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Frequently Asked Questions

HoursAccessBorrowing & RenewalsCatalogueBook OrdersElectronic Resources, Print Periodicals, and ThesesDocument SupplyLocationsPhotocopying & PrintoutHelpMiscellaneous

HOURS

What are the Library's opening hours?
What is the stacks collection timetable?
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ACCESS

I can't access my account. It says that the patron ID or barcode number is not valid. What can I do?
I'm not a METU member. May I use the resources of the METU Library?
Is it possible to access to the online databases and e-journals outside the campus?
When I try to access to an e-journal, user name and password is being asked. Why?
May I use the Library after graduating from METU?
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BORROWING & RENEWALS

I'm new to the University. Can I borrow books?
How many books can I borrow at a time?
Where shall I return the books I've borrowed?
How do I know due date of my books?
Can I renew book loans without coming to the Library?
How do I put hold on a book that is checked out?
What kind of library notices are sent to patrons?
How can I check the items I borrowed and returned some time ago?
I want to borrow a book not available in the METU Library's collection. What shall I do?
I'm a research assistant in another University. How can I borrow books in your library?
How can I use a carrel?
What happens if I lose an item?
What happens if my ID card is lost or stolen?
Can I borrow periodicals?
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CATALOGUE

What is a call number?
What does ... mean in the "Location" field on the catalogue?
What does ... mean in the "Status" field on the catalogue?
How can I view the items, holds, and fines on my account?
Can I search the Library's catalogue outside the campus?
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BOOK ORDERS

Who may order books?
How can I order a book?
What resources can I use for choosing books to order?
May I donate books to the Library?
How long does it take to receive the ordered books?
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ELECTRONIC RESOURCES, PRINT PERIODICALS, AND THESES

How can I learn that whether the journal I am looking for available in the Library or not?
How can I get the journals I've found as a result of my search?
How can I access to the journals which I've found as a result of a search in Bibliographic databases?
Are all journals subscribed to available electronically?
How can I find electronic journals related to my subject?
How can I search for articles?
How can I search for Turkish articles?
Do you make article searches for us?
Do you run training sessions in order to teach using electronic resources?
How can I find book reviews and discussions related to my subject?
What is the Citation Index? How can I make a search in the Citation Index?
Where can I find master theses and dissertations completed in METU?
Where can I find master theses and dissertations made in the world?
Where should I submit my thesis? Where should I fill the submission form out?
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DOCUMENT SUPPLY

Does the Library supply articles and books from abroad?
Does the Library supply articles from another universities in Turkey?
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LOCATIONS

Where can I find current periodicals?
Where can I find bound periodicals?
Where can I make an article search in the Library?
Where can I find master theses and dissertations completed in METU?
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PHOTOCOPYING & PRINTOUT

Can I get printout of an article in the Library?
What about photocopy services in the Library?
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HELP

What should I do when I need any information about the Library?
What should I do if I need help in searching electronic resources?
What should I do in order to arrange a library tour for my students?
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MISCELLANEOUS

How can I view PDF files?
Where can I buy floppy disks or CD-Rs?
Can I use my laptop in the Library?
Could I get a part-time job in here?
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HOURS

What are the Library's opening hours?

 

Academic Semester

Vacation

Monday-Friday

08:45 - 22:00

08:45 - 17:15

Saturday-Sunday

09:00 - 8:00

09:00 - 18:00

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What is the stacks collection timetable?

Weekdays: 10:45, 11:45, 14:00, 16:00 / Weekend: 11:45, 14:00
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ACCESS

I can't access my account. It says that the patron ID or barcode number is not valid. What can I do?

Check your barcode number and name. The "barcode" is the number that '2' and '0's inserted in front of your Student or Personnel ID number. Please add '2' in front of your Student or Personnel ID Number and '0's (zero) between '2' and your Student or Personnel ID number until it is completed to 10 digits. Ex: If your Student or Personnel ID number is 12345-6, the barcode must be 2000123456.
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I'm not a METU member. May I use the resources of the METU Library?

After bringing an entry form describing you need to use METU Library resources for a research purpose to the Domestic Services Office, you will be free to use all printed and electronic materials in the Library. You can take photocopy from books and periodicals but you can not borrow any materials.
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Is it possible to access to online databases and e-journals outside the campus?

METU members can access to online databases and e-journals outside the campus following the instructions at Remote Access page.
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When I try to access to an e-journal, user name and password is being asked. Why?

Any journal registered by the METU Library can be accessed in the campus without any password. If a password is being asked during in campus access, the problem might be due to some online error or the publishing company's fault. Please inform us by e-mail to referans@metu.edu.tr for related problems.
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May I use the Library after graduating from METU?

METU Alumni Association members living in Ankara can borrow books as declared in the Article 4/b-9 of the Library Instructions. If you are not a member of METU Alumni Association you will be free to use all printed and electronic materials in the Library and to take photocopy from books and periodicals but you can not borrow any materials.
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BORROWING & RENEWALS

I'm new to the University. Can I borrow books?

All registered students can borrow books with their METU ID card. Please see the Article 4 of the Library Instructions for borrowing rules or call (+90.312)2102785 for further assistance.
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How many books can I borrow at a time?

METU Academic staff can borrow up to 25 books for 30 days. Students can borrow up to 15 books for 15 days. Administrative and retired staff can borrow up to 15 books for 30 days.  Please see the Article 4/b of the Library Instructions for the rules of borrowing in terms of user types. Members must show their ID cards in the borrowing process.
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Where shall I return the books I've borrowed?

Books must be returned where they were checked out. (Circulation Desk, Reserve Desk, Muhan Soysal Library, North Cyprus Campus Library, etc.)
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How do I know the due dates of my books?

You can view your library record online through the Library's website. Click on the My Record and enter your name and barcode number to see which books you have out on loan and when they are due back. You can also view your fines and books on hold there.
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How can I renew book loans without coming to the Library?

Long loan period circulated books can be renewed online via My Record . A reminder notice will be e-mailed to you 3 days before your books are overdue. Notices are e-mailed to your  METUMail address. Please check your e-mails every day! Full details?
Reasons why your renewal may not be successful:

• Another patron has a request (hold) on the item.
• There may be outstanding fines on your account.
• You will not be able to renew an item online once it is overdue. All overdue items will
have to be returned to the Library.
• Blocks on your account, such as too much money owed or patron record expired, may
prevent you from renewing.

WARNING! Please don't forget to check your e-mail notices every day! Failure to receive a notice does not excuse you from paying overdue fines.
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How do I put hold on a book that is checked out?

If you would like to borrow a book checked out by another user, you can click on "Request" button and follow the prompts to request it. When a requested book returns to the Library, it will get the status "on hold", and will be kept for you up to 3 days at the hold shelf in the Circulation Desk. Please wait for an e-mail notice to arrive before coming to the Library to pick up your holds. Full details?

WARNING! Please note that you cannot use the online hold function to place holds on books that are listed as "Available" in the library catalogue.
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What kind of library notices are sent to patrons?

The Library sends notices to patrons alerting them for overdue books, reminder or hold availability. Notices are sent to the users' METUMail addresses. Users must notify the Library about any changes on their e-mail account. Failure to receive a notice does not excuse you from paying overdue fines.

Types of Notices:

Reminder notices: Reminder notices are e-mailed to the users 3 days before the books are overdue. Notification of items that will soon be due for renewal or return.

Overdue notices: Overdue notices are e-mailed 1 day after your books became overdue.

Hold awaiting notices : When a requested book has been returned to the Library, it will get the status "on hold", and will be kept for you up to 3 days at the hold shelf in the Circulation Desk.

WARNING! Please don't forget to check your e-mail notices every day! Failure to receive a notice does not excuse you from paying overdue fines.
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How can I check the items I borrowed and returned some time ago?

You can check the items that are currently out on loan and keep a record of books borrowed and returned in the past. Go to My Record and click on the "My Reading History".
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I want to borrow a book not available in the METU Library's collection. What shall I do?

METU Library has a special protocol (Inter-University Loan) with Atılım, Bilkent University, Hacettepe University, Ankara University, Gazi University, and TOBBETU libraries, and MTA, TODAİE libraries to allow faculties borrow books, reciprocally. Please obtain a "Protocol Form" by applying in person to the METU Library's Circulation Desk. 5 books can be borrowed for 30 days via the Inter-University Loan service. If there is no hold on the book's record it can be renewed once.

For other libraries in Ankara and elsewhere in Turkey, METU academic staff should apply to the ILL librarian by e-mail. Loan periods, maximum numbers of books, and maximum times of renewals vary by libraries. Please remember to check the library catalogue first to ensure that we don't already have the book(s). For more information please call (+90.312)2102797 or send an e-mail.
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I'm a research assistant in another University. How can I borrow books in your library?

Researchers who would like to borrow books from METU Library by ILL, need to contact the ILL librarian in their institution. The ILL librarians send the requests to METU Library by e-mail. The ILL form must be filled out in full without omitting any information. Academic and research libraries may borrow a maximum of 3 books at a time for 30 days per reader. Borrowed books may be renewed for one time by sending a new ILL form by e-mail, if they are not reserved by another reader. For more information please call (+90.312)2102797 or send an e-mail.
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How can I use a carrel?

24 carrels (small lockable study rooms) are available on the first, second, and third floors of the Library and can be used only by METU academic & administrative staff and graduate & doctoral students. The carrels can be borrowed from the Circulation Desk. For more information please call (+90.312)2102785.
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What happens if I lose an item?

Please inform the Circulation Department if you lose an item you have borrowed. The staff will explain about options for replacing the material. (Phone: +90.312.2102785, E-Mail: cdesk@metu.edu.tr) Full details...
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What happens if my ID card is lost or stolen?

Please inform the Circulation Department immediately for lost or stolen cards (Phone: +90.312.2102785, E-Mail: cdesk@metu.edu.tr).
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Can I borrow periodicals?

Current periodicals cannot be borrowed. Bound periodicals can be borrowed only by METU academic staff. At most two bound periodicals can be borrowed for one week period.
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CATALOGUE

What is a call number?

A call number is an identifying number of a book to allow you to find the exact location of it. In this way readers can browse the books in a subject field together.
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What does ... mean in the "Location" field on the catalogue?

The location messages on the catalogue are as follows:

ML means Main Library.
MS means Muhan Soysal Library which is located in the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences (new building).
EDC means European Documentation Center which is located in the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences (new building).
NCC means Northern Cyprus Campus Library which is located in Cyprus.
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What does ... mean in the "Status" field on the catalogue?

The most common status messages are as follows:
AVAILABLE: The item is in the Library. (If it is not on the shelf it can be on the tables, filing shelves, trucks or at the photocopy room.)

DUE: The item is borrowed and should have been returned on the date given.

ON HOLD SHELF: The item has been reserved by a reader.

RESHELVING: It means the item has returned but not reshelved, yet. The reshelving period is 4 hours. During this period it can most probably be on the filing shelves or trucks.

BINDING: The item is in binding process and cannot be used for a period of time.

LIB USE ONLY: The item can never be borrowed. You can take some photocopy from it.

IN PROCESS: The item is on order and has not been received by the Library, yet.
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How can I view the items, holds, and fines on my account?

You can view you account by clicking on "My Record" in the catalog. Write your name and barcode in the blanks, then click on the "Submit" button.
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Can I search the Library's catalogue outside the campus?

Yes. You just need a web browser and an Internet connection to search our catalog.
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BOOK ORDERS

Who may order books?

METU students, academic and administrative staff may order books and other library materials.
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How can I order a book?

To order a book click on the "Recommend a Book" form then fill in and submit the form.
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What resources can I use for choosing books to order?

You can use Global Books in Print or Amazon for choosing books.
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May I donate books to the Library?

Please see the rules about donations. If the materials you would like to donate cover the requirements, we'll accept them with pleasure.
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How long does it take to receive the ordered books?

Public Tender Law is used for purchasing books. Therefore ordered books are come to the Library in approximately 4 months.
Please send an e-mail to the Acquisitions & Cataloguing Department or call (+90.312)2102790 / (+90.312)2102783 for your questions and suggestions.
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ELECTRONIC RESOURCES, PRINT PERIODICALS, AND THESES

How can I learn whether the journal I am looking for available in the Library or not?

Select the "Title" option from the first menu in the catalog; write the periodical's name you're looking for in the blank; select the "Main Library Serials" option from the second menu, then click on the "Submit" button.
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How can I get the journals I've found as a result of my search?

If you're looking for current issues, get the call number and find it in the Current Periodicals' Hall. If you're looking for issues published after 1990, find it in the Bound Periodicals' Hall in alphabetical order by title. Please fill in the stacks request form for the volumes belong to 1989 and before.
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How can I access to the journals which I've found as a result of my search in Bibliographic databases?

Please check the availability of journals in our collection with E-Journals' Search Page and the catalog. For those that are not available in both, check within the Union Serials Catalog. You can view periodical holdings in Bilkent, Gazi, Hacettepe, METU, and ULAKBIM Libraries within the Union Serials Catalog.
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Are all journals subscribed to available electronically?

No. Please check the electronic journals' list .
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How can I find electronic journals related to my subject?

By clicking on the E-Journal Search in the Library's website, you'll see the lists of journals classified by name and subject.
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How can I search for articles?

You can search articles in the Federated Search page. The Central Search is only for METU members' use. The other users need to come to the Library for article searches.
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How can I search for Turkish articles?

You can search for Turkish articles in the "Bibliography of Articles in Turkish Periodicals" at National Library of Turkey's website.
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Do you make article searches for us?

No, we don't. However, when you come to the Library, any librarian in the Reference Department or Serials & E-Resources Department can explain and show how to search for articles.
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Do you run training sessions in order to teach using electronic resources?

Yes, during terms training sessions are hold for academic staff and students. For more information, contact to librarians at the Reference Department or Serials & E-Resources Department by phone (+90.312.2102793, +90.312.2102786, +90.312.2102798) or e-mail. After we receive the e-mail, we contact you by phone or e-mail and plan the details together.
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How can I find book reviews and discussions related to my subject?

You can find book reviews and discussions in the Web of Science, and EBSCOHost databases.
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What is the Citation Index? How can I make a search in the Citation Index?

The Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI®) provides access to current and retrospective bibliographic information, author abstracts, and cited references found in 5900 of the world's leading scholarly science and technical journals covering more than 150 disciplines.
The Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI®) provide access to current and retrospective bibliographic information, author abstracts, and cited references found in over 1725 of the world's leading scholarly social sciences journals covering more than 50 disciplines. You can search Citation Indexes in "Web of Science" in the Databases page in the Library's website.
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Where can I find master theses and dissertations completed in METU?

Master theses and dissertations completed in METU are located in the Reference Department. Thesis finished after September 2003 are also available electronically. Take a note for the call number of the thesis or dissertation and ask any staff at the Reference Desk to bring it to you. Please visit the User Training page for search guides on master and doctoral theses.
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Where can I find master theses and dissertations made in the world?

You can search Dissertations & Theses: Full Text database and download fulltexts of the dissertations and theses. Please note that all databases are in use with restricted IP access. Please follow the instructions for off campus access.

Where should I submit my thesis? Where should I fill in the submission form?

You need to submit both soft and hard copies of your thesis to the Reference Department. For your thesis to be available electronically, you need to fill in the submission form anywhere in the campus. Please visit the User Training page for the electronic copy preparation guide.
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DOCUMENT SUPPLY

Does the Library supply articles and books from abroad?

We don't have a service of supplying articles from abroad. Such requests are met by TÜBİTAK-ULAKBİM.
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Does the Library supply articles from another universities in Turkey?

The Library supplies articles for METU academic staff from the universities outside of Ankara. Please fill in the request form accurately. Please call +90.312.2103619 or send an e-mail for more information.
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LOCATIONS

Where can I find current periodicals?

The current year issues of the periodicals are located in the Current Periodicals' Hall by subject. If you know the journal's title, find it's call number in the catalog and find it in the Current Periodicals' Hall with this call number.
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Where can I find bound periodicals?

Bound periodicals are shelved in the Bound Periodicals Hall and in the Stacks. Please find volumes belong 1990 and afterwards in the Bound Periodicals Hall. For the volumes belong 1989 and before you need to fill in the "Journal Stacks Request Form".
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Where can I make an article search in the Library?

You can make it in the Serials & E-Resources Department and in the Reference Department.
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Where can I find master theses and dissertations completed in METU?

Master theses and dissertations completed in METU are located in the Reference Department.
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PHOTOCOPYING & PRINTOUT

Can I get printout of an article in the Library?

Yes, you can get printout in the photocopying room on the first floor. It costs 10 Kr per page.
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What about photocopying services in the Library?

There are photocopy machines in the entrance and on the first floor. It costs 4 Kr per page.
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HELP

What should I do when I need any information about the Library?

If you need any information, please send an e-mail to lib-hot-line@metu.edu.tr or referans@metu.edu.tr.
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What should I do if I need help in searching electronic resources?

Most databases have online user guides. You can view them by clicking on the "Help" button in the database interfaces. If you need more information, reference librarians will help you with pleasure.
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What should I do in order to arrange a library tour for my students?

Please send an e-mail at least three days before the date you've planed. After we receive your e-mail, we contact you by phone or e-mail and plan the details together.
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MISCELLANEOUS

How can I view PDF files?

You need an Acrobat Reader application to view PDF files. Simply double-clicking a PDF file icon or clicking a Web URL for a PDF file will launch the program. For your own computer, you can download Acrobat Reader from Adobe's Web site .
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Where can I buy floppy disks or CD-Rs?

You can buy them from photocopying rooms in the Library.
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Can I use my laptop in the Library?

Yes, you can use your laptop with a wireless card anywhere in the Library.
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Could I get a part-time job in here?

We employ students on a part-time basis during the academic year. For more information please call (+90.0312)210 2788 or send an e-mail. Full details...
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