Institute of Higher Technology established in 1979 constitutes the foundation of Eastern Mediterranean University. Our library was at the service of the students and the faculty members at the time but in a one room setting. When the Institute of Higher Technology was transformed into Eastern Mediterranean University in 1986, the library did not enjoy any better conditions. EMU’s rapid progress, however, was soon reflected on the library and developing library facilities gained priority among all the matters that needed urgent attention. The first phase thus started, and the top floor of the English Preparatory School that extends over an area of 790 m2 was allocated to the Library. The number of books reached 10000 at that time. In 1992, the project for a modern library building housing all the technological facilities was completed and the construction started. The library moved to the present building in 1993 that has an area of 6,600 m². With the implementation of computer facilities, EMU library offers all the electronic data and online access possibilities and has been updating itself continually since its foundation in 1993. The volume of books owned by the library has now reached 150,000 although it was around 50000 in 1997. The library boasts of owning the 7000 volume Nevzat Karagil Book Collection which is a private collection donated by the late Mr. Karagil to the library in 1997.
In 1997, a new department was established under the name of “Music Listening Room”. Classical music works are essential to the collection where there are approximately 700 classical music CDs. By using CD/tape player and DVD/VCD players, users have the opportunity to watch movies and listen to music through headphones. Again, in 1997, a private section was established where European Union’s official publications are collected. The “European Union Information Center” includes the reports, annals, statistical information, standards, law texts, and periodicalspublished by the EU.
In 2001, our library became a member of Turkey’s online database called “OCLC WorldCat founded by Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), the world’s biggest collective catalogue consortium. Under the umbrella of this consortium, we promote the publications on our country and EMU, while on the other hand, we provide catalogue service at international standards as well as international professional collaboration.
Through systematic and continuous progress, and being an active supporter of contemporary student centered education, the library render its services by means of around 150,000 volumes of books and other forms of information sources.
