FAQs

The following is a series of frequently asked questions by persons interested in using Calvin McKain Library at the University of Technology , Jamaica . If you have any further questions, which are not listed below, please mail them to us.

1. How can I learn to use the library?

The Library offers structured orientation programmes at the beginning of each academic year designed to assist students to use the library’s resources. These sessions include a tour of the library facilities, introduction to the catalogues (online and card) and an overview of the resources and services available. Please contact Mrs Richele Harvey for further information at rharvey@utech.edu.jm .

2. How do I find books on the shelves?

Use the catalogue – whether online or card. You may search by author, title or subject. An Important feature to note on the catalogue entry is the: Call Number - which indicates the book’s location, e.g.? HF5415.13.K5.

3. What do I need to check out Library material?

You need a valid student, faculty or staff UTech ID card to borrow materials from the library. General Lending materials may be borrowed for 2 weeks and can be extended for an additional 2 weeks unless already reserved by another user. Short-term loans may be borrowed for 2 days and are not renewable.

4. How much is the fine for overdue material and Reserves?

Fines are applied according to the loan type. Items loaned for two weeks (14) days attract a fine of $10.00 per day. Short-term loans (2 days) attract a fine of $20.00 per day.

5. What if I need a book/information and the library does not have it?

The Library has an Inter-library loan facility through which we can borrow books from other libraries. Likewise there is also a document delivery service, which allows us to acquire journal articles and other documents for our clients.

When necessary we will request permission from other libraries for our clients to use their facilities.

Interlibrary loan request forms are available on the OPAC – select “I need material”.

6. How do I request an item that is on loan to another user?

You can request an item that is on loan by placing a hold on that item through the OPAC. You will be advised when the item becomes available and be given a time to collect it from the Client Services Desk.

7. Can I get documents scanned and photocopied in the Library?

Documents are scanned in the Cyberlab at a cost of $40.00 per page Photocopying is at a cost of $5.00 per page (Black and White Only). Scanning and photocopying of final year projects and thesis is not permitted.

NB. Scanning & photocopying are guided by the Copyright Act.

8. Does the Library have computers for word processing?

The Library has computers, which are available for database searching as well as word processing. PCs are available for use in the Cyberlab, the Caribbean Reading Room, Reading Room II and the Faculty Reading Room

9. Does the Library provide assistance with database searching?

Interlibrary loan request forms are available on the OPAC – select "I need material". Structured sessions are organized for database searching. Individual and group sessions are available throughout the year on request. Please contact Mrs. Richele Harvey for further information at rharvey@utech.edu.jm .

10. Can I access databases from home?

Yes, if you are a registered UTech student, faculty or staff you can access some databases from home. If you have internet access, you will need a user name and password. Please contact the Library to obtain this.

11. Why do I need a user ID and PIN number?

All members of the University Community must have a User ID and PIN to log onto the OPAC to perform certain transactions. These include:

1. Checking your library account
2. Requesting holds
3. Requesting information
4. Searching the databases.

12. How do I get a PIN?

User ID's and PINs are generated by the Library system when a new user record is created. You are given the option to change the PIN once you have received it. Simply log on to CALCAT, Select My Account and select User Change PIN.

13. I have forgotten my PIN, how do I get a new one?

You can visit the library and request that your Pin be reset.

14. I am a graduate of the university; can I use the Library facilities?

Graduates who are members of the Alumni Association can use the library facilities at no cost. Read Only Privilege applies.

15. I am not affiliated to UTech, can I use the library facilities?

Persons who are not members of the University community may apply for special client privileges. You must state clearly the desired period of use and purpose. Approval may be granted by the University Librarian subject to space and other constraint. Special Clients are required to pay a fee.

NB – Special Clients are not allowed to borrow materials to take outside of the library. Read Only Privileges applies.

16. Can I bring my laptop to the library and connect to the Internet?

You are allowed to use your laptop in the library, however students can only access the internet through the school’s wireless connection, as no ports are provided for internet connection.

17. How do I find out what the library has in its collection?

The best way to find the materials in the library is to use CALCAT, the library online catalogue that is part of the website. You can use CALCAT to find books by author, title, subject headings, and keyword. Workshops will be conducted on how to use CALCAT. You can also learn more about using CALCAT by using its online help screens or by asking library staff for help.

18. How do I find a journal article or magazine on a specific topic?

To identify articles written about your topic, you will need to use the journal, and newspaper databases that are available through the Knowledge Portal on CALCAT (https://library.utechjamaica.edu.jm). You can ask a librarian to help you select which database to use.

19. Do libraries have anything besides books and journals?

Calvin McKain Library has information in other formats such as microforms, CD-ROMs, slides, maps, DVDs, and audio and videocassettes. If you have difficulty finding these materials in CALCAT, the library catalogue, be sure to ask the library staff for help.

20. Can I bring my laptop to the library and connect it to the Internet?

You are allowed to use your laptop in the library, however no ports are provided for internet connection. The university is currently installing the infrastructure to facilitate wireless connectivity. You will be advised when this becomes available.

If the answers to your questions are not found here, please email us at library@utech.edu.jm