Policies and Procedures

Circulation Service at University of Fujairah Digital Library covers the book loans, renewals, and fines with regards to university community

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Circulation Policy

• Circulation privileges are provided to enrolled students and members of staff who hold a valid University of Fujairah ID card. Users must present a valid ID card in person to check out materials. Exception may be provided by the Library Director.
• Library materials shall not be checked out to any user using another’s ID card.
• Each borrower is responsible for all Library materials checked out under his/her ID number, until they are returned.
• Lost ID cards should be reported immediately to the library.
• All library materials must be checked out at self-check machine or at the circulation desk.
• Most library print materials are available for loan. Materials in the following collections are an exception and may only be used inside the library:
  • Print Journal Collection
  • Reserved Thesis, Reference, Textbook, and Display Material
  • Special Collection
• University of Fujairah faculty, staff and students shall be allowed to use the library after leaving (service or graduation). They are not allowed to borrow.

UOF library material collection purpose is to offer information about general interest and needs of Fujairah community and UOF community but first of all to support university activities like teaching, learning and research needs of the current curriculum of each section. UOF policies and strategies for the library collection development are defined and updated by the manager of the library by removing from the library outdated materials, selection and acquisitions of more/new materials in consultation with the Library Review Committee. The goal of UOF library’s collection development effort is to build collections that support the needs of UOF programs, the faculty, and the entire Fujairah community. This collection development system reinforces the UOF and Library missions. The Library also recognizes its responsibility to respond to the research needs of the faculty. It will continue to do this through its commitment to providing access services including electronic databases. This policy provides a framework for the original principles and guidelines in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and maintenance of library resources. It also helps to communicate the Library policies concerning goals and methods to faculty, students, staff, and users. As academic programs, information needs, and technology change, the Library remains committed to meeting new information demands.

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Collections Development Policy

The library collections aim to fulfill the following objectives:

• Provide the best and enough, varied, and relevant materials like electronic and printed resources to support all university courses and programs
• Support and availability of appropriate resources in order to assist each university section in their teaching functions.
• Update the collection of printed and electronic materials to provide program delivery in the library.
• Upgrading general interest electronic and printed materials for the overall enrichment of the Fujairah Community and UOF community.
• Outsource and develop reference collections that allow UOF library to provide the best information services to the users in support of instruction and operations.
• Support users in continuing education program with resources to support career upgrading
• Outsourcing and maintaining copies of textbooks that are required to support university courses, extra teaching material and curriculum.
• Offering available materials in order to support users in research requirement of faculties programs and subjects offered by UOF.
• Development of UOF archival material and properly maintain the data base in addition to the existing materials

Monographs will be collected according to the following criteria:

• Quality of the work and appropriate academic level.
• As per the academic programs and subjects, training and researching programs, or service activities of UOF.
• Expectation of use.
  1. Paperback editions are collected for high temporary use materials.
  2. Paperbacks will also be collected when the format is the only one available or the price is much higher than the cloth edition.
  3. Substantively different editions may be collected if required

4. Unabridged editions are preferred over abridged editions as there is no rule of collection. There is an exception when the original edition is no longer available in the market.
5. If required reprint editions are sometimes purchased when original editions are no longer available or are too much expensive
6. Collections of journal articles published as monographs may be purchased when the   library system does not own the journal in paper format or electronic format.
7. Spiral editions or loose-leaf editions are not preferred formats by the library.  Only important materials available in these formats only will be collected and only if necessary required.

Weeding is the process of removing materials from the library’s collection, to make shelf-space for new acquisitions in idea of upgrading and maintenance of current academically relevant collection. Removing printed and non-printed materials from library collection will be done on a regular and ongoing basis following factors:

•  Duplicate copies that are in demand.
•  Unnecessary materials and not part of the required subject collection.
•  Materials with no historical value.
•  Inaccurate or uncomplete or outdated information.
•  Damaged material that cost of repair outweighs the value of the resources.
•  Damaged and/or replacement can be easily purchased from the current market.

Damaged, missing, lost or worn-out library materials will be replaced based on the     following criteria:

•  Material that planned to be replaced meets the general UOF library collection policy criteria.
•  Frequently of material in use justifies replacement.
•  Material is used for specific class reserve reading or/and is on a faculty recommended reading list.
•  Material is not available in any other format in UOF library.

Library employees will be familiarized and periodically trained in the proper care of library materials, especially for certain not-print formats. UOF library users will be always informed about the proper care and handling of those items when the case.

•  Library in charge will ensure that temperature and humidity controls are optimal for maintenance of library materials.
•  Some of damaged materials that cannot be replaced are subject for being repaired when the decision is made to retain the item.

Enable discovery and access to provide appropriate and efficient inventory control by preparing bibliographic records to represent collection resources using applicable library standards

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Cataloging Policy

1. Catalog all items according to Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed. (AACR2) and Machine-Readable Cataloging Standards (MARC 21).

2. Assign classification numbers which best identify the subject content of the material at hand, using the Library of Congress Classification system.

3. Select subject headings according to the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)

The Group Discussion Rooms are special rooms located within the study area of the library, which can be used by a group of students to share resources that enable students to discuss and prepare for their projects and assignments.

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Group Study Room Policy

1. The University of Fujairah Library provides Group Study Rooms to allow students to engage in team and collaborative study in small groups.
2. Rooms should be cleared with gate opening hours.
3. Rooms shall be closed by 10 Minutes before the library closes.
4. Entering and check out library study room require valid university ID as a room key.
5. Reserving and Using Study Rooms

• Study Rooms can be reserved at the service desks in the Library. Students should submit a valid UOF ID to reserve the Room.
• Study Rooms may be reserved for 2 hours, which can be extended if no other group reservation is in place.
• Each room for study purpose can be used by groups of 2 maximum of 10 persons.
• Study Rooms shall not be reserved for individual students. Groups should consist of at least two students.
• Room reserving process will be the responsibility of one member from the group for 2 hours. Only if not reserved by other group the room might be subject to extended reservation for another more hour by informing the librarian in charge.
• Food, drinks, mobile phones inside library are strictly prohibited.
• Any request for room group reservation in the library must be done two days in advance. Library staff will check and inform about the rooms availability and pending the approval until further cancelations and availability.
• Immediate access to a room study by groups are possible if it is unoccupied and not reserved for the time being.
• Reserved rooms are held by librarian for only 15 minutes beyond the start time of the reservation and if unclaimed by the reserving group after the 15 minutes, it shall be made available to other groups.
• In the study room each person might respect others, so the following are not allowed: noise, eating, drinking or any other activity then studying and researching.
• Students or groups who fail to comply with the above guidelines shall subject themselves to misuse penalties and actions shall be taken against users who violate these guidelines.

Actions and Penalties

• The service librarian shall first issue the group a verbal warning to stop immediately stop any misbehavior or violation.
• If the group fails to comply, the library staff shall ask the individual or group, to immediately leave the library.
• The library staff shall forbid the users violating the guidelines from entering the Library for a specific period (one week, one month or one semester, depending on the level of the violation).
• The library staff shall report the violation incident to the College Dean for further disciplinary actions.
• The Library Staff Shall Suspend all Library access and borrowing privileges for a specific period (one semester).
• The Security may be asked to escort students out of the library.

The University of Fujairah Library make computing resources available to the faculty, students, staff, and other members of the University community to support the academic requirements and to promote the academic research.

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Computer Hardware and Software Use Policy

1. The primary purpose of providing computers, networks, and Internet access at the UOF Library is to support the teaching, learning, research, and instructional activities within the University.
2. General

• The University of Fujairah has a designated area where students may access library resources, access the Internet, access their email accounts, and use standard software such as MS Office.
• These areas are designated as “Computer Areas” or, “Public Common”.
• Computers at the UOF Library are provided primarily for Library-related activities, such as searching the online catalog, electronic databases, trusted websites, and access to Web educational related links.
• All UOF students, faculty, and staff should login to the University of Fujairah network using their UOF IDs and passwords. Accordingly, they shall get unrestricted access to the Library resources and the Internet.
• The Priority use of the public access computers is allocated to the University of Fujairah students, faculty, and staff.
• Users are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their passwords and accounts. Furthermore, they are responsible for all transactions that occur under their account.
• The Library disclaims any responsibility for the damage done to users’ devices or loss of data or corruption, which occurred while using the Library computers and network facilities.
• Users should observe the social and moral practices in the UAE. Individuals should show respect for other individuals’ privacy and freedom. They should demonstrate good behavior on the Internet, and not use obscene language.
• It is strictly prohibited:

1. Send offensive messages, and graphics.
2. Send or intend to receive pornographic images, photographs, or the like.
3. Send “chain letters” and messages to mailing lists or individuals.
4. Harass, insult, or attack other users.
5. Use of others’ IDs and passwords.

• Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in “Computer Areas”.
• “Computer Areas” within the Libraries should be used quietly and appropriately.

• The Library prohibits modification, destruction, or misuse of the Library computers.
• The Library prohibits damaging any computer, computer system, or computer network.
• It is strictly prohibited to use public access computers for recreational purposes, which prevents other users from using the workstations and make the Library less conducive to study and research Students are permitted to configure their laptops and use the wireless network in the Library.
• Users are not allowed to unplug any Library equipment, power cables, power extensions, Internet cables, et cetera for any reason.
• Users are not allowed to use any of the personal equipment, which may cause danger to others.

• The Library strictly prohibits:

1. Unauthorized installation of any software or downloading files on the workstations’ hard drives.
2. Unauthorized access to system files.
3. Unauthorized copying or any use that violates copyright-protected materials.
4. Attempts to corrupt electronic communications systems and services.
5. Attempts to cause corruption of data in the Library’s electronic resources.
6. Attempts to remove or modify information stored on the computers.

Laptops and tablets are available for circulation at the University of Fujairah Library to be used by the students within the library in their search for information and scholarship articles needed for their research and assignments.

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Tablets Laptops Borrowing Policy

• A Library user must hold a valid UOF ID to borrow a laptop or tablet.
• Only one electronic device may be checked out per person.
• Tablets & Laptops are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• The checkout period for an iPod or Laptop is for 2 hours, applicable for renewals if no other booking has been placed.
• The device should be returned to the same desk where it was borrowed.
• No devices shall be loaned one hour before Library closing.

Any delay in returning the device shall be fined 100 AED / Hour.

The borrower shall be charged the device price in case of damage or loss.

Borrowers are fully responsible in case of damage, loss, or theft.

These terms and conditions are meant to provide further clarity and protection for both the electronic library and its users. It is important for users to read and understand all of the library's policies before accessing its electronic resources.

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through E-Library

The terms and conditions for using the electronic library are:

1. Access: The library may require users to have a valid account to access its electronic resources.
2. Authorized use: Users are only authorized to use the library's electronic resources for educational, research, or personal purposes. Any commercial use or redistribution of the materials is strictly prohibited.
3. Copyright compliance: Users must comply with copyright laws when using the library's electronic resources. They are not allowed to download or distribute copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright owner.
4. Privacy: The library may collect personal information from users to provide access to its electronic resources. Users must agree to the library's privacy policy, which should outline how their personal information will be collected, stored, and used.
5. Security: Users must take reasonable precautions to ensure the security of the library's electronic resources. This includes protecting their login credentials and not sharing them with others.
6. Limitations of liability: The library is not liable for any damages that may arise from the use of its electronic resources. This includes damages resulting from the loss of data, viruses, or other harmful components.
7. User conduct: Users must conduct themselves in a responsible and ethical manner when using the library's electronic resources. They are not allowed to engage in any activity that could harm the library's network, disrupt service to other users, or violate any laws or regulations.
8. Access restrictions: The library may restrict access to certain electronic resources based on licensing agreements, copyright restrictions, or other factors. Users may be required to agree to additional terms and conditions to access these restricted materials.
9. Suspension or termination of service: The library reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to its electronic resources at any time, without notice, if the library deems it necessary to protect its network or the security of its resources.
10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The terms and conditions of the library are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. Any disputes arising from the use of the library's electronic resources will be resolved in the judicial courts of the Emirate of Fujairah.

Visitors are the users who are not involved in the university community. Visitors are welcome to use, the facilities, and resources of the University of Fujairah Digital Library

• We have added shorter parts of the policy, you can view the full policy through Visitors Policy

The library responsibility toward the community and society. To allow researchers from the Community to benefit from the library’s resources and facilities.

• To contribute to the University of Fujairah’s strategic goal of providing the local community with support and access to services and resources available on the University campuses, the University Library provide the public with access to information resources as well as computing facilities and online resources.
• These policies ensure the proper use of facilities, including computing equipment. Visitors are expected to adhere to these policies.
• Public users should show a photo ID, register their names, organizations, contacts, and purpose of the visit at the Visitors’ Logbook at the Library circulation desk or Survey Kiosk.
• Use of computers by visitors is subject to availability. They are available on a first come, first serve basis. Priority is for UOF staff or student.
• Library staff shall login with the public access account to allow visiting researchers to search the online catalog and other resources.
• The Librarian has the right to ask visitors to stop working on any of the computers should there be need for the station by UOF staff or student.
• Computers are intended for research purposes only, which is consistent with the academic and research activities of UOF Digital Library.
• Excessive noise, loud conversation and viewing improper websites are not permitted in the Library and will lead to computer access termination.
• The Library is not responsible for a visiting user loss of or damage to data, documents or disks while using Library computers. Also, the Library is not responsible for loss of data due to service interruption. Library staff shall not be able to assist in the recovery of data.
• Users should not save data directly onto the desktop of a Library computer.
• The Library is not responsible for visitors’ unattended personal belongings.
• Visitors should strictly observe all copyright laws.
• Users should not make copies or install software on any of the Library computers.
• Visitors shall use the computer as is. The Library shall not install or remove any software.
• To keep in line with the university Computer Network Access Policies, visitors should not attempt to access UOF Digital Library computers, network, software, etc. that they are not authorized to access.
• Visitors who fail to comply with the ‘Visitors Policy’ shall be banned from future visits, especially computer access privilege. Library shall not allow him/her to access any of UOF Digital Library.