Different Sections in the Library
For functional convenience, the library is divided into several sections namely Circulation Section, Acquisition Section, Catalogue & Classification Section, Periodicals Section, Information Technology Section, Reference Section etc
ICT Section
The library has a team of personnel trained in both Library Science and ICT to support the technological advancements taking place in the library. Libraries world wide are taking many faces in the way they disseminate information; hence the Polytechnic Library is not left behind. Some technological advancements are taking place in some of its functional areas. All sections of the Library have been connected through a Local Area Network (LAN) to enable resource sharing and running of library Information Management systems. The Library has a record management system called Library Solution (LS) which uses an Oracle Database software to keep the details of the holdings of the Library. The system has four modules namely; the Online Public Access Catalog - OPAC, Circulation module, Cataloguing module and lastly is a module that handles Serials and Periodicals. The Library also has Internet facility to facilitate access to subscription E-journals. The support team also builds and maintains Digital Databases, generation of Bar-Coded Identity Cards, Barcode Labels for books, Updating of the Library website etc. are some of the activities handled by the Library Automation Teams.
The team also builds an institutional repository which is aimed at digitizing selected thematic local collections of documents which would otherwise remain hidden to our teaching staff, researchers, and consultants. The Digital Library is comprised of the following collections:- Gender, Water and Sanitation, HIV and Aids, Transport, , UNIMA Imprints and UNIMA Past Examinations Papers
Main Issue Counter - Long Loan
The circulation counter is automated. Members are requested to bring their Barcode Identity Card (single multi-purpose card) whenever they visit the library. Books are issued on loan and received back at this counter. The borrowers tickets method is abolished and the members can borrow the books by producing the barcoded identity card. The maximum number of books that can be borrowed through this counter is 6 for students, 5 for CTS Staff whilst Academic Staff gets 20 books. Barcode scanners are used at the circulation counter for issuing and returning of books. If the books are not returned by the members in time, the overdue charge is calculated and given to the members by the staff in the circulation counter.
Malawiana Section
It houses books published within the Malawi and written about the Malawi, its history, people, government, and culture.
Reserve Counter - Short Loan
This section is situated in the first floor of the library building. Books in this section are only consulted within the library for a period of not less than 2 hours. They can only be taken out on overnight-loan an hour before the library closes. Such books books if taken out are supposed to be returned 2hours later as soon as the library opens the following morning.
Periodicals Sections
Foreign and local journals that are currently subscribed and journals received as gift are displayed in the shelves in this section. News papers and popular magazines are also available for reading. At present, ### Malawian and ### Foreign journals are subscribed by the Library. ### journals are received as gifts. A journal, on completion of its volume will be processed for binding. After the binding is over, the volume will be accessioned and added to the Back-Volume shelf (Bound Periodicals shelf).
This section stocks all local and foreign journals, magazines, newspapers, government publications and other forms of serial publication, vertical files such as pamphlets, brochures and newspaper clippings.
Student Resource Centre (Computer Area)
This is the section
Catalog & Classification Section
Newly acquired books are cataloged and classified in this section. The bibliographic details like edition, year of publication, subject, keywords, etc. are prepared by experts in this section. The details entered in this section are indexed on various fields like Author; Title, Subjects, Classification Number, Keywords, etc., and can be retrieved through the OPAC service.
Library of Congress Classification scheme is used for classifying books according to the subject. Each book is assigned a Call Number which consists of a class number and Book Number. Class Number is assigned to a book according to its subject matter. Book Number individualises a book among others having the same Class Number. The Call Number is written on the spine label of the book.
Acquisition
Receiving requests from Heads of Departments for new books, duplicate checking, ordering, accessioning of books and processing bills for payment are the main functions of this section. Suggestions and recommendations for the purchase of new books can be submitted to this section.
Audio Visual Room
This section of the library houses audio-visual facilities such as television, CD-DVCD players, LCD & Overhead Projectors, microfische readers etc. The room has also a Teleconferencing facility. Also, it is the section of the library wherein library users are allowed to view the non-print collection of the library.
Security Counter
Members have to show their membership identity card at the security. Book(s) issued on loan and all permitted materials like research papers, note books files, etc. taken inside the library are to be given for inspection by the security staff when leaving the library.
Members are advised to keep their personal belongings including handbags, hats, printed materials, umbrellas, etc. in the property counter which is at the back of the entrance. Personal belongings kept in the property counter has to be taken on the same day itself and if it is kept beyond one day, the staff of library will not held responsible for the belongings.
Reference Section
The library has a good reference collection consisting of various encyclopaedias, dictionaries, year books, almanacs, atlases, biographies, etc. Sufficient reading tables and chairs are provided to the members
It houses general encyclopedic works including dictionaries, almanacs, atlases, directories, handbooks, manuals, indexes and abstracts, et.