Knowledge Resource Center - Library

To avail the service offered by the library, the user must be familiar with the library's hours.

• All active users of the Chandigarh University community, including students, research scholars, faculty members, and staff, are automatically enrolled as members of the Chandigarh University Library without any additional charges. Such membership grants access to the Library’s resources, facilities, and services, subject to the provisions of the Library Rules and Regulations.
• As of now, the following types of membership is offered by the library:

• Short Loan - In addition to the loan period mentioned above, the library provides one additional book to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students under the Short Loan facility for a period of 10 days to meet any extra academic requirements.
• General Books - In addition to the loan period mentioned above, the library provides one general book to all user categories for a period of 30 days. This category includes fiction titles such as storybooks and novels.
• Renewal of Books - In addition to the prescribed loan period, library users may renew a borrowed book as follows:
  • A textbook may be renewed twice, for a period of 14 days each time.
  • A short loan book may be renewed once, for a period of 10 days.
  • A general book may be renewed once, for a period of 14 days.
• Book Hold Policy - Users may place a hold on books that are currently checked out by other library members. Once the requested book is returned, the user will be notified through the library system. Reserved books must be collected within one day of notification; otherwise, the reservation will be automatically cancelled, and the book may be made available to other users. A maximum of two unique titles may be reserved by a user at any given time.
• Toppers Card - The Library offers special privileges and enhanced borrowing benefits to top-performing students through its Toppers Membership programme. To be eligible for this membership, students are required to submit a copy of their current semester Detailed Marks Card (DMC) for verification. Upon successful verification, eligible students may avail themselves of the additional benefits and privileges as prescribed under the Toppers Membership scheme.

Books:

• If a book is not returned within the due date, Rs. 5/- per day per book will be charged as the Overdue fine.
• Once the outstanding overdue fine exceeds Rs. 400/-, the user's library account in the Library Management System (Koha) shall be automatically blocked, and no further library transactions, including the issuance or renewal of books, will be permitted until the dues are cleared.
  • Students are required to return all issued library books within one month of their library account being blocked due to overdue fines or non-compliance with library regulations. Failure to return the borrowed materials within the stipulated period may result in the deactivation of their CUIMS account. The account will remain inactive until all outstanding library books are returned and the associated dues, if any, are cleared.
  • Staff members are required to return all issued library books within one month of their library account being blocked due to overdue fines or non-compliance with library regulations. Failure to return the borrowed materials within the stipulated period will result in the matter being reported to the Higher Authorities, Human Resources (HR) Department, and the concerned Executive Director (ED), Associate Director (AD), Director, or Head of Department (HOD) for appropriate administrative action.
• Users shall be responsible for any library material borrowed in their name. In the event of the loss or damage of a book, the member must either replace it with the same edition or the latest available edition of the title. Alternatively, the member may be required to pay an amount equivalent to double the original cost of the book, along with any applicable overdue charges. Replacement copies must be new and in good condition. Photocopied, second-hand, damaged, or outdated editions shall not be accepted as substitutes for lost or damaged library materials.
• If a lost or damaged book forms part of a multi-volume set, the member shall be liable to compensate for the cost of the entire set. The Library reserves the right to determine the mode of replacement or recovery of charges in accordance with its policies and the availability of the publication.
• No waiver of overdue fines shall be granted under normal circumstances. Requests for fine waivers will be considered only in exceptional cases, such as verified medical emergencies or other extraordinary situations, and must be supported by valid documentary evidence. The decision of the Library Authority regarding the approval or rejection of such requests shall be final.

If a student is found involved in the theft of library materials or is caught removing any book or other library resource from the library premises without proper authorization or issuance, the following disciplinary actions and penalties shall be imposed in accordance with University and Library regulations:

• First Offense: A fine of Rs. 500/- will be imposed
• In the case of a second or subsequent offense involving the theft or unauthorized removal of library materials, the student shall be required to pay the full replacement cost of the stolen item(s), in addition to a penalty fine of Rs. 2,000/-. The Library may also recommend further disciplinary action to the concerned University authorities, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

• All library books are equipped with RFID-based security tags and related security features to safeguard library resources. Any deliberate tampering with, removal of, or damage to the RFID tag or any other security component of a library item shall be treated as a violation of library regulations. In such cases, the member shall be liable to pay the cost of the book (subject to a minimum charge of Rs. 500/-) along with the replacement cost of the RFID tag and any other associated processing charges. The Library reserves the right to impose additional disciplinary action in cases of intentional misconduct.
• The library users are encouraged to utilize the RFID-enabled self-service kiosks for the check-out and check-in of library materials. These kiosks provide a convenient and efficient method for carrying out circulation transactions. Users who require assistance in operating the self-service kiosks or have any queries regarding the circulation process may contact the circulation staff for guidance and support.
• The borrowers are advised to carefully examine library materials for any damage or missing pages before completing the check-out process. Any existing damage or defects should be immediately reported to the library staff and recorded accordingly. The last borrower of a library item shall be held responsible for any damage, defacement, or loss discovered upon its return, unless such damage was reported to the library staff at the time of issue.

• The Night Permission Card will be activated starting at 7:30 PM and will remain valid until 10:00 PM.
• The University Library, in coordination with the concerned Hostel Warden, shall ensure the accurate recording and monitoring of the entry and exit times of female students visiting the library during designated hours. This measure is intended to enhance student safety, maintain proper records, and ensure compliance with the University security regulations.
• The time interval between leaving the hostel and entering the library, as well as between leaving the library and returning to the hostel, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each direction. Students are expected to proceed directly between the hostel and the library and comply with all University safety and security regulations.
• Day scholars and non-hosteller female students are also permitted to use the library and study during the designated extended or late-night library hours, subject to compliance with the University's safety, security, and library regulations.

• Digital Library facilities are intended exclusively for academic, research, and educational purposes. Online chatting, instant messaging, gaming, and other non-academic activities are not permitted within the Digital Library. Accessing or browsing social networking and entertainment websites is strictly prohibited unless specifically required for academic purposes and approved by the concerned authority. Any violation of these rules shall be treated as misconduct and may result in disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the University authorities.
• While using the Digital Library and computer facilities, the users are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and courteously, which supports and preserves a quiet, productive, and study-oriented environment. Users shall refrain from any activity that may disturb, inconvenience, or distract others engaged in academic or research work.
• The broadcasting or distribution of unsolicited email messages (spam) using University or library computer systems is strictly prohibited. Users shall not create, send, or distribute emails for personal commercial activities, financial gain, marketing, or any unauthorized purpose. Any misuse of email services or violation of this policy may result in the suspension of computing privileges and the initiation of disciplinary action in accordance with University regulations.
• Users are strictly prohibited from altering, modifying, or tampering with the configuration, settings, software, or hardware of library computers. This includes, but is not limited to, unplugging power cables, LAN/network cables, peripheral devices, or any other equipment connected to the computer systems. Any unauthorized interference with library computer equipment or network infrastructure shall be treated as a violation of library regulations and may result in disciplinary action and/or suspension of access privileges.

• Users shall not remove any library resource from the Library without proper issuance. Reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, yearbooks, journals (both loose and bound volumes), theses, project reports, census publications, and handbooks are for in-library use only and shall not be issued for borrowing.
• Eatable items are not permitted in the library.
• Use of mobile phones in library premises is strictly prohibited.
• Any damage to library furniture or assets will result in immediate suspension from library access for one month; repeated violations may lead to the termination of their library membership.
• Students must keep their ID cards secure and shall not lend, share, or permit their use by any other person for issuing library materials or accessing library services. Any misuse of an ID card shall be the sole responsibility of the cardholder and may result in the suspension or cancellation of library membership, in addition to any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the University.
• All library dues, including overdue books, unreturned materials, and outstanding fines, must be cleared before registration for a new semester. Failure to settle such dues may result in the suspension of borrowing privileges and access to other library services until all obligations have been fulfilled.
• The Library shall not be held responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of users’ personal belongings within the Library premises. Users are advised to keep their belongings secure at all times.
• Readers are advised against carrying books between floors, and instead, they should be left on the reading table after consultation to avoid misplacement.
• Users are advised that all subscribed e-resources are licensed materials intended solely for authorized institutional use. Sharing, distributing, or providing access to these resources to individuals outside the University community is strictly prohibited and may constitute a violation of copyright laws and licensing agreements.
• The library reserves the right to inspect any items brought into the building, including laptops, mobile devices, bags, files, folders, and coats.
• No audio or video recording shall be undertaken within the Library premises without the prior written permission of the Librarian.