Introduction

The library at Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences (RCMAS) plays a crucial role in supporting the academic and research needs of its students, faculty, and staff. This Library Policy outlines the principles, guidelines, and procedures governing the use, management, and development of the college library.

Mission

The mission of the RCMAS library is to provide access to diverse and relevant information resources, foster information literacy and research skills, and support the educational and research goals of the college community.

Access and Membership

1. Membership: All registered students, faculty, and staff of RCMAS are eligible for library membership, which entitles them to borrow materials, access electronic resources, and utilize library services.
2. Visitor Access: Visitors may access the library for reference purposes with prior permission from library staff. However, borrowing privileges are limited to registered members of the college community.

Collection Development

1. Selection Criteria: The library collection will be developed based on the curriculum requirements, research interests, and informational needs of the college community, with a focus on quality, relevance, and diversity.
2. Formats: The library will acquire materials in various formats, including print books, e-books, journals, audiovisual materials, and online databases, to accommodate different learning preferences and research methodologies.
3. Acquisition Procedures: The library will utilize systematic and transparent procedures for selecting, acquiring, and processing materials, taking into account recommendations from faculty, student feedback, and professional reviews.

Services and Facilities

1. Reference Services: Trained library staff will provide reference assistance, research support, and guidance in locating and accessing information resources both in-person and through virtual channels.
2. Borrowing Privileges: Registered members of the library are entitled to borrow materials for a specified loan period, subject to renewal and recall policies.
3. Interlibrary Loan: The library will facilitate access to materials not available in its collection through interlibrary loan services, cooperative agreements with other libraries, and document delivery services.
4. Information Literacy Programs: The library will conduct information literacy programs, workshops, and tutorials to enhance the research skills, critical thinking, and information literacy competencies of students and faculty.
5. Divyagyan friendly: The library is resource center aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility for students with disabilities. RCMAS provides software tools that are essential in creating an inclusive educational environment that empowers blind students to learn effectively and independently.

User Responsibilities

1. Respect for Library Materials: Users are expected to handle library materials with care, refrain from defacing or damaging library resources, and return borrowed items on time to avoid fines or penalties.
2. Adherence to Policies: Users must adhere to library policies and procedures, including copyright compliance, acceptable use of electronic resources, and responsible conduct within the library premises. All the library rules are to be observed by the students and members of the staff.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

The library will regularly assess its services, collections, and facilities through user surveys, feedback mechanisms, usage statistics, and benchmarking against industry standards to identify areas for improvement and enhance user satisfaction.

Conclusion

The RCMAS library is committed to providing a dynamic, inclusive, and user-centered environment that facilitates learning, research, and intellectual inquiry. By adhering to the principles outlined in this policy, the library aims to contribute to the academic excellence and success of the college community.