Bethlehem University Library      

BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, dedicated in April 1978, has a stack capacity of 100,000 volumes. .  The library features an open stack and uses the Library of Congress Classification system.

The library is open on class days from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. It is closed on university holidays.

LOAN PROCEDURES & POLICIES

Bethlehem University Library grants borrowing privileges to all Faculty, Staff, and registered students.

To borrow a book:
Present a valid university ID card with the books to the circulation librarian.
Reference books, periodicals, A.V. materials, and some Palestiniana books do not circulate.

Loan period: Three weeks
Subject to renewal if the same material is not requested by another user.
Normally, five books plus one reserve book are allowed at a time; exceptional cases must be referred to the Director.
Seminar students are allowed to borrow 7 books at a time.

Hold
The process by which books in circulation are held for the next user. Notification will be given as soon as the material is available.

Overdue Books
A fine will be imposed on all those who keep books and other reading materials past the date due.
Suspension of library privileges will be imposed on all those who repeatedly keep books and other materials past the date due.

Lost books
Library books permanently lost are assessed replacement charges as follows: a fine, price of book, and binding, if applicable.

Security
An automatic security system has been installed; be sure that all materials are properly checked out before passing through the exit.

LIBRARY MATERIALS

Books
Include circulating and reference books.

Reference Books
This includes general and subject reference books, i.e., encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, etc.
REF. printed on top of a call number of the book indicates that the material is reference work.

Online Catalog - Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)
The card catalog is now computerized. Students can look for a book by using Keywords: title, author, subject or other access points.

Periodicals
Current issues on the racks are arranged by subject; back issues are kept in special boxes. Bound volumes are located on the second floor.

The Audiovisual Materials
The Audio-Visual Center collects audiocassettes, videocassettes, DVDs, CD-ROMs and Internet resources.  The A.V. materials can be identified, retrieved, and accessed by using the OPAC found on the Library Website.

Audiovisual Equipment
Audiocassette recorders, slides, projectors, video digital cameras, opaque, LCD projectors, still digital cameras, digital recorders, microphones, laptop computer, audio recording mixer, DVD recorder, tripods and overhead projectors, videocassette players/recorders, and Computers with color and Laser printer and Scanner with DVD- writer are available to faculty, staff, and students of Bethlehem University.

Turathuna Center - Special Collection – Palestiniana Division
Turathuna Center - The Special Collection - Palestiniana Division was established to house various forms of materials on Palestine and other special topics.
Only circulating books may be borrowed from this Division but not reference and other special materials.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Reference Service
The Reference Librarian is always available at the Reference Service Desk on the ground floor to assist students in finding books and other materials for their research and study.
Never hesitate to ask help from the Reference Librarian.

Reserve Shelf
This section is found behind the Circulation Desk. It contains copies of recommended books and reports for short term loan. Reserve books may be used in the library upon deposit of library card and may be borrowed overnight after 2:30 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. the following day.
Reserve books are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. A fine for overdue reserve material will be imposed.

Services
The A.V.C. provides a variety of services:

•         Computer Editing with a Scanner and a Computer connected to a Laser and Color printer.  Faculty and Staff members can use this equipment to produce curriculum-related materials. A fee is charged to the department for printouts.  Reservations are required in advance.

•         A duplicate of DVDs / CD-ROMs.

•         Digital Video and still Camera are used with the assistance of AV staff to convert any view to a Computer format.

•         A video card for capturing from an analog or digital format source to a computer format.

•         Converting video format from analog to digital and vice versa.

•         Converting analog Audio cassettes to digital format.

•         Do some digital video/sound editing.

•         Recording sound interviews using a digital mixer.

•         Printing the university ID card.

•         Following up LCD projectors, translation equipment, sound systems in different places on campus.

•         Video Conference Facility rooms (L3 / Furno):
  Two rooms equipped with equipment to have a face to face meeting in another place in the world. L3 room, located in the lower level of the library, has a computer with LCD projector, Smartboard, DVD/ video player, Cameras, 3D microphone, Sound System and Plasma screen with possibility to record the conference and present any video/audio either analog or digital format on the Smartboard. Furno Hall, located in the Millennium building, has a Laptop computer, LCD projector, DVD/Video players, Sound System, Microphones and a Camera.

Photocopying Service
Card-operated photocopiers are available in the Reference section and on the second floor.
Magnetic cards may be purchased from the telephone operator on the ground floor of the De La Salle Hall.
To photocopy material from the Palestiniana Division, you have to apply for the service and pay a certain charge fee.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Library Card
Your library card is your university ID card and is NOT TRANSFERABLE. Lending of this card subjects the owner to suspension of his/her library privileges.

Study atmosphere
A quiet study atmosphere should be maintained at all times in the reading rooms.

Shelves
You are requested to keep the shelves organized while using them or looking for a book.

Control Desk
All students are requested to leave their bags at the control desk as they enter the library.
However, the library assumes no responsibility for missing articles and valuables that are left in the bags at the control desk, or elsewhere in the library. Do not leave money, IDs, or any valuable items. 
A camera is recording the activity in this area throughout the day

Food and Beverages
These are not allowed into the library.

Smoking
It is strictly forbidden within library premises.

Use of Cell Phones is prohibited. 

Visitors
Students must obtain the Visitors Pass in advance from the Dean of Students, Public Relations Office or a Vice President and present it to a library staff member when entering the library.

NEW BOOKS
New books are displayed in glass cabinets on the ground floor and are available for loan by students and faculty.
 

 Violations of regulations will be brought to the Student Affairs Committee which will recommend appropriate disciplinary action depending on the seriousness of the offense.

 NEVER HESITATE TO ASK THE LIBRARY 
        STAFF FOR HELP AT ANY TIME.