Library Overview
History
Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, established in 1953, saw the commencement of its Central Library in the same year, initially located in the Physiology Block and later moved to the Biochemistry Block. In 1983, the library was relocated to an independent building at the Dr. T.M.A. Pai Research Centre. As part of its vision to cater to evolving needs, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) constructed SEARCH – the Health Sciences Library, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities at the manipal.edu building. On 22nd November 2004, the undergraduate section of the Central Library was shifted to the new Health Sciences Library, followed by the relocation of the postgraduate and other sections on 9th December 2004.
Objectives
The Health Sciences Library aims to:
- Acquire, manage, and disseminate health sciences information to students, faculty, and research scholars of the various Health Sciences institutions at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal. These institutions include Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Professions, Life Sciences, Public Health, Virology, Biotherapeutics Research, Basic Medical Sciences, Integrative Medicine and Research, and Library Science departments and centers.
- Provide timely, accurate, and up-to-date information and resources to support the users' educational, teaching, and research needs.
- Offer information services and facilitate access to bibliographic and full-text online and print resources to meet the scholarly and informational requirements of MAHE’s Health Sciences institutions.
- Support the university’s research, learning, teaching, and administrative activities by organizing, maintaining, and providing access to relevant literature and information resources, ensuring maximum benefit for library users.
- Create a comfortable and conducive environment with appropriate facilities to encourage effective use of library services for individual and group study.
Working Hours
The working hours of the Health Sciences Library are as follows.
|
On All Days |
08.30 a.m. To 11.30 p.m. |
|
On Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijayadashami & Deepavali |
08.30 a.m. To 04.30 p.m. |
Administration
The Library is led by a professionally qualified Chief Librarian and Professor, supported by a Deputy Chief Librarian and Associate Professor, a Librarian (Selection Grade), and a Senior Scale Librarian. They are assisted by four Deputy Librarians, one Assistant Librarian, and forty-five support staff members who handle the library's daily operations. These staff members are responsible for ensuring users access the necessary reading materials.
Location
The Health Sciences Library is situated in the manipal.edu building, with access available through the right wing. From there, users can navigate to various areas of the library, as outlined below:
- Left Wing:
Circulation counters, self-check-out/in kiosk, self-service scanning, OPAC user terminals, group study areas (UG), group study area (PG & research) books & reference reading halls, current journals, back volumes of journals reading halls, computer lab, internet kiosks, photocopying sections, newspapers and magazines reading area, office of Chief Librarian and Professor, Deputy Chief Librarian and Associate Professor, Librarian (Selection Grade) and a librarian (Senior Scale).
- Right Wing:
Property counter, private study area, audio-visual room, book drop box, cafeteria.
All library users must swipe their institution identity card at the access control door each time they enter the library. Users should have their institution identity or combo card ready to present to security personnel upon request at the entrance.
Floor Plan
The Health Sciences Library is stretching on five levels. The organization of the various levels is given below:
- Level – I:
Chief Librarian and Professor office, help desk, security desk, property counter, notice boards, digital boards (smart TV/Interactive Panel), group study area (UG), circulation (issue and return) section, self-check-out/in kiosk, book drop box, reference counter, OPAC user terminals, internet kiosks, new arrivals section, self-service scanning, reading hall, books related to Nursing Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Professions, Statistics, Library Science, Public Health, Social Work & General Subjects, Yoga and Ayurveda and photocopying section.
- Level – II:
Librarian (Selection Grade) office, reference counter, internet kiosks, new arrivals section, reading hall, group study area (UG), library office, acquisition & technical section, and Medical Sciences and Dental Sciences books.
- Level – III:
Deputy Chief Librarian and Associate Professor office, computer lab, reference counter, new arrivals section, reading hall, group study area (UG), presentation room, reference books related to Medical Sciences & Dental Sciences, current periodicals, OPAC user terminals, internet kiosks, notice boards, digital boards, display of faculty publications, display of Manipal Universal Press (MUP) publications and private study area.
- Level – IV:
Librarian (Senior Scale) office, Reading hall, back volumes of journals related to Medical Sciences, Ph.D. theses, WHO publications, reference counter, internet kiosks, an audio-visual room, and newspapers & magazine section and old editions of books.
- Level – V:
Reading hall, back volumes of journals related to Dental Sciences, Nursing Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Health Professions, reference counter, postgraduate theses.
Rules and Regulations
The library rules and regulations are as follows:
- All students must swipe their institution identity card at the access control door each time they enter the library.
- Bags, briefcases, handbags, parcels, aprons, and other receptacles are not allowed inside the library. These items can be left at the property counter, but users are advised not to store valuable items there. The library is not responsible for any loss or damage to items left at the counter.
- Personal books are not permitted in the reading halls on Level III (left wing), Level IV, and Level V.
- Books, journals, and other materials taken from the shelves should be left on the tables after use, not returned to the shelves.
- All users leaving the library must present any books, folders, papers, or other items in their possession at the security counter, whether they belong to the library or not. Users may also be asked to open any containers they are carrying for inspection.
- All library materials should be handled with care.
- Conversations, discussions, and group studies are not allowed in the reading halls. These activities may only take place in designated group study areas.
- Defacing library materials by underlining or writing is strictly prohibited.
- Library furniture, equipment, and fittings should not be marked, damaged, or rearranged. Users should refrain from placing feet on chairs or tables.
- Users should not reserve seats by leaving library materials or personal belongings on reading tables.
- Personal belongings should not be left unattended. The library is not responsible for any loss or damage.
- Any loss or damage to library materials on loan must be reported immediately. The user will be required to pay for the replacement of the lost or damaged item, along with a fine.
- Smoking, eating, drinking (except water), sleeping, and loud talking are prohibited in the library reading halls.
- Mobile phones must be switched off or kept on silent mode in the library reading halls.
- Silence, decorum, and discipline must be maintained at all times in the library.
- Users must behave appropriately, avoid damaging library property, and not disturb others.
- Copyright laws must be strictly observed when making copies of library materials.
- Computers are for educational use only, and internet access is for reference purposes. Accessing unauthorized sites, playing games, and chatting are prohibited.
- Users should not alter the settings on library computers.
- All users must adhere to the University dress code when visiting the library.
- Sitting on staircases, corridors, or in lobby areas is strictly prohibited.
- Users must vacate the library by the designated closing time upon hearing the alarm bells.
- Users may not connect to the library's electrical, data, or telephone supply.
- Notices, handouts, or related materials may only be displayed in the library with the Librarian's permission and in an approved manner.
The aforementioned rules and regulations are subject to periodic review and revision. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in the suspension of library privileges and could lead to disciplinary action by the Institution or University.
Collection
The Health Sciences Library is dedicated to offering both physical and virtual access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, databases, and other materials for students, faculty, and researchers. The library boasts a robust collection in areas such as Medical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Nursing Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Library Science, Statistics, Public Health, Social Work, Virology, Biotherapeutics Research, Basic Medical Sciences, Integrative Medicine, and General Subjects. The collection primarily includes books, theses, current and back issues of journals, CDs, online databases, e-books, online journals, and other educational resources. Users can access online materials through the campus network or remotely via OpenAthens Single Sign-On (SSO) using their Office 365 login credentials (learner.manipal.edu or manipal.edu).
The book collection is systematically organized on shelves according to the library's own classification system. Back volumes of journals are arranged alphabetically, while current journal issues are displayed alphabetically by subject on periodical racks.
The total collection of library resources as of 31st December 2024 stands as follows.
|
Collection |
Total (As of 31.12.2024) |
|---|---|
|
Books |
72156 |
|
Print journals subscribed for the year 2024 |
133 |
|
Online journals |
11287 |
|
e-books |
38842 |
|
Back volumes of journals |
41088 |
|
Online databases/online learning resources |
32 |
|
Online Journals and e-books packages |
16 |
|
CDs |
951 |
|
WHO publications |
2115 |
|
Postgraduate dissertations |
8428 |
|
Ph.D. theses |
2283 |
|
Computers |
126 |
|
Scanners |
5 |
|
Printers |
9 |
|
Color laser printer |
2 |
Reference Collection
The organization of the entire collection is given below:
- Level – I:
The stacks of this level have books on Nursing Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, Library Science, Statistics, Public Health, Social Work, Yoga and Ayurveda, and General Subjects.
- Level – II:
The stacks at this level have books on Medical Sciences and Dental Sciences.
- Level – III:
The stacks at this level have reference books on Medical Sciences and Dental Sciences. The entire current journals received in the Health Sciences Library are displayed under broad subjects.
- Level – IV:
The stacks in this level have the back volumes of journals on medical sciences arranged alphabetically based on the titles of the journals. Also, stacks in this hall have Ph.D. Theses, WHO publications, Newspapers, and General Magazines
- Level – V:
The stacks at this level have the back volumes of journals on Dental Sciences, Nursing Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences arranged in alphabetical order of the titles of the journals. Also, stacks in this hall have books on Radiobiology, old editions of books, and postgraduate theses.
Cataloging
The availability of library materials - books, journals, back volumes of journals, and CDs purchased and available in the library- can be checked through the library’s online catalog, the OPAC.
Reference Counter
The Health Sciences Library maintains an extensive reference collection and offers reference services to users utilizing these resources, organized across the reading halls from Level I to Level V. The library's semi-professional, and support staff is available at the reference desks to assist with brief reference queries. For more complex questions, the Librarians will assist. Users are also encouraged to contact the library by phone at the following numbers: +91 820 2922293, 2922979, 2922611, 2922281, and 292431, for reference services. Library staff are available at the reference counter/desk to guide users on accessing online resources available within the library.
Library Users
The use of the Health Sciences Library has enabled to academic Faculty, Students, and researchers of the following numerous departments and institutions within MAHE, including:
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal
- Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal
- Manipal School of Nursing, Manipal
- Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal
- Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal
- Manipal School of Life Science, Manipal
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal
- Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal
- Department of Library and Information Science, Manipal
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Manipal
- Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, Manipal
Further, the Library enrolls the following types of memberships:
|
Types of Memberships |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
|
Associate Members |
Faculty, Students, and researchers of other than MAHE institutions are enrolled with the approval of the Dean, KMC/competent authorities of the institution |
|
Special Members |
Alumni of Health Sciences Institutions of MAHE, Spouse/Children of Faculty members / Postgraduate Students of Health Sciences Institutions of MAHE, Retired Faculty of Health Sciences Institutions of MAHE, Visiting Faculty, Delegates of the Conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. are enrolled with the approval of the Dean, KMC/competent authorities of the Institution |
The members enrolled under the above category are eligible for access to the following library facilities:
- Reading Privileges
- Photocopying (as per copyright law)
Circulation (Issue and Return)
Books are available for circulation to Interns, Postgraduate Students, Research Scholars, and Faculty Members. However, reference books, bound and unbound journals, audio-visual materials, and CDs are for in-house use only.
To enable borrowing, user profiles are created in the library software, and a borrower’s card is issued or activated using the RFID card provided by the Institution via the RFID workstation. Books are loaned for 15 days, with the possibility of an extension if there is no demand for the item from other users.
The Shelf Check-Out & Self Check-In Kiosk on Level I provides a fast and convenient way for users to borrow and return books without assistance from library staff. The Books Drop Box, located in the Lobby area on Level I, allows users to return books quickly. Borrowed materials must be returned on or before the due date. All postgraduate students must return the books they borrowed before appearing for university examinations.
- The Circulation counter is located on Level - I and Level - III
- Telephone: 0820 2922979 and 0820 2922281
The following is circulation limits for different categories of users.
|
Designation |
Books Limit |
Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Professors and Associate Professors |
4 |
15 days |
|
Senior Residents, Assistant Professors, Readers and Lecturers |
3 |
15 days |
|
Assistant Lecturers, Postgraduate Students, Research Scholars and Tutors |
2 |
15 days |
|
Interns |
1 |
15 days |
The circulation rules and regulations are as follows:
- Borrowers must present their borrower’s card each time they visit the library to borrow books.
- Only books can be borrowed; other materials are not available for circulation.
- The borrower’s card is non-transferable.
- The borrower is responsible for any damage or loss of borrowed books.
- Books must be physically presented at the circulation counter for renewal.
- Borrowed books must be returned on or before the due date.
- If a book is lost, the borrower must replace it with the latest edition.
- Books will be reserved only if there are existing reservations.
Library Personnel
The library is supported by a dedicated team of professionals, semi-professionals, and support staff, all committed to providing excellent service.
- Professionals
Name
Qualifications
Designation
Dr. Shivananda Bhat K.
B.Sc., M.L.I.Sc., Ph.D
Chief Librarian and Professor
Dr. Mahabaleshwara Rao
M.A., M.L.I.Sc., Ph.D.
Deputy Chief Librarian and Associate Professor
Mrs. Leelavathi N.
B.Com. M.A., M.L.I.Sc.
Librarian (Selection Grade)
Mr. Shivashankar H.A.
B.A., M.L.I.Sc.
Librarian (Senior Scale)
Mr. Sampath Kumar
B.B.M., M.L.I.Sc.
Deputy Librarian
Miss. Saritha
M.Com. M.L.I.Sc.
Deputy Librarian
Miss. Poornima Takoor
B.A., M.L.I.Sc.
Deputy Librarian
Mrs. Bharathi T.
B.A., M.L.I.Sc.
Deputy Librarian
Mr. Girish Naik
B.Com., M.L.I.Sc.
Assistant Librarian
- Semi-Professionals and Support Staff Members
Designation
Total No.
Library Assistants
32
Clerks
1
Associate
3
General Duty Workers
8
House Keeping Staffs
1
Suggestions Box/Untraceable Publications
- Suggestions Box: To gather valuable suggestions and feedback from library users for improving current services, a suggestion box has been placed at the reference counter on Level I. Users are also encouraged to share their thoughts, suggestions, and feedback via the 'feedback' form or link available on the library's webpage.
- Register for Untraceable Publications: Library users can record details of books, current journals, back volumes of journals, theses, and WHO publications that are not properly found in the register provided for untraceable materials at the reference desks on Levels I to V. The concerned library staff will notify users by phone or in person once the items are located. If users encounter any difficulties, they can contact the Librarians directly. Additionally, users can contact the Librarians through the 'Ask a Librarian' form or link on the library's webpage.
Contact Us
Contacting the Health Sciences Library by post/telephone/e-mail:
Chief Librarian
SEARCH – The Health Sciences Library
Kasturba Medical College
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal – 576 104, INDIA
Telephone +91820 2922358
e-mail: lib.kmc@manipal.edu
Contact Information for Specific Sections:
|
Sections |
|
Contact Numbers |
|
Library Administration |
+91820 2922358 |
|
|
Circulation |
+91820 2922293 |
|
|
Books (Print) |
+91820 2923352 |
|
|
Online Resources (databases, journals, books etc.) |
+91820 2922609 |
|
|
Document Delivery and Inter-Library Loan |
+91820 2922625 |
|
|
Help Desk/Reference Desk/Literature Search/Research Support Service/Training/Orientation/ Any other Queries |
+91820 2922293, 2922979, 2922281, 2922431 |
Contact Us via the Library Website:
- Ask a Librarian: https://manipal1.stacksplatform.com/form/ask-a-librarian
- Feedback: https://manipal1.stacksplatform.com/form/feedback