History

The Main Library of the Szczecin University dates back to 1985, which coincides with the foundation of the university. The university was established based on a merger of two smaller entities, the Education College (WSP) and the Transportation Faculty of the Szczecin Polytechnic. The Main Library of the Szczecin University was a merger of the respective libraries of the above-mentioned founding units. The holdings of the new library were also succoured by the collections of four smaller libraries, which ceased their activity in the wake of the socio-economic changes in Poland.

The Library of the Szczecin University is a scientific library hosting almost one million inventory units. Newly acquired items closely follow the demand of the faculty and students of the university not only for research but also for teaching purposes.

^{photo by F. Kacalski}

The library makes their collections available through a number of libraries:
• the Main Library,
• two economic libraries,
• the Interfaculty Library
• the Law and Administration Library.

Major topics covered:
education, psychology, history, sociology, political science, religious studies, philosophy, theology, culture studies, philology, literature studies, library studies and scientific information, biology, maritime studies, oceanology, physical education, sport, law, administration studies, mathematics, physics, economy, transportation, computer science, environmental protection, Pomeranian studies, and many related sub-disciplines.
Holdings of the Main Library are available from the following sub-units:
• Reading room,
• Main circulation desk,
• Interlibrary loan desk,
• Reading room of the special collections.

Library regulations

The Main Library is accessible for foreign nationals associated with the University of Szczecin as students (BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD), research scholars, academic teachers, Erasmus exchange students, and other exchange students from our partner universities. We also welcome visitors from all other foreign scientific research institutions and/or universities.

Library users are required to have a special electronic library ID. The card is issued after registration. The card is issued based on another ID confirming the identity of the applicant. It can be either electronic student’s ID or any other ID supported by a document confirming association with our university or confirming the status of a researcher/academic teacher. A traditional paper card can be alternatively issued in some cases. Both cards are equally good for using the library holdings and for book borrowing.

Circulation is situated on the first floor of the Natural Sciences Education and Research Centre of University of Szczecin.

Reading Room of the Main Library of the University of Szczecin

The scope

The majority of items available in the Reading Room represent broadly understood humanities (e.g., education, psychology, sociology, political sciences, philosophy, history, study of literature, and philology). Less numerous are publications dealing with ecology, environmental protection, tourism, and geography. The core collection is represented by encyclopaedias, lexicons, dictionaries, and other information materials. Literature about Pomerania and the city of Szczecin is also available.

There are four computers/terminals with online catalogue access and internet access. Readers with impaired visions can use a professional image magnifier. Wi-Fi is available in the Reading Room and in the Reading Room of Special Collections.

Usage regulations

The reading room can be used by all persons who are able to identify themselves with a library card, student ID, or any other valid ID.

Some holdings are physically present in the reading room and can be instantly used. Other items are located in storage rooms and are promptly delivered based on the filled request form (rewers). The waiting time is usually 10–20 min.

Students and staff of the Szczecin University can borrow books for the night. The check-out time is 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. while the return time is next morning at 9:00 a.m.– 9:30 a.m. On Saturdays the check-out time is 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. and the expected return is on Monday morning.

Any delay in returning books may result in a financial penalty specified in the Library Regulations.

Encyclopaedias, lexicons, dictionaries, journals, and items published before 1945 cannot be checked out.

Reading Room of Special Collections & Quiet Reading Room

The number of catalogue items of the special collections approximates 30 thousand, including manuscripts, old prints, maps, papers in underground circulation, and audio-visual materials. The holdings are available on site only and no item can be borrowed. The reading room has fourteen desks for readers. The holdings can be searched using the online catalogue of the special collections. The reading room has a tranquil space with large reading tables for study and reflection.

General rules of the library

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