Library Essentials

Top 10 must-knows for freshies to survive NUS (library version)

Note: Also for the NUS library newbie who has yet to venture into library grounds since entering NUS 😊

#1: NUS-ID

Throughout your life in NUS, you will need the NUS-ID for just about anything digital in NUS:

• NUS-ID makes up your NUS email address e.g.
  • E0123456@u.nus.edu
  • staffjuan@nus.edu.sg
• The password is alphanumeric e.g. abc123%&# which you can reset anytime here
• You need it to access your lecture notes on Canvas, library subscribed journals or past year exam papers, e-forms, just to name a few
• Any issue with the NUS-ID or password, contact NUS IT Care

#2: Library Card and PIN for borrowing books

A commonly asked question when you want to borrow a library book: what is my library PIN?? You can set your library PIN here.

Note: do not mistake Library PIN with Smartcard PIN which you only need for restricted card entry access.

#3: NUS Card (electronic)

Do you know that you have an electronic version of your student or staff card? You can find it on uNivUS app. Forgot to bring your physical student or staff card to enter the libraries? Use your eCard!

#4: Study spaces at the Library

NUS Libraries has a selection of library spaces for you to choose from, all armed with power points, air-con and Wi-Fi. Remember to check the library’s opening hours to not be disappointed. Discussion rooms also available for booking if you need some privacy!

Central Library:

• Collaborative and group study spaces: Level 1, 3, 4
• Quiet study spaces: Level 5* and 6*

24-hour study spaces in NUS Libraries:

• Medicine+Science Library Quiet Study Area at Level 2*
• CJ Koh Law Library’s Angsana Room (access via physical NUS card)

*Seats can be reserved via Chope@NUS

#5: Assigned Course Readings

Apart from lecture notes, your courses may include readings, which provide information on the topic to do your assignment sufficiently. Locate your course readings and stay on top of class workloads. Common reading materials include:

 Online Readings

• Digitised book chapters or scanned pages
• Journal articles
• Links to readings

To find your online readings, go to Canvas: your module's Course Readings. Related FAQs can be found here.  

​ Physical Readings

• Compulsory textbook(s)
• Supplementary readings
• Check course reading list
• Available on a 2-hour loan 

To find your print readings, search for your course number via the library search engine. Your required readings will be located at RBR (Reserve Books and Readings), a section located at the library. Click here for example. Watch this short video!

#6: Loan entitlement

Know how many books you can borrow at any one time here, including RBR and other materials.

#8: Borrowing and returning books

The process of borrowing books is pretty straightforward. Just know that if you borrow an RBR item, you must return it to the place you got them from, not the bookdrop!

#8: Printing spots in NUS Libraries

More details on photocopying spots, network printing and printing costs can be found here.

#9: Past year exam papers

Need more be said? Click here for a simple guide.

#10: More Help?

Drop by the library reception desk to ask for help, email us at askalib@nus.edu.sg, or look around our library FAQs and other useful library links for help. Help beyond library stuff? Just an email away!

Re-Using this Guide?

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