licence agreements that specify how their content may be accessed, downloaded, copied and shared.
Users must comply with applicable copyright law, licensing terms and MCA requirements when using electronic resources.
Downloading or distributing substantial quantities of content in breach of a resource's licence may result in suspension of access and other appropriate action.
Internet Access and Academic Work
Internet access should be used to support productive academic activities such as:
- Literature searching
- Accessing scholarly journal articles
- Finding books and other academic resources
- Accessing electronic databases
- Conducting academic and research searches
- Accessing legitimate online learning resources
- Preparing assignments, projects and research work
Three Campus Libraries
Internet, computing and digital-library access arrangements should be confirmed at the user's campus because facilities and local operating arrangements may differ.
Blantyre Campus
The Blantyre Campus has a Library and a complete computer laboratory as part of its learning facilities.
Lilongwe Campus
The Lilongwe Campus provides Library and computer laboratory facilities as part of its academic environment.
Mzuzu Campus
Users should confirm the current Internet and ICT facilities and access arrangements with the Mzuzu Campus Library.
Need Help Accessing an Electronic Resource?
If you are unable to access a database, e-book, e-journal or other digital resource, use the MCA Library's Ask a Librarian service for assistance.
The Tawk.to chat widget on the Library Website can be used to contact Library staff when the live-chat service is available.
Search the Library Catalogue
The catalogue is the starting point for discovering books and other resources held by the MCA Library.