The university has a library with more than 50,000 books and eBooks, covering a range of topics including: the sciences, fisheries, marine and maritime history, psychology, and literature. The library is a place for students to read and study and is open from 8 am until 8 pm. It is also equipped with air conditioning that is used during the summer months. The library is governed by the rules and regulations set out below.
Conduct Relating to Libraries and Information Services
– Students are registered automatically as library users when they register at BMFA. Student ID cards serve as library ID cards. Library material will be issued only on presentation of a library ID card. Lost cards must be reported to the Main Desk as soon as possible, and the student must obtain a temporary card for access to the library.
– Library material shall not be removed from the library without the proper borrowing procedure being followed.
– Users shall be held responsible for all library material borrowed under their name.
– Library material shall be loaned to library users according to the library terms and conditions.
– Students will be fined for overdue library material.
Prohibited conduct at the library includes but is not limited to:
– Eating or bringing refreshments into the library building.
– Smoking or chewing khat inside the library building.
– Causing damage to library materials, equipment, or furniture.
– Abusive behavior or harassment towards library staff or fellow students.
– Ringing mobile phones.
– Conversations, group discussions, or improper communications in the reading areas.
Rules for Borrowing Materials
Library material can only be taken out on presentation of a valid student, staff, or membership card. No library material will be issued on another borrower’s card.
Open shelf books have 3-day, 7-day and 14-day lending periods. While the majority of the books can be borrowed for 14 days, books that are in high demand can only be borrowed for 3 days. The 3-day loan books may be identified by the pink date slip inside the book, the 7-day by green, and the 14-day by the white date slips inside.
The date of return will be stamped on the date slips. It is the responsibility of the borrower to check the due dates and make sure that the books are returned on time.
Returns
Library materials are to be returned at the circulation desk. Borrowers must return library material on time. Borrowers must not leave their library material on the desk unattended and must make sure that the library materials have been cleared against their names, if not, the borrower will be responsible for fines incurred. Fines must be paid immediately at the circulation desk.
Renewals
Borrowers may renew 7-day and 14-day loan books issued to them twice only; however, 3-day loan books cannot be renewed. Library material may not be renewed by telephone but only by coming to the library circulation desk.
Lost materials
If a borrower loses any library materials, the borrower must declare the loss at the circulation desk. The replacement cost of the item(s) will be calculated, and the borrower must pay the replacement costs of the lost item(s). Any fines on the item must also be paid.
