11.2.2 : Public access to libraries
UTM Library
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) provides extensive and structured Public Access to Libraries, ensuring that its vast academic resources, including books and publications, are accessible to the public through formal membership, multiple physical locations, and open-access digital initiatives.
- Formalized Public Membership: The UTM Library implements a clear policy for public access through various Library Membership Categories. This formalized structure allows non-staff and non-student community members to gain borrowing and resource access, demonstrating an intentional strategy to serve the wider public.
- Extensive Physical Collections: The library ensures access to a wide array of resources, explicitly listing collections such as Open & Closed Access Collections, Reference Materials, Journals Collection, UTM Special Collection, and Maps / Aerial Photographs. These resources are spread across multiple physical branches, including the Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah, Perpustakaan Raja Zarith Sofiah, and branches in UTM Kuala Lumpur and Pagoh, making the collection geographically accessible.
- Digital and Open Access Publications: UTM actively expands public access beyond the physical building through its digital strategy. This includes Open Access Initiatives and hosting the UTM Institutional Repository (UTM-IR), which archives university research, theses, and publications, making them globally available online. Furthermore, the library provides access to E-Resources, including online databases, e-journals, and e-books, promoting resource democratization.
- Dedicated Public Hours: The library system supports public use by maintaining consistent and long opening hours across its branches. For instance, the Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and on weekends from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, allowing the community flexible access to the physical space and collections.
By implementing formal membership categories, maintaining a geographically distributed collection, and championing open-access digital initiatives, UTM’s library system successfully provides comprehensive public access to books and publications.
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Library OPAC (Open Public Access Catalog)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) provides comprehensive and formalized Public Access to Libraries, systematically ensuring that its extensive academic resources, including books and publications, are accessible to the public through physical facilities, structured membership, and robust digital platforms.
- Formalized Public Access Scheme: The UTM Library actively facilitates public engagement by implementing various Library Membership Categories which formalize access for non-staff and non-student community members, allowing them to utilize the library's vast physical collection.
- Extensive Physical Collections: The library ensures the public can access critical information by maintaining and making available its physical holdings, including Open & Closed Access Collections, Reference Materials, and the Journals Collection. The main library, Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah, supports public usage with extended operating hours, opening from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays.
- Democratization of Publications (Digital Access): UTM champions the democratization of academic knowledge through digital initiatives. It provides access to its institutional scholarly outputs via the UTM Institutional Repository (UTM-IR), making university publications and research globally accessible online. Furthermore, the library promotes Open Access Initiatives and offers E-Resources (Online Databases, e-Journals, and e-Books), which are essential for academic research and lifelong learning in the wider community.
By combining formalized membership, extensive operational hours across its branches, and a commitment to digital open-access, UTM’s library system successfully integrates the public into its knowledge ecosystem, providing crucial public access to libraries, books, and publications.
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