Library Services

NWUERC User Services

In addition to its core services—including book lending, renewals, recalls, returns, user guidance, management of overdue fines, and the issuance of clearances to students and employees of the university—the NWUERC offers the following additional services to its clientele:

• RFID Based Attendance System. Utilizes RFID technology to record library attendance. Users must scan their RFID tags on the reader, and the system securely stores the data with precision and reliability.

• Reference Service. A personal assistance service provided to library users to help meet their information needs. This includes:

• Reader's Assistance. Assistance provided to library users in identifying and selecting appropriate information resources relevant to their specific subject of inquiry and in locating these materials within the library.

• Searching Assistance. Assistance and instruction provided to library users on the use of electronic catalogs, databases, and the Internet.

• Library Orientation and Library Tour. A library user instruction service that provides a brief introduction to patrons and visitors on the library’s information resources, facilities, services, and policies.

• Wi-Fi Network. A library service providing fast and free wireless Internet access Internet access to support users’ research, study, and academic activities.

• Internet Service. A service that provides the facilities and assistance necessary for effective Internet access to support library users’ research and academic activities.

• Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).  The library’s online bibliographic search tool that allows users to quickly find and access the library’s collections.

• NWU Online Reference Assistant (NORA).  A service that provides virtual assistance to users in addressing their information needs. Services include answering ready-reference questions; providing reader’s advisory support, and conducting bibliographic verification.

• NWUERC LIBCHAT. An online platform used by patrons to ask factual questions and request assistance in using library resources, facilities, and services through the ERC Messenger and tawk.to/noraerc.

• Online Library Instruction. A virtual instructional service that helps users develop skills in identifying, locating, and accessing the library’s print and electronic information resources and services.

• NWUERC Management Information System. An online service providing up-to- date references organized by program and subject.

• Webliography. A research tool that lists electronic documents or websites that relate to a particular subject, especially one used in a scholarly work.

• ERC.Learning (GSite). An online repository that provides access to Open Educational Resources (OERs), remotely accessible and readily available for use by NWUERC clientele.

• Remote References and Information Access. A service that provides guidance to library patrons of NWU  in accessing e-journals, e-books, online databases, and other digital resources remotely in support of their study and research.

• Pathfinder. A bibliography and organized research guide to available library information resources—such as key books, databases, periodical articles, digital materials, websites, and other research tools—designed to assist users in efficiently locating relevant and reliable information on a specific topic.

• Online Book Reservation (OBR). A service that allows students to reserve reference materials currently on loan, ensuring access once the items become available.

• Online Book Request.  A service that allows students and faculty to submit suggestions and recommendations for book purchases via email or other virtual assistance channels. 

• Automated Circulation. A mechanized circulation service that utilizes RFID technology and barcode readers to streamline library transactions. This system enhances the patron experience by enabling faster, more efficient access to the library’s collections, while ensuring accuracy and convenience in borrowing and returning materials.

• Digital Document Delivery. A free service that enables patrons to request library-owned journal articles delivered via electronic mail through NORA, supporting faster and more convenient research.

• Information Literacy Training. A structured instructional program that develops users’ skills in identifying, locating, evaluating, and ethically using information from both print and digital sources to support research and lifelong learning.

• Literature Search Assistance (LiSA).  A service offered to library users who aim to conduct authentic research and develop well-documented papers. It provides assistance to researchers, writers, and speakers in locating relevant literature for their research topics, or papers as well as in properly documenting these sources using a standard style, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) style adopted by Northwestern University.

• Information and Referral Services (I & R). Services provided to the university’s students, faculty, and staff who wish to conduct research in libraries outside the university and need a referral letter from the ERC Director.

• Roving Librarian Service.  An outreach, user-centered approach in which librarians proactively move beyond the traditional service desk to engage users in various spaces—such as study areas, computer labs, classrooms, or common areas—to offer guidance, answer questions, and promote library resources and services.

• Info-marathon. A quick orientation for library users on the library’s services, the basics of searching the OPAC, accessing online resources and databases, and using online services-specifically (NORA) NWU Online Reference Assistant.

• Current Awareness Service (CAS). A service that announces newly acquired materials through social media platforms, the e-bulletin board, library web page, and new acquisitions displays.

• Table of Contents (TOCs) Service. A current awareness service providing table of contents of library periodicals and journals to university colleges and units to keep faculty, staff, and students informed.  

• Borrowing of Books via Book Pick Up and Delivery Services. A service that enables library clientele who are unable to visit the library in person to borrow books through scheduled pick-up or delivery arrangements, ensuring continued access to library resources.

• Returning of Books via Drop-off (Book Drop) and Courier (Book Padala). A service that enables library patrons to return borrowed information resources through Book Drop and Book Padala services, with designated book drop boxes located at the University entrance (Gate 3) and on the first floor of the Main Library, outside the library premises at the southern part.

• Outdoor Library Book Returns (OLIBOR). A convenient option for returning borrowed information resources quickly and efficiently using book drop boxes located at the entrance of the University (Gate 3) and on the first floor of the Main Library, outside the library premises at the southern part.

• Bibliographic Listing Service. A service that provides faculty members with a list of materials in their specific field.

• Indexing Service. The preparation of indexes to articles on specific topics from journals, magazines, newspapers, brochures, and pamphlets, with index entries made accessible through the   OPAC.

• Resource Sharing. A service given to researchers from other schools or institutions. Researchers may use library resources upon presentation of a valid ID and referral letter from their school’s or institution’s head librarian. A   research fee of PhP30.00 per day is charged.

• Photocopying, Printing, and Scanning Services. Reproduction services provided by the library to support users in their research, study, and information-gathering needs.

  • • • Limited to 10 pages only for each requester;

      • A page of printed matter costs Php 2.00 for A4 size;

      • A sheet of full colored image costs Php 12.00 for A4 size;

      • A logbook is provided for the clients to write their names, number. of pages, amount, and indicate their signatures.