Library

The Main Library of the Cuiavian University in Włocławek is the unit supporting the whole School, fulfilling its research, teaching and service tasks. Apart from students and teaching staff of KSW, the Library can also be used by students from other higher education institutions, members of the Scholarly Association of Włocławek, as well as individuals studying and improving their skills and qualifications, who are not related to the School.

Since the very beginning the Library has been using the same computer system, known as the System of Informative Service of the Library SOWA. Thanks to that system, all the resources have been computerised and the book loan system has been implemented. The system uses bar codes aimed at identifying books and individuals, helps prevent all sorts of mistakes and accelerates the service process.

It should be stressed that the Library’s books collection grows rapidly. At present, it totals 52 200 volumes. Apart from books and periodicals (permanent subscription to 91 titles) there is also data stored on optical carriers – CD-ROMs, which is an invaluable information source. The Library is technically prepared to make this material available through computers equipped with CD scanners. Also, printing option is available.

In the reading room students can also research information through the largest information source, i.e. the Internet, free of charge. The linked website of the Library was specially prepared to make research available in the Library’s own catalogue, as well as in catalogues of other Libraries. Additionally, this website provides readers with information on novelties recently acquired by the Library.

A very important step in the Library development was the introduction of the Library’s own catalogue onto the Internet. What’s more, since June 2003, the catalogue of periodicals has been available on the website.

In order to improve the efficiency of book searching by the School’s students, compulsory library trainings were introduced for the 1st-year students, starting from the academic year of 2000/2001.

As regards interlibrary loans, the Main Library of KSW collaborates with libraries of public and non-public, higher education institutions, pedagogical and public libraries.

Staff of the Main Library of KSW participate in meetings of non public, higher education institution’s librarians, organised each year and aimed at exchanging experience and encouraging the implementation of new solutions in libraries.