- Open Access and Institutional Repository - About OpenMETU
- Donation
- Debt Payment System
- Journal / Database Suggestion
- Document Delivery
- Electronic Resources, Printed Journals and Theses
- Access
- Photocopy, Scanning and Printing
- General Topics
- Catalog
- Book Awards
- Book Suggestion
- Read and Publish (Transformative) Agreements
- Borrowing & Renewal
- Thesis Procedures
- Help
- Location
Access
Q: I cannot access my account. What should I do?
A: METU students and staff can access their library accounts using the username and password they use in the METUMail service; users benefiting from our library via protocol can access their accounts with their name, surname, and the number (Turkish ID number) on their library card.
Q: I am not a METU student or staff member. Can I benefit from the library collection?
A: Guest users must apply to the METU General Secretariat via e-mail in order to benefit from the Library.
Guest users can benefit from the printed collections via photocopy in accordance with copyright restrictions. Electronic collections can only be accessed from within the campus. For this, a username and password are assigned to them.
Q: Is it possible to use electronic resources outside the campus?
A: METU staff and students can access electronic resources off-campus by following the instructions on the Off-Campus Access page.
Q: Why am I asked for a username and password when I try to access an electronic journal inside the campus?
A: All electronic resources subscribed by our library can be accessed without a password from computers inside the campus. If the system asks for a password when you try to access electronic journals inside the campus, there may be a problem with the internet connection or database access. Please inform the Periodicals and Electronic Resources Unit to resolve the issue.
Q: Can I use the Library after graduation?
A: Alumni can benefit from printed and electronic resources within the Library, but they cannot borrow materials.
Photocopy, Scanning and Printing
Q: Can I print documents in the Library?
A: Yes, you can print documents in the photocopy room located at the Library entrance. The price for black-and-white printing is 1 TL per page, and the price for color printing is 3.5 TL per page.
Q: Does the Library provide photocopying and scanning services?
A: Yes, these services are provided in the photocopy office located at the Library entrance. The fee for black-and-white photocopying is 1 TL per page, and the fee for color photocopying is 3.5 TL per page.
General Topics
Q: How can I contact the Library?
A: You can reach the Library by phone at (+90.312)210 27 85 or via e-mail. For detailed contact information, please visit the Contact page.
Q: What are the Library’s opening hours?
A: The Library is open every day between 08:45 and 23:00. For updated schedules and exceptions, please check the Opening Hours page.
Q: Can I use wireless internet in the Library?
A: Yes. Wireless internet access is available throughout the Library building for METU students and staff.
Q: How can I get information about library services?
A: You can consult the Library Guides page, which provides detailed explanations about borrowing, catalog use, electronic resources, and other services.
Q: Is there a lost and found service in the Library?
A: Yes. Lost items found in the Library are delivered to the Information Desk. You can inquire there about your belongings.
Borrowing & Renewal
Q: I reserved a book but did not pick it up within 3 days after it was returned. Will my reservation privilege be revoked?
A: No, you can reserve books again. Please visit the Book Reservation guide.
Q: Can I borrow storage books for a long period?
A: Yes, you can borrow storage books for a long period.
Q: Is there an account number where I can pay my debt?
A: WARNING! Do not make debt payments without returning overdue books.
Revolving Fund Account Number:
Ziraat Bank METU Branch IBAN TR75000 100 153 7089807005024
You can deposit your debt into this account and send the receipt to cdesk@metu.edu.tr.
Q: Can I renew a book on the day I borrowed it or a few days later?
A: No. You can renew at the earliest three days before the due date using your Library account.
Q: How many times can I renew the books I borrowed?
A: If the book has not been reserved by another user:
- Academic and administrative staff and PhD students can renew 3 times,
- Undergraduate, graduate, exchange students, DOSAP researchers, retired administrative/academic staff, part-time staff, and METU Foundation/Technopolis/Research Center staff can renew 2 times,
- Protocol users can renew 1 time.
Q: I cannot reserve a book borrowed by another user. Why?
A: There may be several reasons:
- If you have an overdue fine of 35 TL or more,
- If you have overdue books,
- If the total number of reserved books exceeds 3 (except for academic staff), you cannot reserve more books.
Q: What is the overdue fine for textbooks borrowed from the Reserve Unit?
A: The hourly overdue fine for textbooks borrowed from the Reserve Unit is 5 TL.
Q: How long can I borrow textbooks from the Reserve Unit?
A: Type A textbooks are borrowed for 3 hours; if borrowed after 16:00, they must be returned by 11:00 the next morning. Type B textbooks are borrowed for 1 day, and Type C textbooks for 3 days.
Q: Can I renew the textbooks I borrowed from the Reserve Unit without coming to the Library?
A: No. You must come to the Library to renew textbooks borrowed from the Reserve Unit.
Q: Is there a system where I can borrow and return books by myself in the Library?
A: Yes, for long-term borrowed books you can use the kiosk machines located at the Library entrance. However, if you have overdue books or fines of 35 TL or more, you must apply to the Circulation Desk.
Q: I am a METU staff member. The book I am looking for is not in the METU Library collection. What should I do?
A: METU Library has signed a protocol with the libraries of Ankara, Atılım, Başkent, Bilkent, Çankaya, Gazi, Hacettepe, TED, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Turkish Aeronautical Association, Yıldırım Beyazıt, Ankara Social Sciences, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Universities, MTA and Court of Accounts allowing reciprocal borrowing.
If you are a full-time employee at METU and the book you are looking for is not in our library but is available in one of the protocol libraries, please apply in person to the METU Library Circulation Unit and fill out a protocol form. With this form, you can borrow up to 5 books for 30 days and renew once if the book has not been reserved by another user.
For borrowing books from other universities or institutions not listed above, you can send an e-mail to the ILL librarian. Loan periods, number of books, and renewal policies vary depending on the lending library. For more information, call (+90.312)210 27 85 or send an e-mail.
WARNING! Please check the Library Catalog to make sure the book you are looking for is not in our collection.
Q: I am newly registered at the university. Can I borrow books?
A: All registered students can borrow books with their METU ID cards.
Q: How many books can I borrow at once?
A: METU academic staff and PhD students can borrow 25 books for 30 days; graduate students 20 books for 30 days; undergraduate students 15 books for 15 days; administrative staff 15 books for 30 days; retired academic staff 15 books for 30 days; retired administrative staff 5 books for 30 days. Members must present their ID cards during borrowing transactions.
Q: Where should I return the books I borrowed?
A: Books must be returned to the place they were borrowed from (Circulation Desk, Reserve Desk, Muhan Soysal Library, etc.).
Q: How can I learn the due dates of the books I borrowed?
A: Please visit the Library Account guide.
Open Access and Institutional Repository - About OpenMETU
Q: What is Open Access?
A: Open Access means that scientific publications such as articles, theses, and reports are made freely available online without financial, legal, or technical barriers. The aim is to increase the visibility, accessibility, and impact of academic work.
Q: What is OpenMETU?
A: OpenMETU is METU’s Institutional Repository that provides open access to the university’s academic output, including theses, articles, and reports. It ensures long-term preservation and global accessibility of METU’s scholarly publications.
Q: Who can submit works to OpenMETU?
A: METU students, faculty, and researchers can submit their theses, articles, and other academic works to OpenMETU in accordance with submission guidelines.
Q: How can I access documents in OpenMETU?
A: You can access documents via the OpenMETU website. Open access materials are available worldwide without restrictions, while some documents may require campus access depending on copyright agreements.
Journal / Database Suggestion
Q: Who can suggest journals / databases to the Library?
A: METU students as well as academic and administrative staff can make subscription suggestions.
Q: How can I suggest a journal / database to the Library?
A: To suggest a journal, please fill out and submit the E-Journal / Database Subscription Request Form.
Q: What sources can I use to select journals?
A: You can use publishers’ websites to select journals.
Q: How can I get information about subscriptions?
A: For printed and electronic periodical subscriptions and suggestions, you can send an e-mail to the Electronic Resources Unit or call (+90.312)210 27 86 / 210 27 98. You can also convey your suggestions by filling out this form.
Document Delivery
Q: Does the Library provide articles and books from abroad?
A: The Library does not provide articles or books from abroad. The supply of articles from abroad is carried out by TÜBİTAK-ULAKBİM.
Q: Does the Library provide articles and books from other universities in Turkey?
A: Academic and administrative staff working full-time at Middle East Technical University can, through our Library, obtain borrowed books or photocopies of articles from other research institution libraries in Turkey via the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. Likewise, full-time staff of other universities and research institutions can obtain borrowed books or photocopies of articles from our Library in the same way. Details... For more information, you can call (+90.312)210 3624 or send an e-mail.
Electronic Resources, Printed Journals and Theses
Q: Why can’t I download an entire e-book at once?
A: The access method for e-books is determined by the provider or publisher. Therefore, e-books can either be downloaded in sections or read only on the computer screen for a certain period.
Q: Why do printed journal subscriptions still continue? Do you have a plan to provide full electronic access to the journal collection?
A: Yes, our Library has established a policy to transition from printed journal subscriptions to electronic journal subscriptions. In line with this policy, a certain number of printed subscriptions are terminated each year and replaced with electronic subscriptions.
Q: After searching in METUnique Search, is full-text electronic access available for all results?
A: No, not all results are available in full-text electronically. For works without full-text access, you should check the Library Catalog to see if the printed version is available in the Library.
Q: How can I get information about electronic resource access problems?
A: You can send an e-mail to the Electronic Resources Unit or call (+90.312)2102786 / (+90.312)2102798.
Q: How can I find out if the journal I am looking for is available in the Library?
A: In the Library Catalog, select "Title" in the first menu, type the journal name in the search box, select "Main Library Serials" in the second menu, and click "Submit."
Q: Where can I access the journals I found in the search results?
A: If the journal you are looking for belongs to the current year, determine its call number from the Library Catalog and find it in the current journal hall. If the journal is dated 2013 or later, go to the journal hall, where journals are arranged alphabetically by title. If the journal is dated 2012 or earlier, please fill out the storage request form to access it.
Q: How can I access journals I found in a bibliographic database?
A: Check the E-Journal Search page and the Library Catalog to see if the journals are in our collection. To search other university and research libraries’ collections, you can use the National Collective Catalog.
Q: Is it possible to access all journals electronically?
A: No. Please check the E-Journal Search page to see if the journals you are looking for are available electronically.
Q: How can I find electronic journals related to a specific subject?
A: You can find a list of journals sorted by title and subject on the E-Journal Search page.
Q: How can I search for articles?
A: You can search for articles on the METUnique Search page. This area is only for METU staff and students. Non-METU users must come to the Library to search for articles.
Q: How can I search for Turkish articles?
A: You can access the Turkish Articles Bibliography published by the National Library to search for Turkish articles.
Q: Do you perform article searches for us?
A: No. When you come to the Library, our reference librarians will explain how you should perform article searches.
Q: Do you organize training sessions to teach the use of electronic resources?
A: Yes. During the semester, we organize training sessions for academic staff and students. For more information, please contact the Electronic Resources Unit by phone (+90.312.2102786 / +90.312.2102798) or via e-mail.
Q: Where can I find book reviews and discussions related to my subject?
A: You can find book reviews and discussions in the Web of Science and EBSCOHost databases.
Q: What is the Citation Index? How can I search in the Citation Index?
A: The Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI®) provides access to current and past studies and their citations. It covers 178 disciplines in the sciences and includes 9,042 scientific and technical journals. The Social Science Citation Index (SSCI®) also provides access to current and past studies and their citations. It covers 57 disciplines in the social sciences and includes 3,336 scientific journals. For "Citation Index" searches, use the database list and the Web of Science database.
Q: Is there a reference management system I can use to create citations and bibliographies in my academic work?
A: Yes. Mendeley is a reference management system that allows you to organize, read, annotate, and cite publications. You can access detailed information on our web page.
Q: How can I access master’s and doctoral theses completed at METU?
A: Printed copies of theses completed at METU are located in the basement of the Library, and only staff are allowed to enter this area. We recommend first searching for theses in OpenMETU. If you cannot access the full-text PDF in OpenMETU, search in the Library Catalog and fill out the REQUEST FROM STACKS form to request the printed copy. Without the author’s written permission, photocopies cannot be made. Printed copies of theses cannot be borrowed or taken outside the building.
Q: How can I access master’s and doctoral theses completed at international universities?
A: Through the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database, you can access the full text of theses completed at international universities (mainly in North America) since 1997. Abstracts of theses dating back to 1861 are also available in the database.
Donation
Q: Can I donate books to the Library?
A: Yes. For book donations, please see the rules.
Q: What types of materials can be donated?
A: The Library accepts donations of books, journals, and other academic materials that comply with collection policies. Materials must be in good condition and relevant to the Library’s academic scope.
Q: How can I deliver my donation?
A: Donations can be delivered directly to the Library’s Acquisition and Cataloging Unit. For more information, you can send an e-mail or call (+90.312)210 27 90.
Q: Will donated materials be added to the Library collection immediately?
A: Donated materials are first evaluated by the Library staff. If they meet the collection criteria, they are cataloged and added to the Library collection. Otherwise, they may be redirected to other institutions or archives.
Debt Payment System
Q: What should I do if I encounter a problem during online payment?
A: If you experience any issues, please send an e-mail to lib-hot-line@metu.edu.tr.
Q: Is online payment secure?
A: METU Library web pages use SSL certificates. SSL connections are mechanisms designed to prevent tampering or damage to transmitted information. SSL provides security to users when sending private information to websites. It protects credit card numbers and other sensitive data. In addition, your credit card information is protected with 3D Secure.
Q: Will my debt be cleared after payment?
A: After your payment, your debt will automatically be cleared from the system.
Q: How do I make a payment online?
A: WARNING! Do not make debt payments without returning overdue books.
1. First, open the payment page https://odtucard.metu.edu.tr/User/Login
2. Enter your METU Student/Staff ID number and Verification Code.
3. Click on the “Make Payment for Library” field.
4. Click on the “Make Payment” field.
5. Enter your credit card information.
6. Confirm the transaction using the "Pay Fines Now" button.
7. The 3D Secure system will open. Enter the password sent to your phone.
8. After confirming the transaction, your payment will be completed.
Catalog
Q: What is the difference between Integrated Search and the Library Catalog?
A: Through the Integrated Search interface, you can search all printed and electronic resources in the Library collection. This interface also covers collections available in databases. The scope of the Library Catalog is narrower; many resources available in databases are not searchable there.
Q: What is a call number?
A: A call number is a number assigned to a book according to its subject. Thanks to this system, books on the same subject are located together on the shelf, allowing readers to see all books on the topic. In call numbers, letters represent main subjects, and numbers represent subtopics.
Finding Books on the Shelf
To find the books you are looking for, note the collection, call number, and availability information. This is important to avoid searching in the wrong place or for a book that has been checked out or lost.
How to read a call number:
| 1. Books are arranged alphabetically by the first letters of the call number. | H451 Z682 1998 |
HA126 I90 1987 |
HB12 I90 2000 |
HC13 C55 1952 |
| 2. Then, after the letters, books are arranged numerically. These numbers are read as whole numbers - 1, 2, 3 … 101, 102, 103 … 1001, 1002, 1003, etc. | BF1 J575 |
BF699 D46 |
BF1028 B45 1993 |
BF1125 G38 1992 |
| 3. Letters following the decimal point are read alphabetically. | BF699 .D46 |
BF699 .H5 |
BF699 .J6 |
BF699 .P7 |
| 4. Numbers following the decimal point are read in decimal order (assume trailing zeros). | PS3569 .A4623 |
PS3569 .A513 1984 |
PS3569 .A52 1999 |
PS3569 .A545 1996 |
| 5. The last four digits of the record indicate the publication year. | BF1028 B45 1993 |
BF1028 B45 1994 |
BF1125 G38 1992 |
BF1125 G38 1995 |
Q: What do the expressions in the Call Number field of catalog search results mean?
A: The “call number” indicates the location of the resource on the shelf. For information on shelf locations according to call numbers in our collection, please visit the Book Collection and Locations pages.
Q: What do the expressions in the “Availability” field of catalog records mean?
A: Borrowable materials: Main Library: The book is in the Library; it can be borrowed.
Materials available for reference: Main Library: Lib Use Only: These are reference sources in the Reference Collection. They cannot be borrowed; they can only be used inside the Library.
Unavailable: Main Library: Checked out: Indicates that the book has been borrowed by another library user.
Unavailable: Main Library: On Hold: Indicates that the book cannot be borrowed because it has been reserved by another library user.
Q: How can I see the books I borrowed or reserved and my debts in the Library Catalog?
A: Please visit the Library Account guide.
Q: Can I access the Library Catalog off-campus?
A: Yes. To search the Catalog, you only need an internet connection and a web browser. Please visit the Catalog Search guide.
Book Suggestion
Q: How will I be informed if the suggested book cannot be supplied?
A: If no bids are placed in the tender for the book(s) you suggested (out of print, not yet published, or unavailable from suppliers), you will receive an e-mail informing you about the status of the book.
Q: How will I be informed when the book arrives?
A: After the book arrives and technical processing is completed, you will receive an e-mail notification.
Q: How can I suggest printed or electronic books to the Library?
A: For your suggestions, please visit the Library Account guide.
Q: What do ISBN and ISSN mean?
A: Books and periodicals have unique international numbers. ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is used for books, and ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is used for periodicals.
Q: How can I suggest printed or electronic books to the Library?
A: For your suggestions, please visit the Library Account guide.
Q: Who can suggest books to the Library?
A: METU students, academic and administrative staff can suggest books and other library materials. For your suggestions, please visit the Library Account guide.
Q: Can I donate books to the Library?
A: For book donations, please see the rules.
Q: How long does it take for ordered books to arrive?
A: For information on this matter and to convey your suggestions, you can send an e-mail to the Acquisition and Cataloging Unit or call (+90.312)2102790, (+90.312)2102783, or (+90.312)2103618.
Q: Can a printed copy be purchased if an electronic version of a publication exists?
A: To use the budget efficiently, requests for a printed copy of a book that already exists electronically, or an electronic copy of a book that already exists in print, are not accepted.
Q: I am a student. How can I suggest resources to be added to the Reserve collection?
A: Only academic staff can suggest resources to be included in the Reserve collection.
Book Awards
Q: What is the process for applying for a book award?
A: According to the decision of the University Executive Board dated February 4, 2025 and numbered 2025/6-9, for copyrighted books to be nominated for awards by the METU Development Foundation, the publishing house must be indexed in WoS and/or Scopus.
Q: I applied for a book award but cannot provide the book. In this case, which documents should I submit instead?
A: If it is not possible to provide the printed copy of the book, the following sections must be submitted:
1- The book’s cover
2- The inner cover, the page with publication information, the introduction page, and the table of contents
3- The page(s) showing the METU address
4- The pages of the section written by the author in the book
For general questions about the publication award application process, you can contact the Rector’s Office (Phone: 210 21 08).
Q: The book does not have a DOI (Digital Object Identifier). What should I do?
A: To complete the form, enter the DOI number of another publication in this field and note in the “Additional Explanations Regarding the Application” section that the DOI does not belong to the book.
Q: How can I learn the status of my approved book request?
A: To learn the status of the book you requested, please consult the Acquisition and Cataloging Unit (0312 210 27 90 – saglama@metu.edu.tr).
Q: I am an academician and want new books to be purchased for the Reserve collection. What should I do?
A: You need to contact the Acquisition and Cataloging Unit. (saglama@metu.edu.tr)
Q: How can I be informed about newly added publications to the collection?
A: You can follow them via the New Arrivals link on our Library page.
Q: Who can apply for a book award?
A: Authors of books who meet the following criteria can apply to be nominated for the award:
a) Full-time academic staff at METU,
b) Full-time administrative staff at METU,
c) Students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at METU,
d) Retired METU academic staff who are not employed full-time at another institution.
Read and Publish (Transformative) Agreements
Q: What is a Read and Publish (Transformative) agreement?
A: This type of agreement allows articles to be published as open access in the journals of contracted publishers without paying an Article Processing Charge (APC).
Within the scope of the Read & Publish agreements made with some publishers to which we subscribe, METU members can publish their articles as open access without paying any APC.
You can access the list of publishers with Read and Publish agreements or APC discounts, as well as the details of these agreements, on the Read and Publish Agreements and Membership Discounts page.
Q: Which publishers are included in the Read and Publish (Transformative) agreements?
A: You can access the list of publishers with Read and Publish agreements or APC discounts, and the details of these agreements, on the Read and Publish Agreements and Membership Discounts page.
Thesis Procedures
Q: How can I access METU theses?
A: METU theses can be accessed through the OpenMETU Institutional Repository. Printed theses can be used within the Library building but cannot be borrowed.
Q: Can I access theses electronically outside the campus?
A: Yes. Theses that are open access can be viewed electronically from outside the campus via the OpenMETU system.
Q: I am a METU student. How can I submit my thesis to the Library?
A: Graduate students must submit their theses electronically to the OpenMETU Institutional Repository. Printed copies are no longer accepted.
Q: Can I request a thesis from another university?
A: Yes. You can request theses from other universities through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system. Please contact the ILL librarian for more information.
Q: Are there any restrictions on using theses?
A: Yes. Theses can only be used within the Library building. Copying or distributing them must comply with copyright regulations.
Help
Q: How can I get help regarding library services?
A: For assistance, you can contact the Library Information Desk by phone at (+90.312)210 27 85 or via e-mail. Library staff will provide guidance on borrowing, catalog searches, electronic resources, and other services.
Q: Is there an online guide I can use for help?
A: Yes. Please visit the Library Guides page, where you can find detailed instructions on borrowing, renewing, reserving books, and accessing electronic resources.
Q: Where can I find frequently asked questions?
A: You can access the FAQ section on the Library website, which covers common questions about borrowing, access, catalog use, and more.
Q: Can I get help in person?
A: Yes. You can visit the Library Information Desk during working hours for face-to-face assistance.
Location
Q: Where is the Library located?
A: The METU Main Library is located on the METU campus in Ankara. For directions and building details, please visit the Buildings & Locations page.
Q: Are there other library branches besides the Main Library?
A: Yes. In addition to the Main Library, there is the Muhan Soysal Music Library and other specialized collections. For more information, please see the Library Locations page.
Q: How can I find study areas in the Library?
A: Study areas are available on multiple floors of the Library. Individual study rooms (carrels) and group study areas can be reserved or borrowed through the Circulation Desk. Please check the Borrowing Services page for details.
Q: Is there a map of the Library?
A: Yes. You can access the Library floor maps and building layout on the Library Locations page.