Together with the office of the Dean of Students, and Human Resource Unit, the library participates in the orientationof new students and staff. To us is an essential program that introduces our new users—to the library’s resources, services, rules, and facilities. Its main goal is to help users become confident and independent in using the library effectively.
Objectives of New Library User Orientation
- Familiarize users with library facilities and layout
- Introduce them to key services (borrowing, reference, digital resources)
- Teach them how to locate, access, and evaluate information
- Ensure understanding of library policies and user responsibilities
During the orientation, the following topics are covered:
- Welcome and Overview: introduction to library staff, and mission and role of the library in academic success
- Library Layout and Facilities: Tour of physical sections such as the circulation desk, reference section, reading spaces, special collections, and ICT section. Explanation to shelving system using the Dewey Decimal is provided.
- Library Membership and Registration: who is eligible, how to register and what documents are required, how to get a library ID, and account for accessing library eJournals and eDatabases.
- Borrowing and Returning Materials: how to borrow books and the borrowing limits, loan periods and how to renew or reserve materials, and overdue fines and penalties
- Using the Library Catalogue (OPAC): how to search for books and other materials, and understanding call numbers and item locations
- Access to Digital Resources: how to access eBooks, eJournals, eDatabases, and online repositorieson and off campus; introduction to institutional repository.
- Reference and Research Services: getting help from librarians; citation and plagiarism awareness; and accessing research support or subject-specific guidance.
- ICT Services: availability of computers, internet, and printing/photocopying services.
- Rules and Regulations: library hours; conduct policies; use of mobile phones, food, and noise policies
- Q&A / Feedback Session: allowing users to ask questions or raise concerns