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Browse our comprehensive FAQ covering library services, borrowing, e-resources, research support, off-campus access and more. Can't find what you need? Write to us at libniser@niser.ac.in
The central library spans three floors within the library building and is accessible directly from the first floor. It is located at NISER, P.O. Jatni, Khurda – 752050, Odisha. For more details, see the About Library page.
The library operates from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day of the year, and from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on statutory holidays.
Certainly! You are allowed to bring your personal belongings to the library, including items such as books, notebooks, and laptops.
Food and beverages are not allowed inside the library. However, you are welcome to bring your water bottle.
Using mobile phones in the library is highly discouraged. Strict silence and decorum must be maintained.
Certainly! The institute's library offers an orientation program for students at the beginning of each academic session, as well as upon request and through student groups. For further details, please reach out to libniser@niser.ac.in.
Yes, our library is designed to offer several user spaces for diverse reading. Explore library spaces here.
No, we highly discourage leaving personal belongings in the library for long periods of time. The Library team is not liable for any loss/damage to the personal belongings of a user in the Library.
To donate books, please complete our Book Donation Form and ensure that the materials are in good condition. With the donation form you may deliver the books to the library during designated donation hours. For any additional inquiries, please contact the library directly.
All faculty, staff, scholars and students of the institute are entitled to become library members. A non-member can use library material on the premises with the permission of the Librarian. Visitors may access the library with prior permission from the Librarian.
Photography is not permitted inside the library without prior approval from the library office.
Yes. Items found in the library are kept at the circulation desk. Users may check and claim lost belongings with valid identification.
Yes, laptops are allowed. Charging points are available at designated seating areas.
Yes, designated silent zones are available for users who prefer a disturbance-free study environment.
Yes. All three floors of the library building are fully air-conditioned for comfortable study.
You can reach the staff at the circulation desk on the first floor or write to libniser@niser.ac.in for assistance.
The library's collections include approximately 26,007 print books and 10,141 e-books, bound volumes of print journals, print magazines, theses and dissertations, a Hindi collection, an Odia collection, a popular science collection, and a children's collection. See the full Collection & Resources page.
Key general rules include:
- Strict silence, decorum and discipline must be maintained. Use of cell-phones is not allowed.
- Smoking, eating, sleeping and talking loudly are strictly prohibited.
- Documents taken from shelves must be left on the table — do not reshelve them yourself.
- Readers must not mark, underline, dog-ear, tear pages or otherwise damage library materials.
- Newspapers, magazines and journals must be read only at specific tables and not taken to other reading areas.
- No library material can be taken out without permission. Unauthorised removal is treated as theft.
Full rules are available here.
Yes, the library has a dedicated Children's Library with books and magazines curated for young readers, including titles like Champak, Tinkle, Magic Pot, National Geographic Kids, and more.
Yes, the library maintains a curated Popular Science Collection for readers who wish to explore science beyond academics.
Yes, library spaces including the conference hall can be booked for meetings and group activities. Visit the Explore Library Spaces page for details.
Library floor plans are available on the library website. Click here to view them.
The library subscribes to: The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of India, The Economic Times (English); The Samaja, Sambad (Odia); and Dainik Jagran (Hindi). See the full list at Collection & Resources.
The library subscribes to general magazines including India Today, The Economist, Time, Outlook, Frontline, Yojana, Science Reporter, Reader's Digest, The Week, EPW, Bhavana and others; plus children's magazines like Champak, Tinkle, Magic Pot, National Geographic Kids and more. Full list at Collection & Resources.
The library has been part of NISER since its inception in 2007, beginning with essential curriculum textbooks. Its mission is to be a beacon of knowledge supporting the goals of the institute while curating specialised literature in Science and Technology. Learn more on the About Library page.
Library statistics including total books, e-books, journals, and databases are available on the Library Stats page.
Fill in the Membership Form, attach a photocopy of your NISER ID card (and office order/HoD recommendation for staff), and submit it to the circulation desk of the central library. All library forms are available at Library Forms.
Yes, the NISER ID card is mandatory for borrowing any physical resource from the Library. The physical card is required — digital or scanned copies are not accepted.
To enable RFID functionality on your ID card, please visit the Circulation Desk and present your card to the staff member on duty. They will assist you and complete the activation for you.
- Click on "Issue/Borrow" on the screen.
- Place your Institute ID card on the machine.
- Place the books (one at a time for thicker books) on the scan bed and ensure all details appear on the screen.
- Click on "Borrow." Once the items are processed, click "Exit." Choose "Yes" for the receipt.
- Collect the receipt with all checkout details, including the due date. A copy will also be sent to your registered email address.
Refer to the Self Check-out Guide for full instructions.
- Place your Institute ID card on the machine.
- Place the books (one at a time for thicker books) on the scan bed and make sure all details appear on the screen.
- Click on "Return." Once the items are processed, click "Exit." Select "Yes" for the receipt.
- Collect the receipt with all return details. A copy will also be sent to your registered email address.
| Member Category | No. of Books | Duration | Fine/Day |
| Faculty / Sr. Scientific Staff | 20 | 30 days | ₹5 |
| Research Scholar / Ph.D | 06 | 30 days | ₹5 |
| Integrated Ph.D | 06 | 30 days | ₹5 |
| Integrated MSc. | 05 | 15 days | ₹5 |
| MSc. (2 Years / 3 Years) | 05 | 15 days | ₹5 |
| Technical Staff | 03 | 15 days | ₹5 |
| Administrative Staff | 02 | 15 days | ₹5 |
Full rules available at Rules and Regulations.
Yes, you can reserve a book issued to another user. For more details, click here.
Late fees start accumulating the day after the item is due, including Sundays and other holidays. For general items, the late fee is ₹5 per day per book. Collected fines are deposited in the accounts section and a receipt is provided.
The RFID security gates ensure that all library books are issued properly before leaving the library premises. The gates alert whenever a book is being taken out without being issued to a patron. They also record gate counts or footfalls.
No, not in ordinary situations. However, you may reserve it for yourself. For very urgent requirements, you may write to librarian@niser.ac.in.
You can settle late fees through UPI payment at the circulation desk.
You receive an ID and password when you register with the library. Log in to the Online Catalog to renew. For a detailed guide, click here.
If the book is not held by another user, you have the option to renew borrowed books up to nine times.
Accrued overdue charges must be reported promptly by email to the library/librarian at libniser@niser.ac.in or librarian@niser.ac.in.
The library is equipped with a self-service RFID Kiosk to facilitate self-issue or renewal of books. For more details, click here.
Reference books are not available for borrowing. They are for in-library use only. However, overnight issue of reference section books is available from 8:00–9:00 PM, to be returned before 10:00 AM the next day.
Reference books are stored in dedicated sections of the library and are marked with "R" on the binding side. These books are not available for general borrowing.
Yes, selected multimedia items are available for borrowing. The borrowing duration and limits may vary based on the item type.
No. Borrowing on behalf of another user is not allowed. The library requires the physical presence of the ID card holder for all transactions.
If your card is not detected by the kiosk, please visit the circulation desk. Staff will check the RFID chip and assist with reactivation if needed.
If the kiosk shows an error or fails to complete the transaction, please contact the circulation desk immediately. Staff can manually issue or accept the return.
No. The physical ID card is required for all borrowing and returning activities. Digital or scanned copies are not accepted.
Yes. Newly added books displayed in the library or OPAC can be borrowed unless they are marked as reference or on hold for processing.
Yes. Reminder emails are sent before the due date, but users are also responsible for tracking their borrowed items through their library account on the WEB OPAC.
Books from departmental libraries may follow separate circulation rules. Please check with the respective department library for borrowing policies.
Please report the damage immediately to the circulation desk. Charges may apply depending on the extent of damage.
Yes. Borrowing services remain available during exams. However, demand is usually high, so early borrowing is recommended.
If a borrower loses a book, they are required to either purchase the most recent edition of the book or pay the price of the latest edition plus a 20% processing fee.
Yes, the library has a Book Dropper for self check-in, allowing hassle-free returns at any time. Refer to the Book Dropper Guide for instructions.
Yes. Book/loose-issue journals from the Reference Section may be issued overnight to library members, only between 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Borrowed materials must be returned before 10:00 AM the next day. Only one document may be borrowed at a time. A fine of ₹5/day applies for late return.
Return all borrowed materials, clear any pending fines, and follow the procedure outlined in the No Dues Clearance Guide.
All library forms including membership form, book donation form, and others are available on the Library Forms page.
Books are arranged subject-wise according to the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) scheme. Use the Shelf Guide to navigate the shelves.
Search the Online Catalog (OPAC) for the book's Call No. and Accession No., then locate it on the shelves. For any additional help, contact the circulation desk or ask any staff member.
Search at https://opac.niser.ac.in/ by title, author, subject, ISBN, series, or call number. For a detailed guide, click here.
The call number represents the assigned subject number of the book under the UDC scheme. Books are arranged alphabetically according to their call numbers on the shelves. Use the Shelf Guide for help.
Ph.D. Theses and M.Sc. Dissertations are cataloged and can be searched in the Online catalog or users can log in to the Institutional Digital Repository (IDR) and browse by subject.
Find e-books in the Subscribed E-Books section. Current semester e-books are listed at Current Semester E-Books. All e-books can also be searched directly in the OPAC.
In the E-Journals A-Z search page, all subscribed journals are sorted A-Z and can be filtered by title, publisher, or subject.
Yes, based on faculty recommendations, multiple copies are available in limited numbers for Indian editions only; otherwise, only one copy will be accessible.
Hard copies of NISER Alumni Theses and Dissertations are available in the library on the 2nd Floor, at the front of the Technical & Acquisition section. Soft copies are available in the Institutional Digital Repository.
Please reach out to the library staff responsible for shelving in that specific area. If your concern remains unresolved, contact the staff at the circulation desk or the librarian at librarian@niser.ac.in.
The publisher provides IP-based access for the NISER community, so please use the campus LAN or Wi-Fi for smooth access. For off-campus access, use the Web VPN.
This message appears when using a non-NISER server or trying to view unsubscribed content. Make sure you are connected to the campus network or use the Web VPN for off-campus access.
Students may recommend books with the consultation and authorisation of faculty. See the Book Recommendation Guide for the process.
Reference books such as encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, and atlases are available in the Reference Section. These items are for library use only and cannot be issued for general borrowing.
Yes, the library subscribes to several research databases. Fulltext databases include ACS, ACM, AIP, AMS, Annual Reviews, APS, CUP, Elsevier, IEEE Xplore, IOP, JoVE, JSTOR, Optica, OUP, RSC, SIAM, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, Thieme, Wiley, World Scientific, and more. Bibliographic databases include CCDC, MathSciNet, SciFinder-n, and Science of Synthesis. View all at E-Databases.
Remote access is available through the library's NISER Web VPN portal for authorised users. Download the VPN guide here.
Yes, the library subscribes to several English, Odia, and Hindi newspapers, and general/children's magazines. See the complete list at Collection & Resources. Selected e-magazines are also available at E-Magazines.
Access depends on subscription. Please contact the Technical and Acquisition Section or email libniser@niser.ac.in for availability or assistance.
Print journals are available on the first floor in the Journal Section. Current issues are displayed on racks, and back issues are arranged by title. You can also browse TOC (Table of Contents) of print journals online.
Yes, selected books for competitive exams and general reading are available in the General Books/Reading Section.
Yes, major subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, and Humanities have dedicated shelves organised according to UDC. Browse by subject using the Subject Guide.
The library hosts selected CDs, DVDs, and audio-visual material including multimedia journals like JoVE (Journal of Visual Experiments). Physical items are available upon request at the circulation desk.
Yes, user guides and instructional videos for OPAC, databases, VPN, and e-resources are in the User Guide section.
Newly acquired books are displayed in the New Arrivals section on the website and at the designated display near the circulation desk.
The list of new additions is showcased in the New Arrivals section on the library website.
ONOS (One Nation One Subscription) is a Government of India initiative providing the NISER community access to journals from 32 leading publishers at no cost to the user. Learn more at the ONOS page.
NDL is a national repository of academic resources. NISER Library provides access to it. Visit the National Digital Library page for details and the NDLI Club Registration Guide.
NISER OpenVault is an initiative to make NISER's research publications openly accessible beyond institutional boundaries. Explore it here.
Yes. Free educational resources from reputable sources are available. Visit the Open Educational Resources page to explore.
Yes. Open access digital newspapers are available at the Open Access Newspapers page.
A downloadable shelf guide helps you navigate the library shelves. Access it here.
Yes. The library uses Koha, an open-source integrated library management system, along with an RFID system for automation. E-book metadata from publishers is imported into Koha so users can search both print and digital resources in one interface at OPAC.
Yes. Please review the E-Resources Usage Policy before accessing subscribed databases and journals.
Upon registering as a member of the central library, you will receive your ID and password via email. For help, refer to the My Account Guide.
Go to Online Catalog. On the top right corner, you will find "Log in to your account." Enter your username and password to view your loan record. For details, click here.
The library utilises the institute's network. Should you encounter any difficulties, please get in touch with the Digital Section for assistance.
The library provides off-campus access to e-resources through the NISER Web VPN. For the VPN setup guide, click here. VPN access works on both laptops and mobile devices.
Yes, desktops are available in the Digital Section for accessing the catalog, databases, e-journals, e-books, and other online resources.
Yes. After logging into your library account through the Online Catalog, you can view your reading history, past loans, and current checkouts.
Yes, the Online Catalog and most subscribed platforms support mobile access. For best performance, use the latest browser version on your device.
Yes, the Digital Section provides basic assistance for installing and using tools such as Mendeley, Zotero, EndNote, JabRef, and RefWorks. Training sessions can also be arranged on request.
If an e-resource is temporarily inaccessible, a notification is posted on the library website under "News and Updates." You may also report issues directly to the Digital Section at libniser@niser.ac.in.
Yes. VPN access works on laptops and mobile devices. Install the institute's VPN client and configure it as per the user guide.
Yes. The library periodically conducts user awareness sessions on databases, plagiarism tools, OPAC, VPN, and other digital services. Notices are shared via email and the library website.
Grammarly is a cross-platform writing assistant that reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, and, to an extent, plagiarism of a document. For Grammarly account setup details, click here. Grammarly can be accessed at Grammarly page.
IRINS (Indian Research Information Network System) is a research information management system. NISER members can view and update their research profiles at niser.irins.org.
Yes, QR codes are available to quickly access library information, resources, and services. Visit the QR Codes page.
Yes, the library provides guidance on using AI tools responsibly for research. Visit the AI Assistance page for more information.
Yes. The library provides access to e-learning portals including NPTEL, GIAN, AnuVidhya, ShodhGanga, ShodhSuddhi, and others. Visit the E-Learning Portals page.
You are welcome to bring visitors who wish to explore our library. It is recommended that you notify the library staff in advance or send an email to libniser@niser.ac.in / librarian@niser.ac.in. Visit the Visitor Corner page for more details.
You can ask the staff at the circulation desk regarding lost materials.
Yes, the complete library team is listed on the Library Team page on our website. You may also email libniser@niser.ac.in or call 0674-2494171.
You can write to us at libniser@niser.ac.in or speak person-to-person at the circulation desk. You can also use the Connect with Us page.
All vacancies are announced on the institute's recruitment page. Interested applicants may apply online as per the eligibility criteria and instructions provided in the notification. Check Working with Library for more details.
Yes. Internship and training opportunities are offered periodically based on departmental requirements. Details are shared through official channels. See the Trainee Alumni Network for past trainee information.
For operational queries, please reach out to the circulation desk or the staff member in charge of the respective section. You may also email libniser@niser.ac.in for support.
The library encourages staff to participate in workshops, training programs, and skill-development activities. Information on such opportunities is shared internally.
For technical issues, staff may contact the Digital Section. For any operational concerns, please reach out to the librarian at librarian@niser.ac.in or the section in charge.
You may access our curated Subject Guide for resources organised by discipline.
The Current Awareness Service keeps users updated on the latest library additions, new journal issues, and other resources through regular alerts.
Yes. The library publishes a bi-annual Newsletter and also maintains the NISER Newscast to keep the community updated on the latest news and events.
The library brochure is available at the Library Brochure page.
Details of the Institute Library Committee members are available on the Institute Library Committee page.
A citation is a formal reference to a published or unpublished source you consulted and obtained information from while writing your research paper.
A complete guide to many citation styles is available on the Citation Styles page of the library website.
For effective recording and utilising bibliographic citations, we recommend using Reference Management Software such as Zotero, EndNote, JabRef, Mendeley, or RefWorks. The Digital Section can assist with installation and use.
Scholarly or peer-reviewed journal articles are written by scholars or professionals who are experts in their fields.
Peer review is the evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies as the work producers, ensuring quality and credibility of research.
You may request assistance from the library's Research Support team by writing to libniser@niser.ac.in. They can guide you in identifying relevant databases, search strategies, and suitable keywords for your topic.
Yes. The library can guide you on how to check journal metrics such as Impact Factor, CiteScore, and SCImago rankings. See the Measuring Research Impact page or contact the Research Support team.
The library staff can help you understand journal scopes, indexing, and quality indicators so you can choose a suitable journal for your work. Final decisions should be made in consultation with your supervisor.
The library offers guidance on best practices for storing, organising, and citing research data. For project-specific needs, please get in touch with the Digital Section at libniser@niser.ac.in.
You may write to libniser@niser.ac.in or visit the library for help with searching databases, retrieving full texts, or understanding resource features.
Yes. The library organises training sessions and workshops on citation tools, plagiarism checking, reference managers, and database search techniques. Announcements are shared on the website and via email.
Send your final document to libniser@niser.ac.in for plagiarism checking. The library uses iThenticate software for detection. For full details, visit the iThenticate page or the iThenticate manual.
The library offers dedicated pages on Measuring Research Impact and Improving Research Visibility, covering tools like Scopus, ORCID, ResearcherID, and Google Scholar.
Yes. The library promotes open access publishing for greater research visibility. Guidance is available on the Open Access Publishing page.
The library maintains a Graphical Scopus Insights page showing NISER's research output and citation metrics including h-index data over time. You can also browse NISER Publications (Research Papers) and NISER Publications (Books).
Featured Covers showcases research publications by NISER scientists that have been featured on journal covers, highlighting the excellence of NISER research.
Yes, the library can arrange a limited number of copies of articles on inter-library loans from other libraries. Fill the request form here. See also the Document Delivery Service page.
Yes, the subscribed resources are accessible off campus via NISER Web VPN. Download the VPN guide here.
Yes. You can access all subscribed e-resources remotely through the Web VPN service. Make sure you log in with your NISER credentials. The VPN works on both laptops and mobile devices. Guide available here.
You can request it through inter-library loan via the Document Delivery Service. The library will try to obtain a copy from partner institutions. Place your request here.
Yes, it can be requested on interlibrary loan. Fill the document request form here.
Yes, the library website provides links to other catalogues to help locate resources not available locally:
DDS allows users to request specific journal articles or documents not immediately available in the library. The library will source them from partner institutions. Submit your request through the Document Delivery Service page.
Yes. As NISER is a constituent institute of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), it has the privilege to access DAE-Science Direct consortium journals covering all journals published by ScienceDirect. Additional DAE resources are available at the DAE Digital Library.
The Library provides a subject-wise list of new additions periodically on its website. Click here for the New Arrivals list.
You may write to libniser@niser.ac.in with the details of the book(s), the number of copies to be reserved, and which course it is being reserved for.
The Library reviews all recommendations. For updated information on new arrivals and recommendations, click here. Use the Book Recommendation Guide for the recommendation process.
Send your request to libniser@niser.ac.in with details such as journal title, publisher, ISSN, and why it is required for your teaching or research. The Library reviews all requests based on relevance, usage, and budget. If approved, staff will update you once access is activated.
Yes, the Library can help you locate books, journal articles, databases, and other materials relevant to your teaching or research. Reach out to the Librarian or email libniser@niser.ac.in to schedule a consultation.
Yes, faculty may request customised sessions on databases, citation tools, or subject-specific resources. Contact the Digital or Periodical Section at libniser@niser.ac.in to schedule a session.
You can access subscribed e-resources using the NISER Web VPN. Refer to the VPN guide on the library website or contact the Digital Section for support.
Yes, the Library accepts donations that support the academic and research needs of the institute. Please share the list of proposed items with libniser@niser.ac.in before sending them. Complete the Book Donation Form when ready.
Yes, the library maintains a Graphical Scopus Insights page showing NISER's research output, h-index, and citation metrics over time.
Yes. The library periodically offers trial access to new resources so faculty and researchers can evaluate them. Visit the Trial Access page to see current offerings.
Faculty can recommend books by following the process described in the Book Recommendation Guide. Students may also recommend books with faculty authorisation.
The list of library empanelled vendors for book purchases is available on the Empanelled Vendors page.
Yes, you may take photographs with prior permission from the library office.
Ask the staff at the circulation desk regarding lost materials.
You can write to us at librarian@niser.ac.in or libniser@niser.ac.in. You may also call 0674-2494171 or visit the Connect with Us page.
Yes, you may use designated group study areas or rooms for discussions. Please ensure that the noise level does not disturb other users. For booking spaces, see Explore Library Spaces.
Please report any damaged books to the library staff immediately so that they can take the necessary action to repair or replace it. Documents must not be marked, underlined, dog-eared, or otherwise damaged by users.
The library provides facilities like accessible seating, lifts, ramps, and staff assistance for differently-abled users. Please contact the library staff for any specific requirements. For more details, visit the Adaptive Ability Services page.
Yes, your suggestions are welcome. Please send your ideas to libniser@niser.ac.in or submit them at the circulation desk. The library rules state: "Suggestions on all aspects of library services are welcome."
No, we highly discourage leaving personal belongings in the library for long periods of time. The Library team is not liable for any loss/damage to the personal belongings of a user in the Library.
The Visitor Corner is a dedicated space for guests and external visitors to the library. Non-members can use library material on the premises with the permission of the Librarian.
The Library Journey page traces the growth and milestones of the NISER Central Library since its establishment in 2007.
The complete site map of the library website is available at the Site Map page.
Yes, the library's Gallery page showcases photographs of library spaces, events, book exhibitions, and activities.
You can reach us through:
- Email: libniser@niser.ac.in (general) / librarian@niser.ac.in (librarian)
- Phone: 0674-2494171
- In-person: Circulation Desk, Central Library, NISER, P.O. Jatni, Khurda – 752050, Odisha
- Online: Connect with Us page
