University libraries serve as essential academic hubs where students, faculty, and researchers come together to access a wealth of knowledge and resources. To maintain a conducive environment and ensure the smooth operation of these invaluable facilities, universities establish a set of rules and regulations. These guidelines aim to promote responsible behavior, protect resources, and create a respectful atmosphere for all library users
Monday – Friday :8.00a.m. – 10.00p.m.
Saturday : 8.00a.m. – 5.00p.m.
The library shall be closed on Sundays and public holidays.
1.4 Fines and payment for lost resources
1.4.1 Any borrower who fails to return or renew a library item on the due date shall be charged a fine of Ksh. 5 per item per day for the days the item is overdue. (Sundays and public holidays are included in calculating the fines charged).
1.4.2 Users who lose library items will be required to pay for the value of the resource, inclusive of shipping cost, plus the administrative cost of KSh. 1000.
1.4. 3 Loss of borrowed library resources must be reported immediately to the University Librarian or Library staff.
1.4.4 Any borrower who fails to return library items to the short loan collection at the specified time shall be charged a fine of Ksh. 5 per item per hour.
1.4.5 The right to borrow may be withdrawn until all library items checked out have been returned and any outstanding fines paid.
1.5 Library Clearance
1.5.1. All library users are required to clear with the library as guided by the prescribed university clearance procedures.
1.5.3 The clearance shall be done at the respective campus during the office working hours by:
i. Returning all borrowed library materials.
ii. Paying any outstanding fines or replacement costs for lost/damaged items.
iii. Settle any other obligations, such as overdue penalties or pending interlibrary loans.
1.5.4 Library clearance shall be done online using the KOHA Library Management System. The library staff Shall:
i. Verify that all borrowed items have been returned and that the patron’s account has no outstanding fines.
ii. Once confirmed, the patron will be marked as “Gone No Address” in KOHA, and “Cleared on (specific date)” will be indicated in the circulation note to complete the process.
Communication with library users
Communication with library users shall be via institutional email. Failure to receive such communication will not invalidate any subsequent action.
1.8.1 The library shall adhere to the Copyright (Amendment) Act of 2022. Consequently, deliberate infringements of copyright, such as unauthorised copying, are a criminal offence.
1.8.2 Permissible copying limits for academic purposes shall be less than 5 % of a book, one journal article, and one newspaper article.
1.8.3 All users of library materials and equipment shall observe these limits, whether on library premises or elsewhere.
1.1 Borrowing
1.1 The right to borrow from the library is accorded to bona fide MUT staff and students.
1.1.1 Books on Short loan, Reference Materials, and Periodicals may not be borrowed for use outside the library.
1.1.2 No library item should be taken out of the library until it has been officially issued.
1.1.3 The patron in whose name a library item is issued shall be solely responsible for returning it.
1.1.4 The Librarian has the right to recall any item on loan or issued out.
1.1.5 Information resources which are not available in the library may be obtained through inter-library loan once requests are made to the Reference Librarian. The use of such items will be subject to the policies in place.
1.2 Loan Periods for Books
1.2.1 Undergraduate students, Diploma students, and Certificate students may borrow up to 4 books for 2 weeks, renewable once.
1.2.2 Postgraduate students may borrow up to 5 books for 4 weeks, renewable once.
1.2.3 Teaching Staff may borrow up to 6 books for 12 weeks, renewable once.
1.2.4 Administrative staff may borrow up to 4 books for 4 weeks, renewable once.
1.2.5 Short loan books will be issued to be read within the library for 3 hours
1.2.6 The loan for any library items may be reduced by the University Librarian, depending on the demand for the resource.
1.3 Damage and loss of library books and/or property
1.3.1 Users shall be held responsible for any damage occurring to library resources while in their possession and will be required to pay for the market value of the resource, inclusive of shipping cost, plus the administrative cost of Ksh. 1000.
1.3.2 Users are responsible for checking that the library resources they borrow are not damaged before they check them out; otherwise, they shall be held responsible for the damage and shall be charged.
1.3.3 Any defect in or damage to a library resource should be reported to the in-charge Readers’ Services division.
1.3.4 The marking and defacing of any library resources is strictly forbidden.
1.3.5 Refreshments, ink bottles, and any other materials which might accidentally damage library resources or property must not be brought to the library.
1.3.6 Damage to the library property shall be paid for by the person responsible.
1.6 Silence shall be maintained in ALL library areas. Use of communication devices in the library, including mobile phones, is prohibited.
1.6.1 Good order must be observed in the library. Sleeping in the library, placing feet on furniture, sitting on the reading tables, removal of shirts, eating and drinking in the library are prohibited.
1.6.2 Booking of seats in the library is prohibited.
1.6.3 Smoking and the use of open fire in any part of the library are prohibited.
1.6.4 Cases, parcels, overcoats, hats/caps, paper bags, oversized handbags, backpacks, etc. must be left in the baggage area.
1.6.5 Pets and toddlers/children accompanying a user shall not be allowed into the library.
1.6.6 All users leaving the library carrying any books or parcels must show them at the circulation desk and to the security personnel.
1.6.7 Stealing and attempting to steal a library book or property is an offence, and those caught will be severely dealt with.
1.5.8 Behaviour that adversely impacts other individuals’ use or access to library facilities and resources is not allowed.
1.6.9 Possessing, displaying or using any dangerous weapon within library premises is prohibited.
1.6.10 Engaging in any physically or verbally intimidating or assaultive behaviour, including any threats of violence or unlawful activities in the library, is prohibited.
1.6.11 Possessing, selling, distributing, consuming or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage in the library is prohibited.
1.6.12 Trespassing by entering or remaining in the Library premises after having been notified by an authorised individual not to do so is prohibited.
1.6.13 Refusing to follow the reasonable directions of Library staff, including failure to take shelter in an emergency as directed by staff, is not allowed.
1.6.14 Engaging in any behaviour that a reasonable person would find to be disruptive, harassing, or threatening in nature to library users or staff is prohibited
1.6.15 Engaging in any sexual contact, activities or conduct within the library is prohibited.
1.6.16 Selling, soliciting, surveying, distributing written materials, and canvassing for any political, charitable or religious purposes inside a library building is prohibited.
1.6.17 Moving furniture and equipment within and outside the library without the express consent of the University Librarian or use of the same in any manner that may damage is prohibited.
1.6.18 Indecent and inappropriately dressed users will not be allowed into the library.
1.6.19 Discussion in the library’s open area is prohibited.
1.6.20 Re-shelving of materials used within the library is prohibited. Materials used should be left on the table.
1.6.21 All materials leaving the library must be legally discharged by the library staff.
1.6.22 All physical newspapers and periodicals must be read within the periodical section.
1.6.23 In case of a pandemic outbreak, the health protocols officially established must be observed.
1.6.24 The University Librarian shall suspend any patron whose conduct in the library is, in his/her opinion, disorderly. Such persons shall be reported to the university authorities for further disciplinary action.
The following guidelines shall govern the computer and internet use:
2.1 Purpose of Use:
2.1.1 Library computers are provided strictly for research and educational purposes.
2.1.2 Accessing non-educational sites (e.g., entertainment, betting, or pornographic sites) is prohibited, and users found in violation may lose their right to use library facilities.
Any patron who persistently disregards library rules and regulations shall be suspended or excluded from accessing and using the library. Such persons shall be reported to the university authorities for further disciplinary action.
2.2.1 Booking or reserving computers.
2.2.2 Using the Internet in violation of copyright law, including, but not limited to, infringement of copyrighted material.
2.2.3 Transmitting or receiving threatening, obscene, pornographic, or protected material.
2.2.4 Using the Internet for any commercial purposes.
2.2.5 Interfering with or disrupting network services or equipment.
2.2.6 Users are not permitted to add, delete, or modify the installed hardware or software, nor to change preference settings on library computers.
2.2.7 Storing data on the library’s computers’ hard drives.
2.2.8 Removing computer components (including mouse, cables, etc.) from one computer to another.
2.3.1 The Internet is a global electronic network, and the library is not responsible for the accuracy, validity, legality, or usefulness of the information available. Users of such information are advised to seek guidance on its use.
2.3.2 The Library will not be liable for copyright or other violations of information laws committed by internet users. Users are strongly advised to consult on these matters to ensure compliance.