Library Services & Facilities
Collection Development Division
Funds:-
- There are separate funds for the M.A. Library and the Faculty/Department/Centre/College/Institution etc.
- The fund of M.A. Library is utilized by the University Librarian according to the needs and requirements of the users, with emphasis on the overall development of the library collection.
- The funds of the Faculty/Department/Centre/College/Institute of studies for books are utilized through the University Library. For this purpose, the list of recommended books along with the mention of the head of account and amount is sent to the University Librarian for procurement. The University Librarian placed the orders in accordance with standard procedures/norms.
Selection of Books:-
The selection of the books is based on the
- Recommendations received from the faculty members, research scholars and students through their respective heads.
- Recommendations received from the in-charge of different divisions/sections of the M.A. Library through the University Librarian.
- University Librarian may also recommend/select some books based on book reviews and books/textbooks recommended in the different syllabi of the courses.
- Books selected by faculty members, the University Librarian and other library staff from Book Exhibition/Book Fairs organized/attended from time to time.
Request are received in the prescribed format by hand, by e-mail, or via the online link provided on the M.A. Library's web page. The Collection Development Division then prepare a consolidated list after checking the available budget for book procurement. The list is then checked by Library Catalogue/OPAC to avoid duplication. The list is finally approved by the Librarian.
Ordering:-
- Once selection is finalized, the books are purchased from the empanelled/registered vendors/publishers with M.A. Library. Orders are placed subject to the availability of funds.
- The library can purchase books from the other vendors/publishers in case the registered vendors are unable to supply the same, in an exceptional case. For unsupplied books, reminders are sent to the vendors/publishers.
- The University Librarian may also allow Faculty/Department/Centre/College/Institute Principal Investigator of Major Research Projects/SAP-DRS etc. to purchase books directly/Ex post facto as per the terms and conditions of the University in very exceptional cases, for which written permission will be required from the University Librarian.
- In such cases, bills along with the books and authentic price proof are sent to the M.A. Library for further processing.
Bill Processing:-
Once the books are received in the library, the book(s) are physically checked for any defect in printing, wrong pagination, torn pages etc. In such cases, the books are returned to the vendor/publisher, etc. The books are also verified with the order list, such as author, title, edition number/Indian/Foreign and paperback etc. The bills received from the vendors/publishers are thoroughly verified & checked for price verification, conversion and discount rates by the concerned staff of the Collection Development Division.
Accessioning:-
The book(s) are accessioned in the Accession register. The Accession Register is the basic record in the library about each document forming part of its collection. Entry for each book is made in the Accession Register, which has all the relevant details of a book, such as name of the author, title, publisher, year of publication, cost of the book, vendor/publisher etc. and this/these accession numbers is/are entered on the books and bills.
Payment of bills:-
Book(s) once accessioned, the bill(s) are sent to the concerned section/department for payment.
Gift & Exchange:-
The acquisition of Gift is one of the important sources to develop the collection of the library. Gifts are received in the M.A. Library as per the selection policy of the gifted books. It is the responsibility of the Gift & Exchange Committee to determine whether or not the gift will be kept and incorporated into the library's collection. After verification from authentic electronic information sources, the gifted items, i.e. books/journals/CDs/pamphlets etc., are accessioned in the gift accession register. Once an accession number is assigned, it becomes the property of the library. An acknowledgement is sent to the donor.
Circulation Division
Procedure for Library Membership
For Students:-The membership application form for Maulana Azad Library may be filled up online at https://webopac.amu.ac.in/membership.php by students for renewal and fresh membership. A print out of the online filled form has to be submitted along with a passport size latest coloured photograph in M.A. Library at Circulation Counter duly attested by the Provost of the respective Halls during working hours from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with one-hour lunch break from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.For University Employee:-All the permanent employees (Teaching & Non-Teaching) of the university can get membership of the library after filling up a membership form duly attested by the Head of the Department/Office. The form is available at the circulation counter.
Staff on Probation/Temporary/Guest Faculty:-The staff on probation/temporary or Guest Faculty can get the membership of the library after filling up a membership form duly attested by the Head of the Department/Office along with a surety bond from a permanent employee of the university. Both forms are available at the circulation counter.
Visitors/Scholars from other universities:- The visitor/scholars from outside of the university can get the membership of the library for a maximum period of one month, after filling up a membership form for Visiting Schlars. They have to submit an introductory letter from their Research Guide/Head of the Department/Principal of the College along with their valid identity card etc.
Members retired from the university services:- Retired employees of AMU can get the special membership of the library by filling up a membership form and they have to submit an undertaking duly signed by the head of the department from where they have retired.
Special Membership:- The respectable citizens of the Aligarh town, students, research scholars, teachers and retired employees from other recognized institutions can get the special membership of the library by producing their bona fides to the satisfaction of the University Librarian, after filling up a membership form along with requisite security fee as decided and notified by the management from time to time.
Procedure for charging and discharging of book:- The collection of the library has been distributed in different floors, sections and divisions. Any document can only be issued on loan from the circulation counter. The library is using both closed in TBI (Text Book Issue) section and open acess in different floors of the library. The library is currently using Koha software for in house activities and 3M security system to ensure that no document can be taken out from the library without issue.
Procedure for issue of a book
* Text Book Issue Section (TBI):- The books will be issued from Text Book Issue section of the Circulation Division from 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM. The borrower will select a book for his/her coice from the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) of the library and note down the call no. of a book on a slip. The borrower first deposits their requisition slip to staff of the TBI counter, if the book is available then present their borrower card at the issue counter. The library staff will first scan the borrower card and then the bar code of a book will be demagnetized by the machine so it can pass through the magnetic gate. The borrower card and book will be handed over to borrower.
* General Books from Stacks:- The library is using Open Access System in stacks for general books, where users allowed going to the shelves and choosing a book, then book has to be given to the staff available in the different stacks. He will note down the details of the book and the hand over book to the user. The user will bring book and present both book and borrower card to the staff of issue counter for issuing of a book. The library staff will first scan the borrower card and then the barcode of a book, after that he will put the due date on the date slip of the book, then the book will be demagnetized by the machine and borrower card and book will be handed over to the borrower. The books can be borrowed from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Procedure to return a book
All the documents issued from the library will be returned at the Circulation Counter of the library from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. The user will present the book to the staff available at the return counter of the Circulation Division. He will scan the accession number of a book through barcode reader and return the book.
Technical Division
The Technical Division is responsible for the following functions:-
Classification:- Assigning class numbers using 23rd edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) scheme and book numbers with the help of Padma Shri Prof. Bashiruddin's Book Number Table.
Cataloguing:- Entering the bibliographic details of the each document into the KOHA Library Management Software in accordance with AACR-2 standards. These records are made accessible through the OPAC and Web-OPAC.
Technical Processing of Books:- Carrying out essential processing activities such as stamping documents, generating barcodes, inserting tattle tape, book pockets and book cards and transferring the processed documents to the respective sections.
Periodical Division
Selection process of Journals (Print/Online)
- The Maulana Azad Library sends letters to the Deans/Chairpersons/Principals/Directors/Coordinators etc. for the requisition of journals. Faculty members recommend the journal titles from their area of subjects/specialization and submit them to the concerned head.
- A consolidated list of journals based on the recommendations of faculty members is duly forwarded by the concerned head to the university librarian for subscription.
Subscription methods of Journals
The subscription methods for journals consists the following procedure:
- Selection of Journals
- Preparation of priority list according to available fund
- Sending list to empanelled Vendors/Publishers/Agencies for obtaining quotations
- Prepare comparative statement of discounted rates of journals
- Conducting meeting of the purchase committee to finalize the subscription orders
- Taking approval from members of the purchase committee for placing the subscription orders to the vendors/publishers/agencies
- Placing of subscription orders
- Receiving of invoices and checking price, conversion rates and price proof etc.
- Signing the deed of agreement/license agreement between Aligarh Muslim University and venders/publishers/agencies
- Processing of invoices for payment
Subscription/Renewal methods of E-Resources
- The subscription/renewal of e-resources is based on the recommendations received from Department of Studies/College/Centres/Institutes etc. and the proposal received from the publishers, subject to the availability of funds. In case of renewal, usage statisitcs is also considered.
- Conducting meeting of the Purchase Committee to finalize the subscription orders
- The members of the Purchase Committee negotiate the prices of proposed resources, if required, with the vendors/publishers/agencies which have to be subscribed for the next year. The below procedure is followed to subscribe the e-resources:
- Preparation of the list of the proposed e-resources to be placed before the Purchase Committee for selection.
- Taking approval from members of the Purchase Committee for placing the subscription orders to the vendors/publishers/agencies.
- Placing of subscription orders
- Receiving of invoices and checking price, conversion rates and price etc.
- Signing the license agreement between Aligarh Muslim University and publishers.
- Processing of invoices for payment.
Delivery of Journals to the Concerned Department
Once the journals are received in the Periodical Division, the information is sent to the concerned Department of Studies/Colleges/Centres/Institute etc. to collect the journals from the Periodical Division.
Missing Issues & Claims
Reminders are sent time to time to the vendors/publishers/agencies to claim for missing and unsupplied issues if the journals are not received on time.
Oriental Division
The oriental division provides support in conducting scholarly inquiry into classical, medieval and modern literature to the researchers, students and academicians from across the world. This division facilitates study and research activities predominantly on all aspects of oriental literature in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi and Sanskrit languages and their linguistic and literary criticism. It also, actively provides support in studies such as comparative literature, linguistics, religious studies on Islam and Hinduism, Indian life and culture, history, geography, politics, jurisprudence, philosophy, tasawwuf or mysticism, mass communication, Unani medicine and more importantly the national movement of India etc.
Functioning of the Oriental Division
- Selection and Procurement of Books:- Procurement of books, journals, and other reading materials is a continuous process carried out throughout the year in accordance with the academic and research needs of the users.
- Accessioning:- All newly acquired books are recorded in the Accession Register. Complete bibliographical and acquisition details such as author, title, publisher, year of publication, price, vendor, and accession numbers are carefully entered and authenticated.
- Classification:- To ensure proper arrangement and easy retrieval, the documents are systematically classified using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) scheme. Book numbers are also assigned with the help of Prof. Bashiruddin’s table for book numbering.
- Cataloguing:- The bibliographical details of each document are entered into Koha library software according to AACR-2 standards. Once catalogued, the documents become searchable through OPAC/Web-OPAC for quick and efficient access.
- Processing of Books:- After cataloguing, documents undergo technical processing, such as barcode generation, labelling, lamination, stamping, pasting of book pockets and cards, and insertion of tattle tapes.
- Display of New Arrivals:- Processed books are displayed on the “New Arrivals” rack to familiarize users with the latest additions.
- Digitization of Rare Books:- To ensure preservation and accessibility, rare volumes of exceptional historical and academic significance are being digitized.
- Circulation Services:- Books are issued and returned for in-house consultation as well as for outside.
Sir Syed Section
The M A Library has established a dedicated Sir Syed Section to preserve and showcase the intellectual legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan; the founder of Aligarh Muslim University. This unique section houses a rich collection of books written by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, along with an extensive range of scholarly works, biographies, research publications, and critical studies pertaining to his life, philosophy, educational movement, and socio-religious reforms. Among the most prized holdings, are rare and historically significant publications of nineteenth century such as Aligarh Institute Gazette, Tahzeeb-ul-Akhlaq, Khutbat-e-Ahmadiya and Aasar-us-Sanadeed; a monumental work of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on the historical monuments of Delhi.
The section serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, academicians, and students interested in Sir Syed’s vision, contributions, his scientific temperament and lasting impact on education, social awareness, culture, and more particularly the Aligarh movement and the intellectual history of modern India.
Computer Applications Division
The Computer Applications Division plays a vital role in the automation, digitization, and technological advancement of the Library. The Library is an integral part of the University's fiber optic-based Campus Local Area Network (LAN), providing seamless connectivity and access to information resources for its users.
The Library is equipped with a total of 175 computer systems, of which 120 computers are exclusively dedicated to research scholars and faculty members. These systems facilitate access to electronic resources, online databases, digital repositories, internet services, and various academic and research applications.
The Computer Applications Division is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of various utility software applications that support the efficient functioning of library operations and services. In addition to managing customized software solutions, the Division maintains and administers the Library Management System, Koha, ensuring uninterrupted access to cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions, serial control, and Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) services.
The Division actively supports the automation of library processes through database management, system administration, software customization, data backup, network management, and cybersecurity measures. It also undertakes digitization initiatives and provides technical support for the management of electronic resources and institutional repositories.
A significant function of the Division is capacity building and user support. Regular training programs, workshops, and hands-on sessions are organized for library users, research scholars, faculty members, and library staff to enhance their skills in information retrieval, online searching, database usage, digital literacy, and data entry operations. The Division also offers continuous technical assistance and troubleshooting services to ensure effective utilization of information and communication technologies within the Library.
Through its technological expertise and user-centric services, the Computer Applications Division contributes significantly to the modernization of the Library and supports the academic, research, and information needs of the University community.
Following important services are also managed by this division:-Plagiarism Checking
To detect plagiarism in Research Papers/Articles/Dissertations etc., Maulana Azad Library provides service for plagiarism checking through Turnitin and DrillBit (access provided by INFLIBNET) plagiarism detection Software.- Turnitin:- The reserach articles, PG dissertations and other documents are checked for similarity by this software.
- DrillBit:- Only theses are checked for similarity with this software.
Grammar Checking
M.A. Library subscribes Grammarly writing assistance software (Premium version) in order to provide online grammar and spell checking facility to its fraternity. It automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes in writing.Remote Login to E-Resources & Single Window Search
M.A. Library provides remote login as well as single window search facility through https://amu.refread.comto faculty members and students of the university to access the e-resources from outside the campus IP network.Institutional Repository
M.A. Library is also maintaining its own Institutional Repository with the main aim to provide global access to publications produced at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh available mainly in the form of theses and dissertations.Citation & h-index
Library provides the facility of citations & h-index to faculties, department of studies, colleges and individuals on request using SCOPUS and Web of Science citations databases.ANUVADINI
Voice and Document AI Translation tool consisting of multitude of features and functionalities desires to close this gap arising due to language barriers. The tool has support of 22 regional Indian; foreign languages which help in breaking language barriers and unifying India and the world under the principle of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat on One Earth, One Family, One Future'. The website may be visited at https://anuvadini.aicte-india.org/Reader Services Division
Readers Services Division consists of the following Reading Halls. The seating capacity along with their entitlement of specific type of users is given in the following table:
Current Awareness Service
Reference Service
- Ready reference service on requested query: on the spot, through email and telephone
- Information on Research Related Queries like plagiarism check
- Information about library services
- Information about library resources
- Information about Infrastructure development
- Information about new initiatives being taken by the Central Library
Newspapers Clipping Service
Digital Resources Centre
There are 96 computer systems available for users in the Digital Resources Centre to provide access to the resources subscribed by the university as well as available in the public domain.
Braille Section
About Braille Section:- About Braille Section: Maulana Azad Library has a separate Braille Section which serves the visually impaired students. Apart from the books in Brail\e script, a large number of documents in electronic format and devices are also available \n this sect1on which is provided to the students. Angel Pro, a mobile like apparatus for recording the classroom lectures and listening to the already recorded books are issued by the Disability Unit of the University to all the students for the entire duration of the course.
1. Collection & Holdings:- The Braille Section has the following.
(A) Hardware Items:-
S.No. | Name of Items | No. of Items |
1. | Computer | 11 |
2. | Printer | 01 |
3. | External Writer | 02 |
4. | IC Recorder | 03 |
5. | DVD Player | 20 |
6. | MP3 Player | 03 |
7. | Scanner | 04 |
8. | WiFi Router | 02 |
9. | Braille Printer | 01 |
10. | Focus 40 Braille Display Unit | 02 |
11. | Kibo SX Scanner & Reader | 02 |
(B) Software:-
S.No. | Name of Items |
1. | JAWS 22 Screen Reader for Windows SMA updates (06 Comuters) |
2. | Magic Screen Magnification Software (02) |
3. | Kurzweil (k1000) (02) |
4. | Duxbury Braille Translator |
5. | Hindi OCR Software |
6. | NVDA Screen Reader Software |
(C) Books:-
S.No. | Name of Items | No. of Items |
1. | MP3 and Daisy Books | 3700 |
2. | Braille Books / Journals | 2000 |
3. | Braille Quran | 4 set (Total - 64 Vol.) |
4. | Large Print books for low-vision students | 100 |
5. | Books Recording MP3 (Urdu) | 269 |
6. | Digital Books | 200 |
7. | Braille Catalogue | 02 |
8. | E-Catalogue | 02 |
Services provided to differently abled students of the university
01.Computer Lab:- The computer lab has all the updated software which makes it easier for the students to study.02.Sugamya Pusktalaya:- Maulana Azad Library has subscribed "Sugamya Pustakalya" which is a collaborative effort of TCS, Daisy Forum of India and NIEPVD (National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities), Government of India to end the book famine faced by people with print disabilities. All the visually impaired/challenged students (only those individuals having print ability - full access) of Aligarh Muslim University can register on the portal and can access a collection of over 6,53,234 books available in 17 languages, maintain their individual reading shelves online and also download books in chosen formats.
03.Book Recording:- If a student has to record a book, the library provides that book by recording it in audio form at its own expense.
04.Kibo XS Scanner & Reader:- Scan Hindi and English books and also narrate them in audio, making audio books has become easy with this device.
05.Braille Section:- There are braille books on different subjects. Students who want to read braille can read them.
06.Braille Quran:- For students who want to read Braille Quran, Braille Quran is available in Braille Section.
07.Journals/Periodical:- Current journals/periodicals are available in braille section in braille language Hindi and English language.
08.Large Print Books:- Large print books are available in the braille section for students with low vision.
09.Braille Printers:- Braille embosser is available in the section to print in Braille.
10.Scanner:- Scanners are available in the section to scan study material.
11.Free Printing:- Facility to print study related things is available in the section like write application ets.
12.Wi-Fi:- Due to Wi-Fi facility, students can easily study by connecting their laptops and mobiles.
13.Talking Book copy:- Students can easily study by copying audio books on their devices.
14.Drinking Water:- Water cooler is available in the section to provide clean drinking water.
15.Cubicle:- Cubicles are available in the section in which students can sit and study without any disturbances.
16.Lockers:- Locker facilities are available in the Braille section in which students keep their books, laptops etc.
17.UPS facilities:- Due to UPS facility, students do their studies on computer, laptop without any interruption.
18.JAWS facilities to operate computers:- Due to the facility of this software, it becomes very easy for students to work on the computer. This software guides them by speaking.
19.Kurzweil-1000 software:- This software also helps in studying on computer and students can also do scanning.
20. NVDA Screen Reading Software:- This software also helps in studying on computer.
21. Pen Drive and Headphone:- Pen drive and headphones are also issued to the students in the Braille section, which makes it easier for the students to transfer data and listen to audio books.
22. Magic Screen Magnificent Software:- With this software, the computer screen becomes larger, making it easier for students with up to 40% vision to study on the computer.
23. Duxbury Braille Translator:- Text is converted to Braille with Duxbury software after which it is printed on a Braille embosser.
24. Hindi OCR Software:- Hindi OCR software provides convenience to students reading Hindi on computer.
25. NIVH Dehradun sell counter:- Goods available in Dehradun NVH like slate, pencil, stick, ball, braille paper etc. are given at NIVH rates.
Other Services
Cultural Hall
An auditorium for hosting events such as conferences, seminar and meetings is also available with a seating capacity of 200.strong>A property counter with 550 boxes is maintained before the entry gate. The two staff members monitoring the counter, hands over tokens to the users who keep their belongings at the property counter.
Since library possesses precious and invaluable assets, CCTV, EM security system for books and fire fighting system have been installed in the library.
