6.2 General Considerations

6.2.1 The Library collection

The Library holds a collection of electronic and printed materials (the Collection) to support the teaching and research activities of the University.  The Collection includes sufficient printed materials to support teaching and general reference needs on campus, and also contains a large amount of electronic material to allow users to access a wide range of sources that cannot be provided as printed material because of cost and limitations on space.  In addition the electronic material is accessible to users remotely both on and off campus.

6.2.1.1 Books
A limited collection of printed books is maintained in the library on campus.  This includes textbooks used in courses taught at the University, important research reference books, and selected books of general interest.    The main focus is on science and technology, but the Library also holds material to assist in the daily life of the University staff and students.  The Library maintains a catalog and book ID system that tracks each book owned by the Library.   This reduces duplication and enhances the range of books available to all users.

6.2.1.2 Journals
The Library strives to allow reasonable access to the widest available range of journals to support the academic activity at the University.  When new areas of interest arise, effort is made to subscribe to additional relevant journals.  The Library will review annually the list of journals under subscription and make additions and deletions, taking into account the changing needs of the University community and the available budget.  Print copies of the most high-demand journals are also kept on display, for up to 6 months or until space is no longer available.  Older copies of these print journals are kept in storage until disposed of.

6.2.1.3 eBooks
Books with a limited lifespan that are rapidly updated, are better provided as electronic books rather than printed books.  These include intrinsically transient publications like manuals for specific software and programming handbooks, methods manuals, and technical guides.  In addition, electronic versions of books are provided when use is infrequent where they are only available electronically.  eBooks and print books are treated alike by the catalog and can be accessed from inside the University network.

6.2.1.4 Databases
The Library provides access to a range of databases to support the research and educational activities of the University and the Graduate School.  The Library provides training in searching and using these databases.

6.2.1.5 Reserve Collection
Courses or other University activities may ask that some books, journal articles, or other materials temporarily be set aside for restricted use in a reserve collection. (ex: Course Reserve Books

6.2.1.6 Closed Reserve Collection
In special cases of rare or valuable references or materials, the Library may establish closed reserve collections that require special approval from the Librarian for access.

6.2.2 The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Institutional Repository

The Library provides open access to the Works of the University personnel and/or students through the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Institutional Repository (hereinafter referred to as “OISTIR”). The details of OISTIR is defined in “Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Institutional Repository Operational Guidelines”.

6.2.3 Layout of the Library

The Library provides a range of areas and rooms for different uses.  This includes desks for studying, computers to access the library catalog and electronic collection, comfortable chairs for reading, copying, and facilities for user-operated check-out of books.

6.2.4 Interlibrary Collaboration and Cooperation

The Library maintains membership in associations and consortia of university, research, and public libraries across Japan to support the activities of the Library.  These agreements allow University faculty, staff and students access to a wider range of material than can be held within the University Collection.  As a corollary, the University then allows other universities and consortia members access to the holdings of the University, as long as these are in agreement with the conditions imposed by publishers and suppliers of those materials to the University.

6.2.5 Copyright  Management

The Library manages the University’s obligations under the various national copyright conventions, including the copying and storage of journal articles, books, and database materials.

6.2.6 Access

The Library is a limited public access library and will provide storage for a defined range of materials pertaining to the operation of the University and for the University records of public interest, and will provide reasonable access to those materials.

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