FAQ's

General

Question: When is the library open?
Answer: Library is open from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. on Monday to Friday. Please refer to the library opening hours. Question: Is the library opened on Saturday and Sunday?
Answer: The library is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Question: Is there any dress code etiquette in the library?
Answer: Yes, it is. Library user should follow the university dress code etiquette.

Question: Why does my bag must be checked when I walk in and out of the library?
Answer: Bag checking must be done by the staff in charge at library main entrance to ensure that users do not bring in items (e.g.: food, drink, cigarette and etc.) inside the library or bring out the library items illegally (e.g.: reference material, mouse, DVD player, LCD projector, microphone and etc.)

Membership

Question: How to become a library member?
Answer: UTHM staff and student are eligible to become the library member. They are provided with library account. Please check your account through library website or Circulation Counter.

Question: As a library member, could I use the other academic libraries?
Answer: Yes, you could. Library user can visit the other libraries for reference purpose and has to bring along the student / staff card.

Question: I have been registered as student/staff but do not have library account. What should I do?
Answer: The library downloads student/staff's record from Student/Staff Information System to Library System from time to time. If the record is unavailable, users have to fill up Membership Registration Form at Circulation Counter.

User Account

Question: How to get a user account?
Answer: You are eligible to have a user account if you are a registered UTHM student or staff.

Question: What is the function of user account?
Answer: By having a user account, you can check details of borrowing, request, fines, reservation and user current status, either OK, Delinquent or Barred. You could also change your password and renewing your loan.

Question: What to do if I forgot my password?
Answer: You can reset your password either at Circulation Counter or Reference Desk, Level 1. Our staff on-duty will available to assist you.

Off Campus Access

Question: How to access to subscribed databases outside the campus?
Answer: You can access those databases through the library website. Please refer to Off-Campus Access for further details.

Question: Could I give my User ID and password to another user so that he can access to our databases?
Answer: No, you could not disclose your user ID and password to another person because they may be able to access to your UTHM e-mail. We are not responsible for any misuse of User ID and password.

Question: How to get password for some databases which are accessed outside the campus?
Answer: You can get the password by sending an e-mail to: [email protected], and type in "password" at Subject field. The password request through personal e-mail other than UTHM formal e-mail such as Yahoo Mail, Gmail, or Hotmail will not be entertained. Please refer to Off-Campus Access for further details

Library Catalog

Question: What is Library Catalogue? Answer: Library Catalogue provides all details of the library collection, including current status, location and number of copies available to ease users identifying them on the specific shelves.

Question: How to use Library Catalogue?
Answer: Please refer to these guide: Library Catalogue and Library Tutorials

Question: What can we understand from Everything, Library Search and Asset Search in the Library Catalogue?
Answer: Search results in Library Catalogue are different based on the options selected: 1. Everything: will search all types of materials available in the library collection 2. Library Search: will search all types of materials available in the library collection, excludes Asset Search. 3. Asset Search: will only search scanned Special Collection materials such as past examination paper. (Special Collection refers to all materials written by UTHM community or published by UTHM).

Question: Can the Library Catalogue give some information whether the material is available on shelf or on loan?
Answer: Yes. Details of any material on shelf are available at a particular column, for example Open Access. For any material that is on loan, the column will inform the Due Date.

Electronic Resources

Question: What are online resources?
Answer: Online resources cover databases, e-book and e-journal subscribed by the library that can be accessed on line.

Question: How to get password for some databases?
Answer: You can get the password by sending an e-mail to: [email protected], and type in "password" at Subject field. Please refer to the librarian for further details.

Question: Where to find British Standards and Malaysian Standards?
Answer: British Standards and Malaysian Standards can be accessed through the library website, and direct link to online databases.

User Education

Question: How to learn more on library use? Answer: Library organizes Information Literacy Skills Class in order to teach all users using the library.

Question: What is the objective of Information Literacy Skills Class?
Answer: Information Literacy Skills Class is held to teach the new users on how to make full use of library facilities, services and collections.

Question: When Information Literacy Skills Class is held?
Answer: Information Literacy Skills Class is held as follows:
1. Every working days from 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m, as in the timetable scheduled every new semester
2. Every working days, subject to the request from the applicants

Question: How to attend Information Literacy Skills Class?
Answer: Information Literacy Skills Class can be attended through the followings:
1. Request by e-mail/phone/letter to librarian in charge of Information Literacy Skills Class.
2. Fill up the Registration Form available at Circulation Counter (every new semester)
3. Walk-In. Please get the timetable before joining the class to check the availability

Question: Can I request to join Information Literacy Skills Class?
Answer: Yes, you can. Please consult the librarian in charge of Information Literacy Skills Class.

Question: What are the topics covered?
Answer: The following topics covered in Information Literacy Skills Class:
1. Book searching on shelves
2. The use of online databases, e-journals and e-books
3. Library facilities and service
4.Applications within user account
5. The use of online resources outside the campus

Collection

Special Collection

Question: Where to find past year examination papers?
Answer: Printed past year examination papers can be found at Closed Reference Room, Level 1, whereas digital format is accessible through Library Catalogue, by "Asset Search".

Question: Where to find UTHM student's thesis?
Answer: UTHM student's thesis is available at Closed Reference Room, Level 1 for internal reference. Meanwhile, post graduate theses are accessible through UTHM Repository, up to first 24 pages.

Question: Is there PhDs thesis?
Answer: Yes, it is. It is available at Closed Reference Room, Level 1 for internal reference as well as online database named as Pro-Quest Dissertation & Theses

Audio Visual

Question: Where to find audio visual material?
Answer: Audio visual materials, like CD-ROM, VCD, DVD, cassette, and video tape are available at Circulation Counter, Level 1. User may preview such materials using equipments provided at Closed Reference Room, Level 1

Journal

Question: Where to find journals?
Answer: Printed journals, either current or bound are available at Journal Room, Level 3, whereas online journals are accessible via library website through links to e-journal and online databases.

Daily Newspapers

Question: Where to find daily newspapers?
Answer: You can get daily local newspapers at Closed Reference Room, Level 1. Besides, they can be accessed through BLIS database.

Online Resources

Question: What are online resources?
Answer: Online resources cover databases, e-book and e-journal subscribed by the library that can be accessed on line

Question: Why sometimes I could not access to online database?
Answer: There are many possibilities: network system technical problem, databases maintenance by the publisher or exceed limit of concurrent user. Please make a report to any librarian for further action.

Services

Borrowing and Returning

Question: How many books can be borrowed at one time?
Answer: Total number of borrowing is depending on material as well as user category. Please refer to the borrowing eligibility table.

Question: How long is the borrowing period allowed?
Answer: The period of borrowing is subject to material and user category. Please refer to the borrowing eligibility table.

Question: Could I borrow or return library materials if there is electricity or network failure?
Answer: Borrowing is not allowed during electricity or network failure because the library could not identify both borrower and material status. On the other hand, returning is allowed and user has to fill up returning form provided.

Reminder / Overdue Notification

Question: When will Reminder and Overdue Notification sent by the library?
Answer: Reminder Notification will be sent by the library by e-mail 2 days before the due date. The 1st Overdue Notice will be sent 1 day after the due date, the 2nd Overdue Notice will be sent 7 days after the due date, and 3rd Overdue Notice will be sent 13 days after the due date. User account will be barred if the total amount of fines has exceeded the maximum limit allowed.

Question: Why do I receive Overdue Notice even though have returned the book?
Answer: There is a possibility that the book has been returned on the same date of Overdue Notice is issued. Please ignore the notice if the book has been returned.

Fines / Lost of Materials

Question: How much is the fines for late return?
Answer: Please refer to fines for late return

Question: What should I do when the loan material is lost?
Answer: Please inform to the Librarian, Circulation Management Unit immediately to avoid more fines for late return. One month period will be provided to find the material. If the material still does not found, user has to pay according to the price of the material or buy the same title/edition.

Loan Renewal

Question: Could loan renewal be made outside the campus?
Answer: Loan renewal can be on line through user account with the condition that loan materials have not exceeded the due date.

Question: How to do loan renewal? Answer: Loan renewal can be done by 2 methods: First, online renewal by user account using User ID and Password. Second, bring along the on loan items and do the renewal at the Circulation Counter. Users can only renew twice before the due date. No renewal is allowed if other users have made reservation for the same item.

Reservation

Question: How to do reservation of library materials?
Answer: Library materials to be reserved must be on loan by other users. Online reservation can be done by marking Request Item at Hold column. User ID and password is required to Place Hold. Hold Placed will appear to indicate the reservation is already done. On the other hand, reservation can also be done at the Circulation Counter, Level 1.

Question: How to know that the reserved materials are ready for collection?
Answer: Current status on reservation can be checked through User Account. Click on My Account, and then select Hold to view reservation list. Any title with statement "Pick up at UTHM library" appears at Availability column shows that the item is ready for collection at the Circulation Counter. However, when the status is "Your position in the holds queue 1(or 2 and so on), users have to wait until it changed to "Pick up at UTHM library".

Delivery Service

Question: Who are eligible to request the delivery service?
Answer: This service is restricted to academic staff within campus area only.

Question: What is the library materials covered under this service?
Answer: Delivery service covers requested materials like Open Access books, Audio Visual collection, and books as well as documents supplied under Inter Library Loan service.

Reference Desk

Question : What is the Reference Desk operating hours?

Answer: Reference Desk is operating as follows: Monday - Thursday: 8.30 am - 1.00 pm / 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm; Friday: 9.00 am - 12.15 am / 2.45 pm - 5.00 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday: Closed.

Inter Library Loan (ILL)

Question: What is Inter Library Loan service?
Answer: Inter Library Loan service helps user to get library materials that are unavailable in UTHM Library from the other local libraries or British Library.

Question: How to get the Inter Library Loan service?
Answer: Inter Library Loan service can be obtained through the following channels:
1. Fill up the Application Form that is available at the
Circulation Counter or Reference Desk.
2. Send all the required details by e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Question: Who is eligible to use Inter Library Loan service?
Jawapan: All registered and active students and staff are eligible to use the service, except to the staffs that are furthering their studies at any learning institutions other than UTHM.

Question: Can I borrow the materials during my visit to the supplying libraries?
Answer: No, can not. You are required to consult the librarian in charge to enable the library prepares the relevant documents and gets the approval from the supplying libraries.

Question: How can I know the progress of the request? Answer: Requester will be informed by e-mail or phone from time to time.

Facilities

OPAC Terminal

Question: May I use OPAC Terminal for another purpose/use?
Answer: OPAC Terminal is restricted to only searching library materials through Library Catalogue and browsing User Account.

Wi-Fi

Question: How to access to Wi-Fi facility in the library?
Answer: Wi-Fi facility is provided at no charge. However, to get User ID and Password, users have to register with Pusat Teknologi Maklumat. Besides, PC should be configured first before use. Please refer to configuration guide

Self Check Out Machine

Question: Why users are encouraged to use self check out machine even though there are staffs on duty at library counter?
Answer: Use of self check out machine may avoid long queue at the library counter. Meanwhile, user will keep familiar with User Account since the same password is used at the machine.

Book Drop

Question: How to use self returning machine (Book Drop)?
Answer: Please refer to Book Drop user guide.

Question: Why books slide into the Book Drop machine is pushed out?
Answer: The books are pushed out because the machine can not identify or read Item ID. Please ensure that each book being returned through Book Drop has RFID tag inside the back of book cover.

Printing

Question: Where could I print my assignment?
Answer: Printing service is available at the Information Searching Room, Level 2.

Question: Does the library provide colour printer?
Answer: Colour printer is provided at the Information Searching Room, Level 2.

Photocopying

Question: Where could I buy pre-paid photocopy card?
Answer: User can buy pre-paid photocopy card at UTHM Co-op Shop (near to Bank Muamalat).

Iqra' Room

Question: Do I have to book Iqra' Room before use?
Answer: User does not have to book Iqra' Room before use. User can use at any time. Please refer to Iqra'Room rules of use.

Hikmah Room

Question: How long could I use Hikmah Room?
Answer: Maximum utilization is 2 hours. Extension of time depends on the availability. Please refer to Hikmah Room rules of use.

Eksplorasi Room

Question: How many users are allowed to use Eksplorasi Room at one time?
Answer: The use of Eksplorasi Room is restricted to 5-10 users at one time. Please refer to Eksplorasi Room rules of use.

Lestari Room

Question: May I use Lestari Room on weekend?
Answer: Yes, you may. Please refer to Lestari Room rules of use.

Information Searching Room

Question: How long could I use computer at Information Searching Room?
Answer: No time limit is allocated. User is required to register his name and student/staff number at the counter.

Question: Could I print my assignment at Information Searching Room?
Answer: Printing your assignment can be made there, and charges for each is RM0.20 for black and white, whereas RM0.50 for colour.

24 Hours Reading Room

Question: What are the facilities provided in 24 Hours Reading Room?
Answer: Facilities provided include electric sockets and wireless Internet access.

Question: May I bring food and drink into 24 Hours Reading Room?
Answer: Only snacks and mineral water is allowed. Please refer to 24 Hours Reading Room rules of use.

Journal Room

Question: May I bring journal out of this room to photocopy?
Answer: No. Photocopy machine is already provided. Besides, journal collection is only for internal reading and not to be brought out.

Closed Reference Room

Question:What are the materials provided in this room?
Answer:There is Reference Collection like encyclopedia, Closed Access Collection like Solution Manual & Laboratory Manual, Special Collection like thesis, as well as daily local newspapers (Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian, Harian Metro, Sinar Harian, Kosmo, New Straits Times, The Star, Nanyang Siang Pau, Sin Chew Daily and Tamil Nesan).

Question: May I bring this collection out of this room?
Answer: No.This collection is only for internal reading and not to be brought out.

Al-Jazari Auditorium

Question: May I use my own material?
Answer: Users must get permission from Librarian, Information Service Department to use own material. The material related to teaching and learning is prioritized.

Question: Who are eligible to use auditorium?
Answer: Use of auditorium open to academic staff and staff/student clubs or societies. Supporting document from faculty or Student Affairs Department is required.

Question: How long could I use auditorium?
Answer: Maximum utilization is 3 hours. Extension of time depends on the availability.

Gallery

Question: May I organize an exhibition at the library gallery?
Answer: Yes, please forward a written application to the Chief Librarian.

Information Kiosk

Question: What are the functions of information kiosk (i-Library)?
Answer: Kiosk i-library is provided to ease users browsing related information on library such as opening hours, collection, services, facilities, and area/room available in the library building.