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In this section you can find general information with regards to the library of the Open University of Cyprus, the methodology used, the differences in relation to libraries of conventional Universities, as well as the available materials.
There is also a list of the various user categories as well as the methods used to access the many electronic services provided.
Methodology
The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) and therefore the OUC library are focused on distance learning methods. Therefore the OUC library has implemented solutions so that library users can access the provided electronic sources continously. The above method supports the goals of the OUC library which is to support usage for research or study indepentant of time or place, without the physical presence of the instructor.
Particularities
The particularities encountered in the OUC library, in relation to other libraries of conventional Universities are also due to the University focus on distance education and life long learning. The students are not only geographically separated from the instructor, but also represent a wide range of ages. The OUC library has taken the above issues in consideration and has developed ways to meet the wide variety of the user needs.
Materials
The OUC library provides access to global electronic sources (e.x. Oxford References Online, FRANCIS, ERIC etc.) as well as other video and audio materials (tapes, CDs, etc) needed for the various educational programs.
User types
The OUC library allows acces to all personnel and students of the University as well as other external users.
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All members of the Open University of Cyprus community as well as external users holding a Library card may borrow material from the Library. The Library card provides access to all collections and departmental and research unit Libraries. The usage of the card is strictly personal.
Members of the academic and administration staff of the Open University of Cyprus get the Library card automatically and at no charge, upon completion of the "Application for Membership to the Library". The application form is available at the Personnel Department of the University.
All graduate students of the Open University of Cyprus may check out books or other material, once they acquire the Library card, at no charge.
All undergraduate students of the Open University of Cyprus may check out books or other material, once they acquire the Library card, at no charge.
Persons not affiliated with the University may become members and acquire the Library card by submitting their application to the Library Staff. Application forms are available at the Library; however you can also print out the Application for Membership to the Library as External User ". Fill in the application, and hand it in to the Librarian. After approval by the by the Interim Govering Board and you will be issued a Library card. You will have to pay CYP5,00 for the card plus CYP10,00 for the annual subscription. Upon completion of this procedure, you will be able to check out Library material. After completion of this process the user will have access to the electronic databases of library, as well as the other services provided by the OUC library. For more information about external users you may contact the Library of Open University of Cyprus (library@ouc.ac.cy).
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Access to library materials.
Access to library materials is mainly via computer and internety. This method supports the mission of the University on distance education and life long learning.
Students, as well as Academic and Administrative personnel may access library material from any internet enable computer, after logging on to the University electronic portal. Access to the University Electronic Portal is strictly personal via the credentials provided to each user.
NOTE: The University library provides a limited number of computers for use at the offices of OUC.
Services Provided
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Services provided
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Library services are available to all University staff, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as external users. |
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Special Information
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Open University of Cyprus Library
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The mission of the Library is to serve the learning and information needs of the academic community (undergraduate and graduate students, academic staff, researchers and administrative staff), while also maintaining information services to the broader scientific community of the country.
The Library offers access to her catalogue (WEB OPAC from all connected computers within the University network, as well as from anywhere through the the Library web-based online public access catalogue (WebOpac). From the begging Library of Open University of Cyprus has become fully electronic (function-wise) and hybrid (content-wise), since its collections include printed, digital and audiovisual material. Furthermore, the Library is capable of producing material in Braille format for visually impaired users. As of October 2000, the following subsystems and electronic information services are available through the digital-virtual library:
- All subsystems are accessible from any workstation (computer) that is connected to the University network through the Open University of Cyprus Library website (http://www.ouc.ac.cy). The website, which is updated on an almost daily basis, contains also information of descriptive nature, such as Library rules, services provided, Library hours, contact information, etc.
LIBRARY USERS
All members of the Open University of Cyprus (students, academic staff, researchers and administrative staff) are provided with a user identity card from their very first day at the University, so that they are able to use all Library facilities.
PROSPECTS
In the near future it is expected that the learning and information services provided by the Library through the World Wide Web will be integrated, retrospective cataloguing of books will be completed, and information literacy courses that will inform all categories of users about the Library s information subsystems will be organized systematically.
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