Library

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) Library provides access to quality resources and innovative services to stimulate creativity, intellectual curiosity and to facilitate lifelong learning and research within its community. The library is at the forefront of providing information services to their respective community – which comprises of students, faculties and other supporting staff, in order to support their teaching, learning and research needs. SUN library invests in dynamic spaces for collaboration, study and work with faculty and students in the discovery, use, creation and management of information through educational opportunities.

1. To plan, develop, acquire, maintain and preserve relevant library resources for optimum use as per SUN’s strategic plan
2. To provide a conducive atmosphere so as to meet the demands of our library patrons
3. To educate users about the library services and resources
4. To provide greater access to electronic resources while continuing to build and improve access to collections in other formats, so as to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of SUN
5. To establish collaboration with other libraries so as to satisfy our users’ needs.

a.    LIBRARY SERVICES

Library is providing the following services to the users:

i. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

Patrons can access the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) of KOHA through the Portal Service by entering their Students ID number and password provided by the SUN.

ii. Internet/CD ROM Search Assistance

This is service is available in the Electronic Library Area. Patrons can get the CD ROM search assistance on request basis.

iii. Online Resources

A proper orientation will be given to all the students of SAMSS, SSIT & SBMS about the Online Databases. Moreover, it will be given during the sessions which will be conducted by the Librarian inside the library premises. The Library is equipped with 30 Computer terminals with internet access. Students can access online databases subscribed by the library. This database gives access to more than 2.2 million E-resources.

iv. Information Services

Library provides all kinds of information services such as Current Awareness Service (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information Services (SDI), Query Based Information Service (QBS), New Arrivals of the week, Research Support Information Service (RSIS), Good Reading Quotes etc.,

v. Newspaper Clipping Service

The Library also subscribes to several newspapers and has a special service of newspaper clipping in which important news related to the subject areas is clipped and recorded for future reference. This is done by the Library staff with the help of faculty from different subject field on daily basis.

vi. Inter Library Loan

SUN Library has an agreement of inter library loan facility with Yusuf Maitama Sule University Library Kano, Federal University Dutse Library, Jigawa, Sule Lamido University Library of Kafin Hausa of Jigawa State, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano. Their services can be availed both by the students, faculty and the staff for the purpose of references, borrowing of books and use of the online resources. The members of SUN who wish to avail this facility shall make a formal request to the Head Librarian of SUN with specific requests of the required material. The Head Librarian of SUN will make necessary arrangements to make the material available to facilitate the student, faculty or staff within two working days. SUN library also extends facility to enable students and faculty to visit the Kano State Public Library by showing their SUN Identity Card.

vii. Training and Orientation

Orientation is given at the beginning of every semester to the Faculty Members, Supporting Staff and Students about the Library Resources, Policy & Procedures, Library Facilities and Library Services.

viii. Internship/SIWES

SUN library will provide internship/SIWES opportunities to students on part time basis.

b. LIBRARY FACILITIES

SUN Library provides the following facilities to the users:

 i. Reference Section

Reference titles are available in various subjects based on the curriculum core textbooks and it will be updated every year through purchase and subscription, organizing Book Fairs, Online Book Request & LRDC Meetings etc.,

ii. Rental Section

Rental Books will be given to the students at the beginning of every semester, and it is expected to be returned at the end of the semester. Titles will be updated based on the recommendation of Programme review committee.

iii. Periodical Section

Physical Journals & Magazines are displayed and the back volumes can be borrowed by SUN Members. No current journals will be issued.

iv. New Arrivals Section

All newly arrived materials will be displayed in this section after system processing.

 v. Reprography Section

This section provides the university community with black & white photocopy, coloured photocopy, black & white printing, coloured printing, scanning and slide binding services. These services are meant for members of SUN only. In carrying out its mandate, the Reprography Section is advised by the Library Resources Development Committee (LRDC)

vi. Silent Zone

This zone is created to fulfill the requirements of the library users who want to study in a very silent environment.

vii. Learning Zone

Learning zone is available in the Main Library Hall with 30 computers.

 viii. Teaching Zone

Faculty members can bring students and conduct the session with help of reference and online resources (EBSCO, ProQuest, Ebrary, IGI Global, Scopus etc.)

 ix. Creative Zone

This zone is created to publicized and showcase the talent of our students in different areas.

 x. Alexa Chat Box

This zone is meant to have one-on-one interaction with library users and Alexa, to know more about SUN and any current happenings around you.

 xi. Robotic Room

This zone is generally meant for Computer Science and Software Engineering Students. The idea is to make them have practical sessions and interaction with Robots so as to prepare and groom them for the reality of the IT world.

c. LIBRARY RESOURCES
Local Newspaper Links:

Daily Trust:                         https://dailytrust.com/

Punch:                                   https://punchng.com/

Business Day:                      https://businessday.ng/

Daily Independent:            https://independent.ng/

Leadership:                         https://leadership.ng/

Nigerian Tribune:              https://tribuneonlineng.com/

Guardian:                            https://guardian.ng/

Vanguard:                            https://www.vanguardngr.com/

SUN:                                      https://sunnewsonline.com/

This Day:                             https://www.thisdaylive.com/

d. OPEN ACCESS RESOURCES

Journals

• DOAJ:                                   https://doaj.org/
• National Digital Library India: https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/

Books

• INTECH:                                 https://intechopen.com/books
• DOAB:                                 https://www.doabooks.org/

e. OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

TED X:                                                  https://www.ted.com/watch/tedx-talks

MIT OPEN COURSEWARE:           https://ocw.mit.edu/

YOUTUBE:                                          https://www.youtube.com/

PHET INTERACTIVE SIMULATION (UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER):            https://phet.colorado.edu/

o   Silence should be maintained in the library

o   Eating, drinking, spitting etc. are prohibited in the library

o   Cell phones should be switched-off or placed on silent mode within the library premises

o   Student ID cards should be displayed at the entrance and also on demand when need be

o   Student ID cards/borrower cards are not transferable. Books are issued against borrower cards only on production of their own Student ID card

o   It is a very serious offence to remove or damage any part of a book, periodical or computer gadget

o   No person shall be allowed to borrow any book(s) until they have been properly checked out

o   On leaving the library, all library users must surrender their books and papers to the library officials at the circulation counter for inspection

o   Library users must not attempt to put books back on the shelves. Once taken off the shelves, the books should be left on the tables

o    No briefcases or handbags are allowed into the library

o   On completion of course, “No dues Certificate” will be issued only on submission of all materials borrowed from the library

o   Overdue charges will be collected if books are not returned by due date

o   If a book is lost, the borrower is responsible to replace the book or pay the latest market price. If the title is out of print, price will be charged as per library norms

o   Reading tables and chairs must not be moved from their positions

o   Library users should not reserve seats in the library. Anybody can use any seat not physically occupied

o   Library users are advised to take along their belongings and books when leaving the library

o   Users are urged to avoid any distortion of the library’s clean environment (within and around the library premises)

o   Stealing library materials will lead to severe disciplinary actions

o   Playing games, downloading games, software, music/video files is strictly prohibited in the electronic library area

o   Library computers are meant for library research only. Students are allowed to work on their assignments

o   The University Librarian may suspend any person from using the library for violation of these rules subject to his reporting such action to the Library Resources Development Committee (LRDC)

E-Library

By using the E-library facilities of SUN Library to access the internet, users are agreeing that they will not access any material(s) which:

o   Are obscene, racist, defamatory or illegal

o   Causes harassment or gross offence to others

o   Would be a breach of copyright

o   Will not interfere in any way with the hardware, software or general operation of the PCs

o   Will not let them fail to demonstrate a responsible approach to the use of resources made available to them and show consideration for other users; both those using the library’s facilities or come in contact with on the internet.

• The library service will not accept responsibility for slow network responses, non-availability of websites and content of any emails received by users, other users retrieving information left on open files, or any loss resulting from the use of credit card over the internet.
• It is required that only one person use a computer at a time, unless assistance is required
• The library services have no control over the information accessed and cannot be held responsible for the content or quality of the information retrieved
• All users are required to book for the use of computers in the library
• Using or plugging USB mass storage or any other storage device(s) is strictly prohibited
• The use of personal software(s) is not allowed.

SUN library is open with all its facilities and services for the students and staff as follows:

Mondays – Fridays:              9:00am – 6:00pm

Saturday – Sundays:             Closed.

The library remains closed on all public and government holidays.

The number of books to be issued and the loan period are classified into 3 broad categories:

o          Undergraduate/postgraduate programmes ((SAMSS, SSIT, SBMS, SLS) and (SPGS))

o          Faculty, supporting staff and part-time Faculty members

o          Others include Alumni, and those users whose libraries have an MoU with SUN Libraries.

a. Membership Fees

The library fee for SUN students are included in the annual fees as per the institution policies.

The alumni members will have to pay an applicable annual membership of ₦5,000 with a security deposit of ₦10,000, which has to be renewed each year. Alumni members of SUC/SUN can access the library e-resources absolutely free of charge through the portal.

b. Membership forms

Alumni membership forms are available in the library as well.

c. Renewals

Users may renew any materials borrowed from the library, provided no other lender has made a request for it. Three renewals will be allowed for any issued reference material(s) for a period of 7 days. Request for renewals by telephone will be accepted only in cases of emergencies or mitigation circumstances.

d. Late fines

The library charges a fine of ₦100 per day from students for each book, as an overdue charge for all un-renewed/unreturned library books.

e. Penalty for damage(s)/loss

The penalty for any damage or loss of any item will be referred to the Head-Librarian for requisite action(s). In cases where such disputes are unresolved, such cases are referred to the LRDC.

f. Check in policy:

All core textbooks should be returned as soon as students finish their final exams, and reference books returned also as per due dates given. It is the sole responsibility of the borrower to obtain the “No Due Certificate” from the library immediately and retain the copy with them for referencing. Any demanding claim(s) will not be entertained without submission of the “No Due Certificate” issue by the library.

g. Forfeit/debit policy

The library book(s) should be returned on or before deadlines. In failing to do so, the total cost of the book(s) will be forfeited or debited from the lender’s account. Forfeited/debited charges are irreversible.

h. Books loss fine refund policy

If books are lost by students, they’d have to either pay the cost of the books or have the amount debited from their account. Though if book(s) lost are later found, this amount is reversible if the book(s) found are returned after the payment within the semester.

Q: What are the library services?

The library provides the following services to its users:

1. Information services
2. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
3. Institutional repository
4. Internet/CD ROM search assistance
5. E-resources
6. Research Support Information Services (RSIS)
7. Referral services
8. Loan services to registered users
9. Current Awareness Services (CAS)
10. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)
11. Query Based Services (QBS)
12. New arrivals information services
13. Reprography services
14. Silent zone
15. Internship

Q: What are the library timings?

SUN library is open with all its facilities and services for the students and staff as follows:

Mondays – Fridays:              9:00am – 6:00pm

Saturday – Sundays:             Closed.

The library remains closed on all public and government holidays.

Q: How can I get a membership card?

Individual users must be registered in the Integrated Library Management System Koha in order to get access to borrow materials from the library.

Koha registration is also needed for outside members if they have annual membership or alumni membership of the library. For such members, the library charge come at a cost of ₦5,000 annual charge, with a security deposit of ₦10,000 (refundable).

Q: Does the library have E-resources?

The library is equipped with 30 computer terminals with unlimited internet access. Students can access online databases that are subscribed by the library department for various programmes. The databases are: Ebscohost, ProQuest and IGI Global and they give access to approximately 2.2 million E-resources.

Q: What are the general rules of the library

1. Silence should be maintained in the library
2. Eating, drinking, spitting etc. are prohibited in the library
3. Cell phones should be switched-off or placed on silent mode within the library premises
4. Student ID cards should be displayed at the entrance and also on demand when need be
5. Student ID cards/borrower cards are not transferable. Books are issued against borrower cards only on production of their own Student ID card
6. It is a very serious offence to remove or damage any part of a book, periodical or computer gadget
7. No person shall be allowed to borrow any book(s) until they have been properly checked out
8. On leaving the library, all library users must surrender their books and papers to the library officials at the circulation counter for inspection
9. Library users must not attempt to put books back on the shelves. Once taken off the shelves, the books should be left on the tables
10. No briefcases or handbags are allowed into the library
11. On completion of course, “No dues Certificate” will be issued only on submission of all materials borrowed from the library
12. Overdue charges will be collected if books are not returned by due date
13. If a book is lost, the borrower is responsible to replace the book or pay the latest market price. If the title is out of print, price will be charged as per library norms
14. Reading tables and chairs must not be moved from their positions
15. Library users should not reserve seats in the library. Anybody can use any seat not physically occupied
16. Library users are advised to take along their belongings and books when leaving the library
17. Users are urged to avoid any distortion of the library’s clean environment (within and around the library premises)
18. Stealing library materials will lead to severe disciplinary actions
19. Playing games, downloading games, software, music/video files is strictly prohibited in the electronic library area
20. Library computers are meant for library research only. Students are allowed to work on their assignments
21. The University Librarian may suspend any person from using the library for violation of these rules subject to his reporting such action to the Library Resources Development Committee (LRDC).

Q: How many days am I permitted to borrow a book?

The normal lending period is 7 days only for reference. Issued documents, books and other items are renewable, provided there is no demand for the material by other members. Three renewals are permitted for any issued material(s).

Q: Is there a fine for late return, and any penalty for damages/loss?

The library charges a fine of ₦100/day for each book, as an overdue charge from students.

Cases of penalty for any damage or loss of any item(s) will be referred to the Head-Librarian for requisite action(s).

Q: What is an inter-library loan?

SUN library has an agreement of inter-library loan facilities with: Yusuf Maitama Sule University Library, Kano; Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa Library; Sule Lamido University Library of Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State; Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil; and Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano. Their services can be availed both by students, faculty and staff for the purpose of references, borrowing of books and use of their online resources. The members of SUN who wish to avail this facility shall make a formal request to the Head Librarian of SUN with specific requests of the required material. The Head Librarian of SUN will make necessary arrangements in making the material available to facilitate the student, faculty or staff within two working days. SUN library also extends facility to enable students and faculty to visit the Kano State Public Library by showing their SUN identity card.

Q: What is a clearance certificate/“No dues certificate”?

All those leaving or graduating from the institution must return, replace or pay for all outstanding unreturned print and non-print materials to the library. SUN library issues a clearance certificate to any faculty member or student only after they return all borrowed materials to the library.

Q:What are the security measures put in place in the library?

The library materials are secured with Radio Frequency Identification tags. All unacknowledged check-outs will be notified by the system. Moreover, the library premises is also fully monitored by CCTV cameras.

The Library is very strict on any theft or damage of library collections. Proper actions will be taken against anyone who violates any library rule(s). The actions range from payment of huge fines to ban of access to the library for a whole semester/session.