Dear Users

A very warm welcome to Allama Iqbal Library (Central Library), University of Kashmir. It is my privilege to introduce the Allama Iqbal Library to our esteemed members and visitors. Allama Iqbal Library is the “Heart of Academic Life” in the University of Kashmir. Over the years, Allama Iqbal Library has evolved into the largest and most resourceful academic library in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, offering a wide range of print, digital, and multimedia resources supported by modern services and user-friendly facilities. It gives me immense pleasure, as the Librarian, to greet all our valued users—students, scholars, researchers, faculty members, and visitors—to this vibrant hub of learning, knowledge, and intellectual exploration. Our library is not merely a repository of books; it is a living knowledge space where inquiry, innovation, scholarship, and imagination converge to nurture minds and inspire academic excellence. Named after the great poet-philosopher Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, this library reflects his vision of enlightenment, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the elevation of human thought and spirit. I am pleased to invite you to explore the rich array of resources, spaces, and services we have developed to support your academic journey, research aspirations, and lifelong learning.

The Allama Iqbal Library is the largest in Jammu and Kashmir, with seventy-two (72) seminar libraries attached to different university departments, centres, institutes, and campuses, catering to the academic needs of more than 15,000 members, comprising students, scholars, teachers, and other staff members. The strength of any library rests in its collection, and we take pride in our vast and thoughtfully curated holdings. Our physical collection is a treasure trove, constantly being updated to serve every discipline taught at the University. The library houses an impressive collection of over 8,00,000 books and 55,000 back volumes of journals, covering a wide range of subjects. Besides, we have a rich special collection of rare books, manuscripts, theses, dissertations, and vital archives of local and national newspapers. We also house collections, such as the Usmania Collection and the Fyzee Collection, which were donated by these great personalities. The reference section contains encyclopaedias, dictionaries, directories, handbooks, and other resources. Our indigenous collection allows us to contribute our valuable indigenous resources to national and international archives like the Shodhganga (for theses and dissertations), the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), and UNESCO’s World Digital Library, showcasing the University's research strength and information treasure. Besides upgrading the existing collections at the Allama Iqbal library, it aims to build award-winning authors' collections, such as those of Nobel Laureates, Booker Prize winners, Fields Medal recipients, and special collections including Mental Health, Personality Development, and Spiritual collections, for its users.

Recognising the shift toward digital scholarship and global access to information, we have significantly enhanced our electronic resources. The library subscribes to a wide range of scholarly electronic resources, including databases, e-books, e-journals, and indexing services. Additionally, it has access to many resources through national consortia, such as "One Nation one Subscription". Through the Government of India's 'One Nation One Subscription' (ONOS) initiative, we provide seamless access to over 13,000+ core and peer-reviewed online journals from leading 30 global publishers. Additionally, we subscribe to numerous research, statistical, and citation databases (including Web of Science and Scopus) and e-journals across various subject fields. In today’s connected world, our digital offerings ensure that your research never stops, even off-campus. We offer remote access software services, including Refread and the KU eLibrary Platform, so that your research is not confined to our walls. Our cloud-hosted platform allows you to access the vast collection of subscribed e-resources 24/7 from anywhere in the world via a web browser or the dedicated KU eLibrary mobile app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store). Our digital collection and services are continually enhanced to ensure that researchers have access to the most current and authoritative information, utilising cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the library has three browsing centres with more than 100 computer systems for students, scholars, teachers and visually impaired patrons to access electronic resources.

The library is fully automated using the VIRTUA Integrated Library Management Software and features modern hardware, including kiosks, Self-Check-in/Check-out Systems, and an extensive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system, for efficient resource management. The entire facility is monitored by CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety of our users and resources. High-speed internet, Wi-Fi connectivity, and access to online research platforms ensure that our users remain connected to global knowledge resources.

The Allama Iqbal Library is housed in a modern, multi-storied building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed for comfort, security, and productivity. It has a good number of sections to cater for the information needs of patrons. The noteworthy features include 24/7, Electronic Resource Centre, International Students Cell, Career Corner, Alumni Corner, Women’s Corner, Book Bank, Mental Fitness and Wellness Division, and sections for persons with disabilities (PWDs), including Visually Impaired Patrons (VIPs). The 24/7 Reading Hall remains open around the clock throughout the year, accommodating 380 users and providing a quiet, secure space for extended study. The E-Resources Centre (ERC) is a vibrant, fully air-conditioned space equipped with computer systems connected via LAN and Wi-Fi, making it perfect for browsing and accessing online resources. The ERC also houses a separate, fully air-conditioned Women's Corner for female scholars. International Students Cell is a dedicated space for our international academic community. Career Corner is located on the first floor. This corner is stocked with the latest materials for students preparing for Competitive and Civil Service examinations, complete with individual Study Carrels. “Beyond Books: Mental Fitness and Wellness Division” at Allama Iqbal Library is a thoughtful initiative aimed at nurturing emotional well-being, mindfulness, and holistic growth among students and scholars. This division goes beyond traditional library services by providing a calm, supportive space for reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. We are committed to accessibility and inclusiveness. The library has designated sections, spaces and services for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and Visually Impaired patrons (VIPs), including accessible reading sections, assistive technologies, lift and ramp access, and supportive staff to assist users with diverse learning needs. To promote accessibility, the library has created a dedicated section for Persons with Disabilities, enriched with a Braille collection and equipped with modern assistive technologies and ergonomic furniture. This section provides a quiet, supportive environment for users with visual, auditory, and mobility disabilities. The furniture is designed with wheelchair mobility and user comfort in mind, thereby fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the Allama Iqbal Library has designated a dedicated space for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) within its 24/7 Reading Hall, equipped with accessible furniture to ensure a comfortable and barrier-free learning environment. We aim to ensure that every learner, regardless of ability, feels welcomed and empowered within our library environment.

Allama Iqbal Library offers a good number of innovative services for its patrons like Reading Support Services (e.g. Book Talk, Meet the Author), Collection Development (e.g. Recommend Your Book, Patron Driven Acquisitions), Award Winning Collection Building Service (Noble Laureate, Booker Prize and Fields Medal Collections), Circulation Services (e.g. Book issue, return, and renewal services, Membership and library card services, Book reservation service, and overdue management service) Information Discovery Services (e.g. OPAC, Library Mobile App), Information Delivery Services (e.g. Books on Call, Books on Wheels), Research Support Services (e.g. Research Help Desk, Literature Search, Citation Support, Plagiarism Check), Documentation Services, (e.g. Compilation of Bibliographies, Reference lists, and Shelf lists), Information Support Service (e.g. Selective Dissemination of Information, Indispensable Information Service), Publication Support Services (e.g. Publisher finder, Journal finder), Publication Validation Services (e.g. Checking Article Validity, Article Indexing, Impact Factor, h-Index), Current Awareness Services (e.g. JTOCs, MTOCs, Book Bell), Resources Sharing Services (e.g. Intra-library Loan, Inter Library Loan), Career Support Service (e.g. Meet the Topper, Job alerts), Marketing Services (e.g. New Arrivals Displays, Library Newsletters/Brochures), Reference Services, Referral Services, Reprographic Services, Outreach Services, and many more.

Beyond resources and services, Allama Iqbal Library serves as a community of learners—a place where ideas are exchanged, knowledge is shared, and intellectual curiosity flourishes. We organise regular user awareness programmes, workshops, orientation sessions, exhibitions, book displays, and literary events to cultivate a culture of reading and research. We encourage our users to take advantage of these workshops, programs, and sessions to make the best use of library resources and services for teaching, learning, and research. These learning opportunities equip you not only to excel academically but also to uphold integrity, originality, and scholarly rigour in your work. I invite you to explore, engage, and immerse yourself fully in the resources and services offered at the Allama Iqbal Library.

The Allama Iqbal Library has a dedicated team of library professionals, supported by IT professionals, who are committed to providing you with personalised assistance and guidance. Whether you require research assistance, help navigating our databases, or simply a quiet space to study, we are here to support you in your academic endeavours. Please visit the library, take a guided tour, and connect personally with our staff at various sections. We are here to transform your potential into achievement. Please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. Your presence enriches the library, and your curiosity gives meaning to our purpose.

Lastly, on behalf of the entire library staff, I would like to welcome you once again to the Allama Iqbal Library. May your journey through our stacks, screens, and study spaces be enlightening, fulfilling, and transformative. We welcome your suggestions, feedback, and collective participation in improving services. Your ideas matter to us, and we continually strive to update and innovate our resources, services, and facilities to meet the evolving needs of our academic community.