Mzumbe University Library
The Directorate of Library and Technical Services has three departments:
(i) Department of Reader Services
This department coordinates all reader services within the library and organizes the library stock and coordinates book circulation
(ii) Department of Library and Technical services
This department is responsible for book selection, acquisition and processing of new library materials. Also it deals with evaluation of book stocks and automation of the library catalogue. In addition, the department provides bindery and audio visual aids services which support the teaching function.
(iii) Department of Library Science and Information Management
This department is responsible for provision of reference services to readers, selection, acquisition and processing of periodicals/journals, students and staff research reports and theses, reference books and organizing information in the shelves. Other functions include: overseeing library computers and provision of information search training to library users both manually and electronically.
Library Print Collections
The Directorate of Library & Technical Services, Mzumbe University contains one of the best and up-to-date collections of print books covering the following fields: Management, Administration, Accountancy, Business, Economics, Education, Law, ICT, Environment, Statistics, Engineering Management, Production Operation Management, Marketing, and Health Service Management. The collection currently comprises about 41,000 print book volumes for all the three campuses that cater for all the courses offered at the University. There are about 700 titles of print periodicals including journals which provide current information in related fields. The library can accommodate about 750 readers at a time and has 19 study carrels for students” use while carrying out an intensive study. The book stock is classified and arranged according to the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme 22nd edition and catalogued according to the Anglo American Cataloguing Rules (AACR) 2nd edition Revised in 2002.
Library E-collection
The MU Library maintains and provides access to a wide variety of online or electronic resources in various subjects. Electronic resources available are in the versions of e-books, and e-journals among others. MU Library subscribes to a wide variety of authoritative online databases such as EBSCO Host, Wiley, and Emerald, among others. Access of most of these resources is IP address-based, meaning that they can be accessed within MU using the University internet. Besides, there is a growing collection of CD-ROMs that accompany some of the newly acquired books. These CDs are important because th ey provide a summary of the information contained i n books in various subject areas.
Units
The library has two units namely: Bindery and Audio Visual units.
Bindery Unit
This Unit is under the Technical Service Department and is responsible for re-binding, reinforcing and repairs of worn out and damaged books, journals and students theses. The Unit is well equipped with binding equipment and materials including blocking machine.
Audio Visual Unit
This unit provides audiovisual services and modern public address system which supports teaching and learning functions. The equipment includes LCD projectors, Overhead projectors, and portable and heavy-duty public address systems and photographic services.
Library User Education
The library also runs “library user education programmes” especially on electronic resources conducted in a library mini-computer room. The training provides an opportunity for hands-on practice for students who are being instructed. The purpose of this programme is to develop effective online research strategies that will help library users to make effective use of online databases. Library academic staff are in charge of teaching and paraprofessional staff provides technical skills to trainees who attend the training programmes.
Library Rules and Guide
The library produces Library Rules and Guide as may be required within an academic year. The Guide and rules are for distribution to fresh students during the orientation week and they are required to read and abide by them. In addition there is growing collection of CDs that accompany some new books. These CDs are important because they provide summary of information contained in books in various subject areas.