Created in 2023
Reviewed in 2025
Uttara University believes that access to books and information should not depend on whether a person is enrolled at the University. As an academic institution, the University takes responsibility for supporting the lifelong learning of its local communities. The University library holds a wide range of print and digital resources, and members of the local community of all ages are welcome to read and study them in the library. A separate corner of the library will be used for this category of readers.
"Local community" means residents, schools, community groups, alumni, non-governmental organizations, local offices and professionals in and around the University's neighbourhood.
The purposes of this policy are to introduce local people to the resources of the University library, to encourage them to use these resources, and to widen access to knowledge and lifelong learning. This policy supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Access and Rules
- Students, staff and members of the local community will have on-site access to the library reading rooms and print collections, free of charge.
- Members of the local community may use the library every day (except weekends and holidays) from 10 am to 4 pm. The hours will be published on the University website and displayed at the library.
- Students and staff will show their valid University ID card. Members of the local community will show a valid identity document, such as a National ID card, and sign in at the entrance before entering the library. A visiting pass/ID card will be provided.
- Everyone must keep bags, mobile phones and other belongings in the library lockers, free of cost. Security staff may ask to see the contents of bags if required.
- Only students and staff may borrow library materials. Members of the community may register for a free Community Reader Card to borrow up to 3 items for 14 days.
- Where licence terms allow, community users may use the University's digital resources on the library computers. Access to online resources will be limited.
- Library staff will help community users to find materials and will answer enquiries on site, by telephone or electronically.
- Photocopying and printing are available to everyone at the published rates.
- The library will make special arrangements for users with disabilities, with the help of library staff.
- The library is open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality or gender.
- The library will provide a quiet, clean and safe place for study. Users must handle materials with care, keep quiet, respect other readers, follow the instructions of library and security staff, and not bring food or tobacco into the library.
- Anyone who breaks these rules may be asked to leave immediately. Further action may be taken as per the University's code of conduct.
Awareness, Records and Review
- The library will announce this policy through the University website, noticeboards and social media, and will invite local schools and community groups to visit the library.
- The University Librarian will keep a record of library use by the local community and submit a yearly report to the Vice-Chancellor.
- The Vice-Chancellor approves this policy. It will be published on the University website and reviewed at least every three years.
Tracking and Monitoring
Each academic year, the Office of Admission records the number of applications and admissions from under-represented groups, using anonymised figures. It reports them to the Vice-Chancellor and shares them with the EDI Committee. The figures are used to review whether admission is open to all.
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