Frequently Asked Questions

        1. When is the library open?

Each department has different hours. Please see Working Hours for detailed information.

2. Where can I find the library rules? 

There are different library rules for each kind of user. Please see Library Rules for detailed information.

     3. How can I search the catalog (BLISS)? 

The library catalog (BLISS) can be searched by visiting the Online Catalog (BLISS) web page or using the
“BWT BLISS” terminals located on each floor of the library. The catalog can be searched by author, title,
subject, series, etc. or for a specific topic, combining subject headings in English and/or an LC classification number. 

Once an item is found in the computer the user can check which library it is in and whether or not it is available without
 going to the shelf. If it has been borrowed, the computer will indicate the due date and whether another user has reserved
 it. The reader can reserve it in his own name. In addition to the book collection, items such as journals,
audiocassettes, videocassettes and all other non-book materials are found in the catalog. Before going to the shelves
the user should make note of the entire call number.

 4. What is a “call number” ? 

All items held in the Bilkent University Library are classified by the Library of Congress classification system. Each book
has its own unique call number. Books are shelved by call numbers that are attached to the book spine. Books on
similar subjects are found near each other on the shelves. The call number found on the book`s spine includes the
LC classification number, subclass number, detailed subject number, Cutter number and publication date. 

                                            PR  --   Classification letter
Call                  ---------->  3507 --  Subclass number
Number                               N3 ----  Detailed subject number

                                            Z65 ---  Cutter (number given to author)
                                           1989 ---  Publication date
                                            v .1  ---  Volume information
                                            c.2  ---  Copy information 

      5. Can I access the library catalog from an off-campus location? 

You can search the library catalog by clicking on the “Online Catalog (BLISS)”  link from the library web site. 

      6. I am not a student/ faculty/ staff member of Bilkent University. How can I utilize the library? 

            Bilkent University Library also serves external users. Those users may  also utilize library materials through the 
            photocopy service.

External users may obtain a membership as an “External User” or  use our “Inter-Library Loan (ILL)” service.
For further information about holding an “External User” membership please see the web site for
“Bilkent University Library Rules for External Users” and further information on  “Inter-Library Loan (ILL)”  .

 7.  I am a graduate of Bilkent University. How can I utilize the library? 

            Bilkent University alumni may utilize library materials via the photocopy service or they may obtain a membership to
            borrow library materials. For further information about rules please see our web site on
            “Library Rules for Bilkent Alumni” .

      8.  As a member of the library, how many items may I borrow? 

The number of items to be borrowed depends on the kind of user. For further information, please see the web site
for “Bilkent University Library Rules”  (section II).

 9. May I borrow or renew items on behalf of another person? 

            Users should present their membership cards when borrowing or renewing library materials. Returning items on behalf
            of another person is allowed.

 10. Do I have to bring the item for renewing ? 

Bilkent Library members are allowed to renew items twice via the internet. Other users must bring the item to the library
to renew it.

 11.   How can I reserve an item?

Once an item is found in the computer, the user can check whether or not it is available by clicking on the volume/copy information link. If it has been checked out, the user can reserve it by clicking on the “put a reserve on this item” link
below. To reserve an item you must enter your ID number (shown on your ID card) and password.

12. Is there any place in the library where I can use internet?
 
“Internet Work Stations” are located in the Reference Room on the entrance floor (A Block) of the Main Library and
in the East Campus  Library. 

13. May I borrow journals?

Current issues of journals may not be borrowed but bound journals may. Undergraduate students may borrow two
bound journals and academic staff and postgraduate students may borrow four bound journals for 15 days. Please
see Library Rules for detailed information.

14. How can I check whether the journal I am looking for is held in another library or not?

You can search the Serials Catalog found on the  ULAKBIM (Turkish Academic Network  and Information Center) web site.

 15. It seems that the journal I need is held by the Bilkent Library but I can not find it on the shelf.

Periodicals are shelved in two groups, bound journals and current issues. Current issues are grouped by subject while
bound periodicals can be found alphabetically by title. You can find the subject heading of the current print journals
and which library they are in from the Bilkent University Library Serials Catalog.

In the Main Library all current print journals and A to I bound journals are found on the first floor of A Block; J to Z
bound journals are found on floor A-2. Please see the Library Scheme  for detailed information.

 16. What can I do if I want to see the electronic version of a journal?

To see whether electronic access is available from Bilkent, you can click on “Electronic Journals Database” on the
library web site. Then, you can type the name of journal in the “Find” field to check on the electronic version of that journal.