FAQ's

FAQ's

• Do I need to register with UNIC Library?
• How do I access electronic resources when the Library is closed?
• How do I to perform searches, using databases or/and RefWorks?
• How do I borrow an item that cannot be loaned out?
• Is there internet/ WiFi service in the Library?
• What if the Library does not have the item I need for my research?
• What happens if I lose or damage a Library book?
• What happens if I moved, went abroad or was ill?
• What happens if I have a problem connecting to a specific electronic resource or service?
• How do I access the Library catalogue from home?
• How do I borrow a book?
• How do I avoid fines?
• How do I search for journal articles?
• How do I search for ebooks?
• How do I access eresources using OpenAthens?
• If I am not a student or faculty/staff, can I access library e-resources using OpenAthens? If not, how can I get access?
• What do I need to get access through the Proxy Server Configuration?
• Where can I find information on to the European Union?
• What do I do if I have a reference question?
• Is the Library open during Public Holidays?
• How can I contact a Librarian?

Do I need to register with UNIC Library?

You need to register with the Library to borrow print books and to access electronic resources using Open Athens and the Proxy authentication method. To register please contact Libithelp@unic.ac.cy (please see Join the Library for more information).

Please see Off-Campus Access on the Library Website (www.library.unic.ac.cy) for more information.

How do I access electronic resources when the Library is closed?

You have access to all electronic resources through our Library Website www.library.unic.ac.cy  24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please see Off-Campus Access on the Library Website for more information.

How do I to perform searches, using databases or/and RefWorks?

Instructions on performing searches, using databases or RefWorks can be found using the following links:

https://www.library.unic.ac.cy/sites/default/files/RefWorks%20Guide.pdf

https://www.library.unic.ac.cy/english-instructions-distance-learners

How do I borrow an item that cannot be loaned out?

Photocopiers are available for making copies of articles or chapters need from materials that cannot be loaned out. Copies can be made either in Black and white or in colour.

For more information please contact the Circulation Desk: Libithelp@unic.ac.cy.

Is there internet/ WiFi service in the Library?

Computers with internet access are available for searching the various databases or other search engines. These can be found in the Main section of the Library and in the Library Lab room. Materials accessed can be printed, downloaded or sent to your e-mail address.

Wireless access (WiFi) is also available in any part of the Library. Passwords can be obtained from the Circulation Desk.

What if the Library does not have the item I need for my research?

Use our Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL). Please contact Christina Papadopoulou (papadopoulou.c@unic.ac.cy)

What happens if I lose or damage a Library book?

If you damage or lose an item, you need to report it right away to the Circulation Desk. In the case of damage, you need to pay for its repair or if lost you need to pay for its replacement cost as it stands today, with an additional processing fee of €17. (see our Library Code of Conduct).

What happens if I moved, went abroad or was ill?

If you move or change address, you must update your records at the Circulation Desk.

You are responsible for any fines as you must return your items either before moving or going abroad and before fines are generated by the system. If you become ill, you should submit a doctor’s certificate of illness.

What happens if I have a problem connecting to a specific electronic resource or service?

 Please contact the Library by email libithelp@unic.ac.cy

How do I access the Library catalogue from home?

Go on our website www.library.unic.ac.cy. You can search for material in the search box or click in the Catalog button for print books.

All search tools for both print and electronic resources can be accessed from the Library website, from anywhere on campus as well as from your office or home (click on Off-Campus Access  for more details on how to get connected).

How do I borrow a book?

Click on Borrowing Information, on the Library Website www.library.unic.ac.cy.

How do I avoid fines?

Click on Loss of Privileges / Fines, on the Library Website www.library.unic.ac.cy.

How do I search for journal articles?

Go to the Library Website www.library.unic.ac.cy, then click on eJournals and go to Journals Collection and general information on on-line journals databases. You can, also, search for articles in databases by clicking on Databases, and then on the name of the relevant database.

How do I search for ebooks?

Go to the Library Website www.library.unic.ac.cy, then click on eBooks and then on the name of the relevant database.

How do I access eresources using OpenAthens?

During your search (either by clicking on a database or the full-text link) a box will appear asking if you are a student/faculty or staff/health faculty. Select the appropriate option. You will be directed to a login page where you will need your UNIC email and your Student Intranet Password (the one given to you by the university). Further instruction can be found at: https://www.library.unic.ac.cy/campus-access.

If you have any trouble, using OpenAthens please email support@unic.ac.cy.

If I am not a student or faculty/staff, can I access library e-resources using OpenAthens? If not, how can I get access?

Unfortunately, you can’t have access through Open Athens, please contact the library (libithelp@unic.ac.cy) for further assistance.

What do I need to get access through the Proxy Server Configuration?

You need to be registered with the Library (please contact Libithelp@unic.ac.cy  to check if you are registered).  Access through Proxy Server will become available 24 hours after registration. , you need to change your proxy settings in your browser.

Please see Off-Campus Access on the Library Website (www.library.unic.ac.cy) for more information.

Where can I find information on the European Union?

You can find any relevant information by clicking on the follow link https://edc.library.unic.ac.cy  or email Georgia Christodoulou (edc.unic@unic.ac.cy)

What do I do if I have a reference question?

Contact: libithelp@unic.ac.cy

Is the Library open during Public Holidays?

No, the Library is closed during all public holidays but this does not affect you access to electronic resource. Please see Off-Campus Access on the Library Website (www.library.unic.ac.cy) for more information.

How can I contact a Librarian?

The Library provides ongoing support for the use of electronic resources, renewing books, general queries and support for your research. You can contact us, either by:

Email: libithelp@unic.ac.cy

Telephone: +357 22 842100

Our normal operating hours: Monday – Friday between 08:00 – 20:00.

Distance Learning:

Email: Libdistance@unic.ac.cy

Tel: +357 22 842116/102

Mob: +30 698 347 8547

Health Library:

Email karahaliou.m@unic.ac.cy

University of Nicosia Library & Information Centre 

The Library is a short walk away from the main campus building.

The Library’s main objectives are to provide quality resources that support the educational and research goals of the University community, to help students assume responsible roles in a changing society and to be of service to society through partnerships with business and civic institutions.

The Library holds approximately 100,000+ print books in all relevant areas of study and can be accessed through the online catalogue UniCAT (Aleph). Access is also given to thousands of electronic resources through on-line databases, a big number of E-books (500,000) and full text e-journals (30,000) from various publishers that cover all relevant areas of study.

All resources are available through the Library webpage. Online resources can be accessed on campus, whereas for off-campus access, a current Library account and proxy settings configuration is required before gaining access.

To make access easier and faster, the Library uses various discovery search tools, such as EDS, which enables users to search databases and e-journals or search the catalog concurrently. Through one search, results in abstracts or full-text, from different sources and publishers, are displayed simultaneously on a single screen.

In addition to the big number of resources, the Library provides a pleasant atmosphere for individual or group study, with a seating capacity of 200 seats, with networked PCs for electronic access and Wi-Fi access.  Photocopy facilities are also available, TVs and tape recorders as well as dedicated terminals with Super Nova (a program for blind or visually impaired users).

Νo library can hold all the materials needed for research.  In such cases a loaning and Interlibrary Loan Service is provided, which through collaboration with other state universities, or through the British Library Document Supply Centre, aims to satisfy all user needs.  The Library is also part of a Cyprus Library Consortium (CALC), which has been created, along with other academic libraries, with the aim of sharing costs and resources for the benefit of all.

Our moto is “Service to all users”, and the Library staff is always on hand to assist in the search for any   materials needed. The Library organizes regular training sessions to assist students in developing hands-on skills and is very active in organizing training workshops, user groups and annual updating on old and new e-resources, always aiming at providing the best service possible.  Information Literacy is an integral part of the service given to students, with the aim to be assisted in gaining skills and critical thinking that can be transferred in the future, from the academic environment to their personal and professional success.

Service also extends to service to the community, and for this reason a Children’s Reading Room has been prepared, where authors and actors are invited to read stories to children (ages 4-12) and help them gain a pleasant experience as to what a Library is.

Finally, in the recent years, the Library has been selected to host the European Documentation Centre (EDC). The EDC receives and has access to official EU publications, documents and electronic databases, to make them available to academics and the public.  The EDC, also, provides training and instruction for individuals and groups in finding EU information and using EU tools.

Staff Directory

Collection Development Policy

1.   Objectives
2.   Core Collections and Subject Collections
      a.   Core collections
      b.   Subject collections
3.   Information Included in All Subject Policies 
4.   Collection Levels
5.   Selection Criteria
6.   Additional Criteria
7.   Materials Budget and the allocation of funds
8.   Program Profile Formula
9.   Ordering Audiovisual materials
10. Ordering Periodicals
11. Ordering Out-of-print books 
12. Gifts 
13. Duplicates
14. Weeding 
15. Replacements
16. Dissertations and Theses
17. Local Author Publications
18. Electronic Resources
     a. Internet-based Resources
     b. Freely available Internet Resources
     c. Electronic Serials
     d. Electronic Formats Collection Development Policy
19. General Policy Evaluation
 

1. Objectives
University of Nicosia/Intercollege library provides support for the teaching and research functions of the various academic programs offered at the university/college. The general criteria used for the acquisition of library materials are listed below in priority order.

1. curriculum support
2. standard source availability (i.e., standard or “core” materials on subjects studied at the college.
3. faculty research support
4. graduate student research support
5. subject representation (i.e., representative materials on major trends in scholarship)
6. inter-institutional needs (i.e., agreements for certain projects)
7. collection continuity (i.e., maintenance of strong existing collections)

The Library’s objectives are achieved through the development of a collection of materials (monographs, serials, audio-visual materials, computer software and instructional materials) related specifically to all the academic program areas. English language materials predominate in nearly all program areas, except for those specifically taught in Greek or other language programs. Current (still in print or recent) publications will predominate in most areas, unless it is deemed essential for the subject area to purchase out of print materials.

The scope of interest (local, regional, national, or international) will be specified in each subject’s collection development statement.

2. Core Collections and Subject Collections
There are two types of collections, core collections and subject collections

a. Core collections are the most basic materials needed to support the general needs of the College users. They include: essential reference sources such as encyclopedias, directories, handbooks, indexes, interdisciplinary periodicals, newspapers, databases and web sources.

b. Subject collections are the departmental collections that are the main focus collection. Departmental faculty must work closely with the Collection Development Office staff to assure that the subject collections support the curriculum, service and research needs of the college. Allocation of the funds needed for the subject collections should be based on the various needs of the collection as well as the fair procedure established by the university.

3. Information Included in All Subject Policies 
All subject specific collection development policies will follow the following outline:

1. Subject
2. Overall Collecting Level
3. Purpose of the program of study; Degrees granted; Number of students and Faculty.
4. General collection guidelines; Preferred language, chronological guidelines, dates of publication, geographical areas, preferred
    publishers, formats, materials and formats excluded.
5. Other considerations
6. Statement of collection strengths and weaknesses
7. Listing of subdivisions of subject
8. Related subject areas
9. Impact or influence of cooperative collection programs.

4. Collection Levels
The comprehensiveness of subject coverage within the collection will vary in accordance with the library’s stated objectives. The library will decide to acquire resources in a specific subject area that are sufficient to constitute a collection on one of the levels defined below from the ALA’s Guide for Written Collection Policy Statements:

1.  Library does not collect
2.  Minimal Level. Few selections made beyond basic works
3.  Basic Information Level. Provide resources that introduce and define a subject. It includes basic reference works,
     explanatory works, historical descriptions of the subject e.g. dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, bibliographies, indexes.
4.  Study or Instructional Support Level. A collection adequate to determine the current knowledge of a subject in broad outline
     and the most important historical aspects of the area. It consists of a limited selection of: monographs and serials, general
     reference materials and basic journals.
5.  Research Level. A collection which supports in-depth study and independent research in the major published source materials
     for dissertations for the needs of most graduates.

5. Selection Criteria
Specific factors that will strongly influence the selection of particular types of material are:

1.  Suitability of the subject in relation to its intended level of coverage.
2.  The style should be appropriate to the level of materials collected.
3.  The English language will be preferred for all collections, with the exception of some courses where Greek will
     be preferred over English. In some cases only the Greek course materials will be purchased for Evening courses taught in
     Greek. Items in languages other than English and Greek will be acquired only when the nature of particular courses and
     projects warrant such an acquisition.
4.  Study or Instructional Support Level. A collection adequate to determine the current knowledge of a subject in broad outline
     and the most important historical aspects of the area. It consists of a limited selection of: monographs and serials, general
     reference materials and basic journals.
5.  Research Level. A collection which supports in-depth study and independent research in the major published source materials
     for dissertations for the needs of most graduate students. 

6. Additional Criteria

a. Monographs:
- Authority
- Comprehensiveness and depth of treatment
- Objectivity
- Clarity, accuracy, and logic of presentation

b. Periodicals:
- Appearance of periodical title in indexing and abstracting journals
- Ease of acquisition
- Completeness of holdings 
Subscriptions to periodical titles new to the library are placed to begin with the current volume. The purchase of back runs will be considered if a reasonable demand and price is expected.
 

7. Materials Budget and the allocation of funds
Money budgeted for library materials are allocated in the following manner:

50% General fund allocation
This includes current periodical subscriptions, microforms, electronic databases, general standing orders.
30% Program allocation
These funds are divided among all the programs of the university according to a program estimate developed by the Librarian.
20% Discretionary allocation
Discretionary funds are used for programs which have special needs, are scheduled for accreditation, or are clearly underfunded by the program allocation formula. When planning for new courses or programs, faculty members consult with the Librarian to discuss the need for additional library resources and the Librarian in turn submits requests for discretionary funds. 

8. Program Profile Formula
The following data are considered in devising a formula for the allocation of funds to programs:

• Number of students enrolled in a program
• Size of Library’s current collection (books, AV, periodicals, electronic formats) in the program area
• Actual use of library materials
• Cost of materials, using average prices
• Special needs of program
 

9. Ordering Audiovisual materials
Audiovisual materials are purchased from established vendors or distributors. Before ordering the Department Head and the Librarian should be consulted for approval.

10. Ordering Periodicals
Periodicals are mainly ordered from a periodicals vendor subscription service. Periodicals that cannot be supplied through a vendor are ordered directly from the publisher or through a local Bookseller.
Because of the College’s technical and professional programs needs, the Library subscribes free of charge, to a number of technical and professional periodicals unavailable through traditional vendors. Some periodicals are acquired through faculty whose membership in professional organizations entitles them to receive professional publications. 
 

11. Ordering out-of-print books 
The Library generally does not attempt to purchase materials through the out-of-print marketplace. Exceptions may be made for certain items identified as classic or for certain collections e.g. Cyprus Collection, for which there is a compelling reason for purchase. 

12. Gifts
Gifts are judged by the same criteria as purchased materials; they will be screened before acceptance is made possible. If gifts are found to be unnecessary duplicates or are otherwise not required for the collection, the Library reserves the right to dispose of them in a manner it deems suitable to the particular material at hand.

13. Duplicates
Extra copies of some titles of exceptional interest or for titles on high demand due to large number of students, (above 40) will be obtained for the collection.
Second copies of periodical titles are purchased only for those titles with high loss rates depending always on the cost of the item.

14. Weeding
Selection for removal of material no longer useful to the collection requires the same degree of attention as selection for acquisition. Judgments are made based on the same intended levels of coverage and the same selection criteria. The following categories of materials are subject to weeding:

1. Duplicates of titles purchased when the book was in heavier demand.
2. Material of no current significance to the university.
3. Badly damaged or worn material.
4. Material that is inconsistent with selection criteria.

Periodical cancellations generally result from one of the following circumstances:

• Changes in University of Nicosia/Intercollege programs/projects.
•  Budgetary constraints.
• Insufficient use.
• Shortage of physical space in the Library.
• Availability of items in other libraries –or extravagance.

15. Replacements
The library does not automatically replace missing or damaged items. Consideration is given both to the current value of the item to the collection, and other evidence of demand for the item. Replacement will often depend on the existence of more current material that renders the item obsolete, by shifts in programs at the university and by emerging strengths in other libraries.
Whenever possible, missing issues of current periodicals will be replaced unless replacement proves impossible or too expensive. All replacements are dependent on funds being available.

16. Dissertation and Theses
The Library does not purchase dissertations or theses. These may be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.
Dissertations of faculty and administration are accepted as gifts to the Library and are handled in accordance to the gift policy.

17. Local Author Publications
The library does not automatically purchase any works that are published by local authors unless they meet the established selection criteria. The library accepts selected gifts of works of the community if they fulfill the general selection criteria.

18. Electronic Resources
General collection development principles apply to all Library resources regardless of format and which can be delivered to students at all campuses. The Library considers these materials based on General Selection Criteria and availability of funds. The library will collect in the most current technology available when resources are available:

a. Internet-Based Resources
- Licensed resources and databases
- Selected freely available internet resources
- Selected electronic serials

Selection Criteria
This includes:
- relevance to curriculum
- reliable and verifiable
- demand by users
- recommendation by faculty
- cost (initial, ongoing/maintenance cost, comparison of access vs purchase cost)
- currency of data
- extent of cumulative coverage
- production quality 
- training requirements 
- ease of use 
- novice and expert searching levels
- ease of exiting from one point in database to another
- index browsing
- documentation
- hardware requirements
- capability of networking
- vendor reliability
- customer support
- licensing requirements

b. Freely Available Internet Resources 
- Reliability of website
- Authority of author and sponsor
- Accuracy of content
- Amount and comprehensiveness of content
- Currency of information and frequency of updates
- Accurate hyperlinks with website
- Ease of use
- Uniqueness
- Accessibility through standard and widely available browsers and software

c. Electronic Serials
Serial publishers often give access to an electronic version of a current subscription. The library will routinely check with serial publishers to determine if access to this additional format is licensed for general patron use.
- Ease of access, e.g. IP recognition
- Full text
- Access to back issue or archives
- Indexed or abstracted in available databases
- Reliable hyperlinks
- Reliability of website, e.g. PURL (persistant url)
- Ease of use, e.g. printing and document delivery options
- Accessible through standard and widely available browsers and software 

d. Electronic Formats Collection Development Policy

1.  This policy is intended for the selection and acquisition of electronic resources and all publicly accessible electronic resources
     acquired for the trial, in consultation with the Computer Supervisor, the Library Director and the appropriate subject
     specialist for the discipline involved. For the purposes of this document "electronic format" refers to that category of
     materials which require computer access, either through a microcomputer or a mainframe, the Internet, or the World Wide
     Web e.g. CD-Rom products, machine-readable data files, and Internet and Web site resources. 
2.  Materials in electronic format will be considered for purchase on the basis that some value will be added by the electronic
     format that will be in agreement to the collection development policy of the library.
3.  Consideration must be given that the hardware for the item requested is available or if it needs to be purchased.
4.  The method of accessing a product will be determined by its level of user access, type of computer support, type of
     collection, staff support levels, user assessment of products, etc.
5.  Requests for new electronic formats will be reviewed by the the Library Committee and the Head of Electronic Information
     Resources.
6.  Electronic format items will be processed for purchasing by the Library who will function as the institutional contact with all the
     vendors. If the item is to be purchased on a subscription basis, it will be paid from the serials fund.
7.  Online library products (e.g. OCLC, Firstsearch, etc.) may be funded under contractual services funded out of the library
     materials budget.
8.  If an individual desires to evaluate electronic formats on a trial basis, the vendor should be contacted and the product
    valuated by both the Information Resource Manager and the library faculty with expertise in the subject area involved. 

19. General Policy Evaluation
The collection development policy will be evaluated and changed as necessary by a committee appointed for that purpose.

Collections

UNIC library houses various collections of materials. Each collection has its own loaning policies. Read through each one of them for more details.

Reserve Collection

Main Collection

Special Collection

Other collections are:
Journals Collection

Audiovisuals Collection

Rare Book Collection

Oversize Collection

Projects / Theses

Newspapers

Reserve Collection

Each course has one or more “textbooks” or several “recommended reading” books essential for reading by all in a class. A copy of each is kept on Reserve for rapid circulation. The distinctive feature of these materials is that they must be returned within 3 hrs, overnight (5.00pm – 10.00am the following morning), in 1 day or in 3 days, depending on the lecturer’s indication. Only one item at a time may be loaned out and loans are made on the basis of “first come first served” with reservations permitted only ONCE within the same day. Fines for overdue Reserves are 70c per hour, or €5 per day, with an increase of €45 per day during exam period. The purpose of short loans is to enable all students to have access to some books within the specified time limit assigned by the lecturer.


Main Collection

This collection holds the largest number of books in the library which can be loaned out to users. They are normally loaned out for 10 or 14 days depending on the status of the borrower. Smaller collections, such as Fiction, Biography and Junior Fiction also fall in this area. Books from this collection appear in the catalog as "Standard Loan".
 

Special Collection

What these collections have in common is that they are comprised of materials which can be referred to within the library, but are not available for loan. These might be encyclopedias, dictionaries, indexes and similar multipurpose research tools as well as subject related reference materials. They are all located in different designated areas of the library, with specific prefix in front of the Call Number on the spine of the book, which sets them apart from the Main library collection. 
There is a general "Reference collection" with general multi-disciplinary research tools. 
Reference materials are also located in the "Law Reference collection", the "Cyprus Reference collection", the "Government Documents collection", the "Rare Books collection" and the "Oversize collection".



Other collections are:

Journals Collection
Here you can find a small number of current print journals located on the sloping shelves, with the latest issue displayed on top of the shelf and the older issues underneath. (Mainly the Print Journals covers Architecture, Design etc.)


Audiovisuals Collection
This is a small collection of audiovisual materials relevant to the courses taught. They are not loaned out to students, but they can be borrowed for viewing in the library with the ID card reserved at the Circulation Desk. Lecturers can borrow 3 videos/DVDs for 1 week (see Borrowing Policy).
In case of loss or damage, the user will be asked to pay the replacement cost of the item (between € 119-170) and an additional processing fee of €17.


Rare Book Collection
A very small collection of books of great research value which may have ceased publication, are limited editions, autographed copies or first edition of significance. They are identified by specific prefix and are located in a closed reserve area with in-library access only.


Oversize Collection
A selection of oversize books in various disciplines, which are shelved in a separate shelving area because of their size.


Projects/Theses
These are a selection of past student projects and theses which you may refer to for their level and content. They are NOT to be copied or loaned out.

Newspapers
There are various English and Greek newspapers, located on tables at the entrance of the library for casual reading and research. Most of them are stored for 6 months only.