Central Library

The Central Library serves as the “heart” of the learning community, supporting the academic and intellectual needs of over 3,000 students across three streams and catering to approximately 21 subject disciplines. As a vital knowledge hub of the institution, the library provides access to a rich and diverse collection of learning resources designed to support teaching, learning, and research activities.

In addition to its extensive collection of textbooks and subject-specific resources, the library houses a substantial reference section comprising encyclopaedias (general and subject-specific), dictionaries, almanacs, yearbooks, census reports, books in print, bibliographies, biographical sources, handbooks, manuals, and a wide range of current awareness resources. Special emphasis has also been given to the development of unique collections, including North East Collections and access to E-Resources, thereby promoting regional studies alongside global knowledge access.

To ensure efficient management and modern library services, the library utilizes the Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) — KOHA — for all in-house operations.

A Digital Library has also been developed to provide an effective digital platform for managing, preserving, and disseminating the rich in-house intellectual output of the academic community. It serves as a repository for a wide range of scholarly and institutional resources, including theses and dissertations, project reports, faculty publications, question papers, rare documents, institutional records, and other academic materials.

Complementing its digital services, the library is housed in a Wi-Fi-enabled building that offers a conducive and well-organized learning environment for users. The learning space is designed to provide an excellent ambience for study, research, and intellectual engagement, with facilities that support both individual reading and collaborative academic work.

Vision:

As the learning hub of the College the Library serves as the center for the pursuit of knowledge. The Library strives to facilitate and inspire students and faculty to acquire, create and share knowledge.

Mission:

The Library actively supports the college’s mission by providing integrated and timely access to high quality scholarly resources, an inspiring environment for intellectual growth and discovery, with responsive and outreaching services delivered by knowledgeable and innovative staff. It commits to empower the College fraternity with deep expertise essential to academic excellence, knowledge advancement and life-long learning.

Goals:

1. User Experience: Promote a user-centric approach by proactively engaging with students, faculty, and staff to continuously improve library services, resources, and user experience.
2. Teaching, Learning, &Research: Support teaching, learning, and research by strengthening current and emerging academic practices through innovative services, enhanced resources, and professional expertise.
3. Engagement and Partnerships: Strengthen engagement and partnerships by enhancing collaboration with college stakeholders and other institutions to develop and implement effective, efficient solutions for achieving shared goals.

Library Advisory Committee:

The College constitutes a Library Advisory Committee (LAC), comprising the Principal as Chairperson, along with the Convener, Joint Convener, and representatives from all departments. The Committee serves in an advisory and supportive capacity on matters relating to library policies, planning, programmes, goals, and objectives, with the aim of strengthening the teaching, learning, research, and community-building needs of the College.

Objectives and Functions of the Library Advisory Committee (LAC):

1. To advise the Library on policy matters relating to services, resources, and facilities.
2. To formulate guidelines for the continuous improvement and development of the Library.
3. To provide a platform for discussing and promoting initiatives related to library and information services.
4. To monitor and review the effective functioning of the Library.
5. To advise on the enhancement and innovation of library services for the college community.
6. To deliberate and evaluate budgetary matters relating to books, journals, databases, and e-resources.
7. To support the Library in ensuring accountability and responsibility in the development and management of collections.
8. To ensure that the Library remains aligned with and supports the academic programmes of the College.
9. To facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Library and the community it serves.

Tenure and Meetings of the Library Advisory Committee:

1. Members of the Library Advisory Committee shall serve a term of three years.
2. The Committee shall meet twice in a year to review and deliberate on matters relating to library development and services.
3. Special meetings may also be convened as and when required to address specific issues or urgent matters.

Library Advisory Committee:

Principal / Chairperson: Dr. S. Khongwir.

Vice- Principal/ Convener: Smt. E. N. Dkhar.

Librarian / Jt. Convener: Smt. Betbhalin Lyngdoh

Members:

1. Dr. H. Diengdoh, Vice Principal (Academic and Student Welfare) and Head, Department of Education
2. Dr. S. Sarma, IQAC Coordinator, Representative and Head, Department of Commerce
3. Dr. D. Bhowmick, Head, Department of English
4. Shri. S. Kharrymba, Head, Department of Khasi
5. Smt. L. D. Marak, Head, Department of Garo
6. Smt. I. S. Kharkongor, Head, Department of Economics
7. Smt. V. C. S. Dkhar, Head, Department of History
8. Shri. D. Shadap, Head, Department of Mathematics
9. Dr. J. Biswas, Head, Department of Philosophy
10. Smt.A. Marbaniang, Head, Department of Political Science
11. Smt.W. C. K. Sohliya, Head, Department of Business Administration
12. Shri. K. Umdor, Head, Department of Chemistry
13. Smt. D. Kharshandi, Head, Department of Botany
14. Dr. E. M. Pala, Head, Department of Zoology
15. Dr. A. M. Mitri, Head, Department of Computer Science and Applications
16. Shri. D. M. Syiem, Head, Department of Statistics
17. Dr. M. B. Lynser, Head, Department of Environmental Science
18. Dr. Zoliansanga, Head, Department of Microbiology
19. Smt. S. R. J. Khongwar, Head, Department of Sociology
20. Shri. E. Khiewtam, Head, Department of Hindi
21. Shri. Mangbhah Niangti, Assistant Librarian

Library Rules and Regulations:

1. Strict silence shall be maintained inside the Library and in the adjoining verandah. Meetings, group discussions, and casual conversations are not permitted within the library premises.
2. The use of mobile phones inside the Library is strictly prohibited for all users. Laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices may be used only with prior permission from the Librarian.
3. All users must scan the barcode on their identity card at the E-Gate entry portal while entering the Library and scan out before leaving the premises.
4. Bags and personal belongings must be kept in the designated rack near the counter. Valuables such as wallets and mobile phones (in silent/off mode) may be retained by users. The Library shall not be responsible for any loss or theft of personal belongings.
5. Students must produce a valid identity card while entering the Library and when applying for a Library card.
6. Personal books or library materials shall not be brought into or taken out of the Library without prior permission.
7. Books and journals used within the Library should be returned to the designated place or handled as instructed by the Library staff.
8. Borrowed books may be retained for 30 days by faculty members, 14 days by staff, and 7 days by students, with provision for renewal. Failure to return materials within the due date shall attract a fine of Rs. 2/- per day.
9. Cleanliness and decorum must be maintained within the Library. Bringing food or beverages, including tea, into the Library is strictly prohibited for all users, except Library staff.
10. High-resolution CCTV cameras are installed inside and outside the Library for monitoring and security purposes. Any misconduct or violation of rules shall be dealt with strictly.
11. Non-members may be permitted to use the Library only with prior written permission from the Principal.

Library Working Hours:

Monday to Friday: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM

Saturday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Circulation Hours

Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM

Saturday: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM

Library Membership

All members of the Shillong College community shall become members of the Central Library by default. Membership includes:

1. All faculty members
2. All regular students
3. All regular employees of Shillong College
4. Download form from https://shillongcollege.ac.in/downloads

Borrowing Privileges:

Circulation Services

1. The Library provides circulation services including issue, return, renewal, and reservation of books to all eligible members through a barcode-enabled system.
2. Borrowing privileges are extended as per membership category:
3. Students may borrow up to 2 books for a period of 7 days.
4. Faculty members may borrow up to 5 books for a period of 30 days.
5. College staff may borrow up to 3 books for a period of 14 days.
6. Books may be renewed, subject to demand and library rules, provided the materials are not reserved by another user.
7. Reservation facilities are available for books that are currently on loan, and reserved items may be issued once returned.
8. Reference materials, including reference books, bound volumes, and question papers, are for in-library consultation only and are not issued for borrowing.
9. The Library provides SMS and e-mail alerts for circulation transactions such as issue, return, renewal, and due date reminders.
10. In the case of overdue materials, reminder notifications shall be sent to users along with applicable fine details, as per library rules.
11. All circulation transactions are governed by the policies and regulations prescribed by the Library.

Web OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) Services:

The Library catalogue is accessible online through the Web OPAC at https://koha.shillongcollege.ac.in/ , enabling users to search and access bibliographic information remotely. Powered by the KOHA Integrated Library Management System under a cloud-based platform, the Web OPAC facilitates efficient access to the library’s holdings and supports users in locating books and other resources with ease.

Other Support and Information Services

1. Inter-Library Loan (ILL): The Library facilitates Inter-Library Loan (ILL) services through networks and partner institutions such as the American Library Centre, Kolkata; IASLIC, New Delhi; and DELNET, New Delhi, enabling users to access resources not available in the Central Library collection.
2. CCTV Surveillance System: The entire library premises are monitored through a CCTV Surveillance System comprising 20 CCTV cameras to ensure security, safety, and effective monitoring of library activities.
3. Virtual Learning Centre: The Library provides a Virtual Learning Centre equipped with 31 computers with internet connectivity and access to e-resources, e-books, e-journals, e-ShodhSindhu consortium resources, and digital syllabus materials during college hours.
4. Wi-Fi Lounge: The Library facilitates a Wi-Fi Lounge with internet access, allowing members to use their own laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other devices to access electronic information resources.
5. Remote Access Facility: The Library provides remote access to e-resources, enabling members to log in using their username and password to access subscribed digital resources remotely through the library portal at library.shillongcollege.ac.in.
6. Ask a Librarian Service: The Library offers an “Ask a Librarian” service to assist members with information queries and reference support through the online platform available at the library website.

Mail to: libraryshilcoll@gmail.com

1. Scanning, Printing, and Photocopying Services: The Library provides scanning, printing, and photocopying services to members, walk-in users, and other authorized users.
2. Scanning and Printing Charges: Re. 5 per page (A4 size)
3. Photocopying Charges: Re. 1 per page (A4 size)

Reference Services

1. The Library provides reference services to assist users in locating, accessing, and effectively using library collections, resources, and services. Members may approach the Librarian or Assistant Librarian for information and guidance.
2. Ready Reference Service is available to respond to users’ queries promptly, both on the spot and through e-mail, subject to the nature of the request.
3. The Library provides information and guidance relating to available library services, facilities, and user support mechanisms.
4. Assistance is provided in identifying and accessing library resources, including print, digital, and reference materials.
5. The Library disseminates information relating to infrastructure development and improvements undertaken for enhancing user services.
6. Users may also obtain information on new initiatives, programmes, and innovations introduced by the Library from time to time.

Other Library Services

1. E-Gate Entry Portal: To facilitate efficient user access and maintain visitor records, the Central Library uses an E-Gate Entry Portal integrated with ILMS-KOHA. All users are required to scan the barcode on their identity card at the entry point while entering the Library and scan out before leaving. The system helps record footfall, monitor library usage, and save users’ time through a streamlined entry process.
2. Digital Library: The Central Library has developed a Digital Library to ensure the long-term preservation, authenticity, and accessibility of digital information resources. It serves as a platform to manage, preserve, and disseminate the in-house intellectual output of the academic community, including research reports, faculty publications, student projects, images, news clippings, photographs, video recordings, syllabus archives, question paper archives, and other institutional resources. The Digital Library supports teaching, learning, and research by providing wider and convenient access to scholarly content.
3. Book Bank: The Central Library maintains a Book Bank consisting primarily of undergraduate-level textbooks to support students belonging to economically and socially disadvantaged sections of society. Books are issued under this facility for one academic session, with the objective of promoting equitable access to learning resources and supporting students in their academic pursuits.

User Service:

The library being the service provider, organized various information literacy programmes like orientation/education programmes, faculty development programmes, workshops, conference, educational tour and book fair from time to time to promote the use of resources and to familiarize them with the knowledge on how to access and acquire skills in implementing them for their daily project works and class room activities.

Best User Awards:

To promote the optimum and effective utilization of library resources, facilities, and services, the College has instituted the Best Library User Award, conferred annually on students and faculty members who demonstrate exemplary and maximum use of the Library’s resources and facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can become a member of the Library?

All members of the Shillong College community become members of the Central Library by default, including:

1. All faculty members
2. All regular students
3. All regular employees of the College

1. How many books can members borrow?

Borrowing privileges are as follows:

1. Faculty: 5 books for 30 days
2. Staff: 3 books for 14 days
3. Students: 2 books for 7 days

1. Can journals be borrowed overnight or for a short period?

No. Journals and bound volumes are for reference use within the Library only and are not issued for borrowing.

1. Can I suggest books for purchase by the Library?

Yes. Members may recommend books relevant to the syllabus or academic requirements. Such recommendations may be placed before the Library Advisory Committee (LAC) for approval and procurement.

1. What are the Library working hours and circulation hours?

Library Working Hours:

1. Monday to Friday: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
2. Saturday: 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Circulation Hours (Issue/Return):

1. Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
2. Saturday: 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM

1. What should I do if I lose a book borrowed from the Library?

A lost book must be replaced with a new copy of the same title or as otherwise directed by the Library.

1. How can I locate books or journals in the Library?

Users may search through the Web OPAC or OPAC terminals available in the Library and may seek assistance from the Librarian or Assistant Librarian.

1. How can I donate books or materials to the Library?

Useful books and materials may be accepted as gifts or donations with prior permission from the Principal.

1. How can I pay overdue fines?

Overdue fines are charged at ₹2 per book per day and are to be paid at the Accounts Section. Further borrowing may be restricted until the fine is cleared.

1. Are there computers available for accessing digital resources?

Yes. Computers are available in the Virtual Learning Centre for accessing digital resources and online academic content.

1. How can I obtain a new Library card if mine is lost?

A duplicate Library card may be issued upon application and payment of the prescribed nominal fee.

1. Are there any provisions for exemption from library fines?

Normally, fines are not exempted except in exceptional circumstances subject to approval by the competent authority.

1. What if the due date falls during a vacation period?

The Library has provisions for issuing books during vacation periods. Users may seek prior permission for special vacation issue arrangements.

N-LIST QUERIES:

1. What is N-LIST and what does it provide?

N-LIST (National Library and Information Services Infrastructure for Scholarly Content) provides access to over 6,000 e-journals, approximately 1,99,500 e-books under N-LIST, and additional e-books through the National Digital Library (NDL).

1. How can I access N-LIST e-resources?

Users may log in through the N-LIST website using their valid user ID and password to access subscribed e-resources. User guides and tutorials are also available for assistance.

1. What subjects are covered under N-LIST?

N-LIST covers disciplines in Pure Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Linguistics, and Languages. Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine are generally not covered under the programme.

1. Can I share my N-LIST user ID and password with others?

No. Users should not share login credentials. Improper use or violation of access terms may result in suspension or permanent loss of access.

1. Can I access these e-resources from home?

Yes. N-LIST e-resources may be accessed remotely, anytime and from anywhere, subject to valid login credentials.

1. I am having difficulty finding articles or books in N-LIST. Where can I get help?

Users may consult the N-LIST user guides and tutorials or seek assistance from the Librarian, Assistant Librarian, or N-LIST support officials.

1. Whom can I contact for more information on N-LIST?

For further information or assistance, users may contact the Librarian, Assistant Librarian, or N-LIST officials.