Digital Library User Manual 2025

Abyssinia Shine Business Technology College

Digital Library User Manual:

Mizan Ethiopia

Feb 2026
 Digital Library User Manual 2026

Contents

1. Introduction To Digital Library ......................................................................................................1

Definition of Digital Library ...................................................................................................1
Background, Evolution and Progress of the Digital Libraries ................................................1
Purpose of a Digital Library ....................................................................................................1
Characteristics of digital libraries: ...........................................................................................2
Requirement for digital libraries: ............................................................................................2
Roles of Digital Library...........................................................................................................3
Advantages of the Digital Library ...........................................................................................4
2. Library E-resources .........................................................................................................................5
Library Management System, Digital Library and Institutional Repository .......................5
Library management System............................................................................................5
Digital Library..................................................................................................................6
Institutional Repository ....................................................................................................6
Plagiarism detector ..............................................................................................................7
Online Databases and E-journals .........................................................................................8
Subscribed and open access journals ...............................................................................8
Electronic-journals subscription .......................................................................................9
3. E-resources accessing procedures .................................................................................................10
Digital Library and Automation ............................................................................................10
Online Public Access Catalog(OPAC)...........................................................................10
Digital Library .......................................................................................................................31
ASBTC Institutional Repository(ASBTC-IR) ......................................................................38
Plagiarism Detection System.................................................................................................45
Accessing Turn it in .......................................................................................................45
Creating a Class..............................................................................................................46
Creating an Assignment .................................................................................................47
Viewing Student Submissions ........................................................................................48
Checking Originality ......................................................................................................49
Providing Feedback ........................................................................................................50

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Managing Classes and Assignments ..............................................................................52
Reports and Analytics ....................................................................................................53
Tips for Effective Use ....................................................................................................53
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................54
Support .......................................................................................................................54
Electronic Journals ................................................................................................................55
Subscribed Journals ........................................................................................................55
Open Access Journals ....................................................................................................59
Research Tools ...............................................................................................................60
References ............................................................................................................................................61

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1. Introduction to Digital Library

Definition of Digital Library:
A Digital Library is a special library with a focused collection of digital objects that can include text,
visual material, audio material, video material, stored as electronic media formats (as opposed to
print, microform, or other media), along with means for organizing, storing, and retrieving the files
and media contained in the library collection.

Digital libraries can vary immensely in size and scope, and can be maintained by individuals,
organizations, or affiliated with established physical library buildings or institutions, or with
academic institutions. The electronic content may be stored locally, or accessed remotely via
computer networks. An electronic library is a type of information retrieval system.

Some institutions have begun the task of converting classic books to electronic format for
distribution on the Internet. Some files can be viewed directly in HTML format; others can be
downloaded in PDF format and printed. Some publishers keep electronic files of books and produce
them one unit at a time in printed and bound form on demand.

Background, Evolution and Progress of the Digital Libraries

The conceptual thought of a digital library was stated in 1737 by Wells. Wells (1737) encouraged the
proposal of ‗world brain‘. It was observed by him that presently gathering and sharing of the
knowledge within the globe is very futile. With the same idea of digital library, Bush (1945) insisted
the researchers to think of a futuristic set-up within which has the individual compilation of his
entire collection of books, records and communication and that is automatic for consulting with
beyond speed and flexibility.

Purpose of a Digital Library:

 PurposeofDigitalLibraryExpeditethesystematicdevelopmentofprocedurestocollect, store, and

organize, information in digital form.
 Promote efficient delivery of information economically to all users.
 Encourage co-operative efforts in research resource, computing, and communication
networks.

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 Strengthen communication and collaboration between and among educational institutions.

 Take leadership role in the generation and dissemination of knowledge, the components of a
digital library are: Infrastructure, Digital Collection, Systems function, Telecommunication
facility, Human resources etc.

Characteristics of digital libraries:

 Cleveland (1998) describes some characteristics of digital libraries that have been gleaned
from various discussions about digital libraries (DLs), both online and in print:
 DLs are the digital face of traditional libraries that include both digital collections and
traditional, fixed media collections. So they encompass both electronic and paper materials.
 DLs will also include digital materials that exist outside the physical and administrative
bounds of any one digital library
 DLs will include all the processes and services that are the backbone and nervous system of
libraries. However, such traditional processes, though forming the basis digital library work,
will have to be revised and enhanced to accommodate the differences between new digital
media and traditional fixed media.
 DLs ideally provide a coherent view of all of the information contained within a library, no
matter its form or format
 DLs will serve particular communities or constituencies, as traditional libraries do now,
though those communities may be widely dispersed throughout the network.
 DLs will require both the skills of librarians and well as those of computer scientists to be
viable.
Requirement for digital libraries:
The Internet and World Wide Web provide the impetus and technological environment for the
development and operation of a digital library. The Internet provides the TCP/IP and or
itsassociatedprotocolforaccessingtheinformationandwebprovidetoolsandtechniqueforpublishing the
information over Internet. In the digital environment it is reasonable to say that a central back up or
archive should be created at the national level, which will store information output of the region as
well as information from outside the country.

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Some of the requirements for digital libraries are:

 Audiovisual: Color T.V., V.C.R., D.V.D., Sound box, Telephone etc.
 Computer: Server, P.C. with multimedia, [Link]. etc.
 Network: LAN, MAN, WAN, Internet etc.
 Printer: Laser printer, Bar code printer, Digital graphic printer etc.
 Scanner:[Link],flatbed,Sheetfeeder,Drumscanner,Slidescanner,Microfilming,
book scanner
 Storage devices: external hard disk.
 Software:Anysuitablesoftware,whichisinter-connectedandsuitablefor
LAN and WAN connection to PC
Roles of Digital Library
 Digital Library collection contains permanent documents.
 The digital environment will enable quick handling ephemeral information.
 Digital libraries are based on digital technologies.
 The assumption that digital libraries will contain only digital materials may be wrong.
 Digital libraries are often used by individual working alone. The physical boundaries of data
have been eliminated.
Supportforcommunicationsandcollaborationisasimportantasinformationseeking.
 Accessto largeamountsofinformation to userswherever theyneed it.
 Access to primaryinformationsources.
 Supportmultimediacontentalongwithtext.
 Networkaccessibility.
 UserFriendly Interface.
 Hypertextlinksfornavigation.
 Clientserverarchitecture.
 Advancedsearchandretrieval.
 Integrationwithotherdigital libraries.

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AdvantagesoftheDigitalLibrary:
A digital libraryis not confined to a particular location or so called building it is virtuallydistributed
all over the world. The user can get his/ her information on his own computer screen by using the
Internet. Actually it is a network of multimedia system, which provides fingertip access.

 No physical boundary: The user of a digital library needs not to go to the library physically;
people from all over the world could gain access to the same information, as long as an
Internet connection is available.
 Round the clock availability: Digital libraries can be accessed at any time, 24 hours a day
and 365 days of the year
 Multiple accesses: The same resource scan be used at the same time by a number of users.
 Structured approach: Digital library provides access to much richer content in a more
structured manner i.e. we can easily move from the catalog to the particular book then to a
particular chapter and so on.
 Information retrieval: The user is able to use any search term bellowing to the word or
phrase of the entire collection. Digital library will provide very user friendly interfaces,
giving click able access to its resources.
 Preservation and conservation: An exact copy of the original can be made any number of
times without any degradation in quality.
 Space: Whereas traditional libraries are limited by storage space, digital libraries have the
potential to store much more information, simply because digital information requires very
little physical space to contain them. When the library had no space for extension digitization
is the only solution.
 Networking: A particular digital library can provide the link to any other resources of other
digital library very easily thus a seamlessly integrated resource sharing can be achieved.
 Cost - The cost of maintaining a digital library is much lower than that of a traditional
library. A traditional library must spend large sums of money paying for staff, book
maintains, rent, and additional books. Digital libraries do away with these fees.

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2. LibraryE-resources
LibraryManagementSystem,DigitalLibraryandInstitutionalRepository

LibrarymanagementSystem

OPAC is an advanced web-based Library Management System (LMS) that enables students to
access and managelibraryresources convenientlyfrom anylocation with internet access. It serves as
the digital gateway to your institution‘s library, offering access to books, journals, reports, e-
resources, and other learning materials in one unified platform (Tripathi & Kumar, 2020).

Unlike traditional library systems where users must physically visit the library to search for or
borrow materials, OPAC provides a 24/7 online service. Through a simple and user-friendly
interface, students can log in, search the library catalog, check the availability of items, and even
reserve or renew books without assistance from library staff.

OPAC integrates all essential libraryoperations into onesystem — including cataloging, circulation,
acquisitions, serials management, and user accounts — making it both efficient for library staff and
convenient for students. Once logged in, each student has a personalized library account where they
can: View all borrowed materials and their due dates, Renew books before they become overdue,
Reserveitemsthat arecurrentlyonloanto otherusers,Check forfinesorfeesand Receivealertsand
messages from the library (such as reminders and availability notices).

The main purpose of this manual is to guide users step-by-step in navigating and using OPAC
effectively. It explains the basic requirements for accessing the system and detailed instructions on
how to search, borrow, renew, and reserve materials. By the use of this manual, you will be able to:

 Accessyourlibraryaccountindependently.
 Searchandlocatematerialsefficiently.
 Borrow,renew,and reserveitemsconfidently.
 Manageyourlibraryactivitiesresponsibly.

OPAC empowers users to take control of their learning resources by bringing the library closer —
right to their screens.

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Digital Library

A digital library serves as an organized and searchable repository of digital content that supports
teaching, learning, and research activities within an academic environment. Unlike traditional
libraries, digital libraries enable users to access information resources remotely at any time, thus
promoting flexibility, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. They also ensure the long-term
preservation of digital assets, safeguarding the scholarly heritage of the institution. Digital libraries
have become a cornerstone of modern higher education, enabling equitable access to academic
resources and fostering innovation through open knowledge sharing (Arora & Trivedi, 2021).

Our library currently hosts a growing collection of around 17000 items, primarily consisting of
digital books in PDF format, with plans to expand our repository to include audio-visual learning
materials in the near future.

Institutional Repository

An institutional repository plays a critical role in enhancing the dissemination and accessibility of
academic knowledge. It supports open access principles by allowing unrestricted online access to
scholarly materials, enabling researchers, students, and the general public to benefit from the
university‘s research output. Through metadata organization, indexing, and interoperability with
global repositories, institutional repositories like the ASBTC contribute significantly to the visibility
and impact of academic research. Moreover, they foster academic collaboration, encourage citation
of local research, and support the university‘s mission to promote knowledge sharing and innovation
(Lynch, 2017).

By hosting the ASBTC-IR, Abyssinia Shine College demonstrates its commitment to open
scholarship, digital preservation, and the sustainable management of academic resources in the
digital era.

This repository currently hosts around 200 research works, primarily consisting of BA Degree
submitted by ASBTC students and proceedings of research conference. By storing these works
digitally, we ensure their long-term preservation and global discoverability.

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The content in the ASBTC-IR is organized to reflect the academic structure of the university:

 Communities: These represent the 5 Colleges of Abyssinia Shine Business Technology College.
 Collections: Within each College, Collections represent the specific academic departments,
housing the research theses and dissertations produced within that field.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to effectively search for, discover, and
download the research materials you need for your studies, literature reviews, and research
endeavors.

Plagiarism detector

Turn it in is a widely used online platform designed to help instructors maintain academic integrity
by detecting potential plagiarism in students ‘work. Beyond plagiarism detection, Turn it in also
provides tools for managing assignment submissions, giving feedback, and grading student work
efficiently. By comparing submitted documents against a vast database of academic publications,
student papers, and web content, Turn it in highlights similarities and potential sources, enabling
instructors to identify instances of unoriginal content.

This platform is particularly useful in higher education settings, where maintaining originality in
student work is crucial. Turn it in allows instructors to create and manage assignments, set
submission deadlines, and monitor submissions in real time. It also provides detailed similarity
reports and offers integrated grading features, including rubrics and comments, which facilitate
constructive feedback. By using Turnitin, instructors can streamline the process of evaluating
assignments,uphold academic standards, and educate students on the importance of proper citation
and academic honesty. This manual serves as a comprehensive guide, offering step-by-step
instructions to help instructors navigate Turnitin‘s features and make the most of its capabilities in
their teaching practice.

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OnlineDatabasesandE-journals

Subscribedandopenaccessjournals

Abyssinia shine collegeLibrary provides comprehensive access to a wide range of

electronicresources (e-resources), including e-books, e-journals, and open access materials that
support teaching, learning, and research across all academic disciplines. Through the library‘s digital
platforms, users can easily explore and download scholarly materials anytime and anywhere using
the university network or remote access tools. The library has integrated direct links to major
academic journal platforms on the OPAC homepage. This feature allows users to convenientlyaccess
a variety of scholarly resources without leaving the library

Thee-bookscollectionoffersthousandsoftitlescoveringdiversefieldssuchasscience,engineering, health,
social sciences, business, and the humanities. These resources allow students and researchers to read,
download, or cite materials directly from reputable publishers. Similarly, e-journals provide up-to-
date peer-reviewed articles from leading academic publishers like Emerald Insight, Springer
Nature,Taylor &Francis,Wiley, IEEE,andHeinOnline,ensuringthatusershaveaccesstothelatest global
research findings (Emerald Insight, 2025; Springer Nature, 2025; Taylor & Francis, 2025).

In addition to subscription-based resources, the library also promotes access to open accessdatabases
and journals such as Research4Life (which includes HINARI, AGORA, OARE, andARDI
programs). Research4Life provides free or low-cost access to thousands of scientific journals
andbooks,[Link] and
ensures equitable access to high-quality scholarly content (Research4Life, 2025). Theintegration of
both subscription and open access platforms ensures that Dire Dawa University‘s academic
community benefits from a broad spectrum of reliable, credible, and up-to-dateinformation
resources.

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Electronic-journalssubscription

ASBTC shall subscribe to online E-journal database resources to support the teaching-learning and
research activities of the applied science university. Due to the high cost of E-journal databases, the
subscriptions process of e-journals shall be considered the relevance of the resources to support the
University‘[Link]-journaldatabasesshallbebeingsubscribedviatheCEARLwhichis led by
AAU in collaboration with international associations providing library e-resources such as EIFL
programs.

ASBTC shall sign agreement for partnership at national and international levels association such as
the CEARL for E-resources and databases subscriptions.

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3. E-resourcesaccessingprocedures
DigitalLibraryandAutomation

OnlinePublicAccessCatalog(OPAC)

A. Requirements

Before using the OPAC Library System, ensure that you meet the following basic requirements.
These will help you access and navigate the system smoothly without interruptions.

I. Device

You can access OPAC using any modern device with internet capability, such as a desktop
computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. A computer or laptop is recommended for full
functionality, especially when viewing search results or detailed bibliographic information.
Ensureyourdevicehas a stableinternetconnectiontopreventloginissues orincomplete searches.

II. Browser

OPAC works best with updated versions of major web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla
Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari. Using an outdated browser may cause display issues or
prevent certain pages from loading correctly. To ensure the best performance, Always use the latest
browser version.

III. Credentials

Each student must have an active library login, usually linked to their student ID number and
password.

 Thesecredentials aretypicallyissued duringlibraryregistrationorupon first enrollment.

 Your username may be your student ID or university email, depending on the institution‘s
setup.
Ifyouhaveforgottenyourpasswordorhavetroubleloggingin,contactthelibrary circulation desk or
system administrator to reset your credentials.

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B. UserRegistration

Before accessing OPAC‘s online services, your library account must be activated. This means your
personal details are registered in the library‘s database, allowing you to:

 Borrow books
 Reservematerials
 Accessyourpersonal account
Ifyouareanewstudent,visitthelibraryfrontdesktoconfirmthatyourregistrationisactive.

C. AccessMethods

Web Access

ThisistheprimarymethodofaccessingOPAC.

I. OpenyourpreferredwebbrowserandtypetheOPACURLprovidedbyyour institution, for

example:
[Link]
II. PressEntertoopenthe OPAC homepage.
Fromhere,youcanlogin,searchthecatalog, andperformallavailableactions.
III. TheinstitutionshostOPAContheirinternalservers, soensureyouareconnected tothe
campusnetwork.

D. Step-by-StepVisualGuide

Step 1: Open the OPAC Portal

To begin using the OPAC Library System, the first step is to access the library‘s online portal
through your preferred web browser. This is the entry point to all library services, including
searching for books, checking availability, logging into your account, and managing your library
activities.

ActionExplanation

Start by opening anymodern web browser — such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft
Edge, or Safari — on your device. In the browser‘s address bar, type the official OPAC web
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address (URL) provided by your institution. The link usually looks something like:

[Link]

 ALoginbutton —typicallyfoundatthetop-rightcornerofthepage.

 Menusorquicklinks—givingaccesstodifferentlibrarysectionsorinformationsuchas
―About,‖―Help,‖or―NewArrivals.‖

It‘simportanttomakesurethat:

 You haveastableinternet connectionto avoid pageloadingissues.

 You are visiting the official library URL, especially if your institution has multiple
onlineplatforms.

Step2:Log In

Once the OPAC homepage has loaded, the next step is to sign in to your student library account.
Logging in is important because it unlocks personalized features such as viewing your borrowed
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books, reserving items, renewing loans, and checking any pending fines.

ActionExplanation

Click on the Login button, usually located at the top-right corner of the homepage. A login screen
will appear with two text boxes:

I. UsernameorLogin:Enter yourregisteredstudentID.
II. Password:Enterthepasswordprovidedbyyourlibrary(youcanlaterchangeitif permitted).

Afterenteringyourdetails,[Link],OPACwilldirectyoutoyour
[Link] youencounteranerrormessage,double-checkthat:

a) Caps Lockisoff,sincepasswordsarecase-sensitive.
b) YouareusingthecorrectlibraryID,[Link], contact the
library circulation desk or IT helpdesk.

VisualDescription

The screenshot for this step should display the login screen, with the username and password boxes
[Link]―Login‖[Link],includeanotesuchas“Enteryour student
ID and password, and then click Login.”
Step3:NavigatetheDashboard

Aftersuccessfullyloggingin,you‘llbetakentoyourOPACDashboard,whichisyourpersonal control center.

It summarizes your account details and gives you quick access to all library services.

ActionExplanation

Familiarizeyourselfwiththemainsections:

a) Search Bar:Quicklylookforlibrarymaterials.
b) MyAccount:Viewborrowedbooks,duedates,andrenewal options.
c) Reservations:Trackorcancelreserveditems.
d) Notifications/Messages:Readupdates, reminders,andavailabilityalerts.

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Step4:SearchforItems

The search feature is the heart of OPAC. It allows you to locate books, journals, or digital resources
quickly without browsing shelves physically.

Action Explanation

Type your search term(for example, a book title, author name, or subjectkeyword)intothe
search bar, and then press Enter. OPAC will display a results list showing:

I. Title,author,andpublication year
II. Availabilitystatus(Available/Checkedout)
III. Callnumberandlocationinthelibrary

Use the filters or advanced search option to narrow down results by format (Book, eBook, DVD),
date, or location.

AdvancedSearch

The Advanced Search option in OPAC allows you to perform more precise and targeted
searchesthan the basic search.
Youcancombinemultiplecriteriatonarrowyourresultsandquicklyfindtheexactmaterialyou need.

Keyfeatures include:

a) MultipleFields:Search bytitle,author,subject,ISBN, series,orotherbibliographicdetails.

b) BooleanOperators:Use AND,OR,andNOT to includeor excludespecificterms.
c) SearchFilters:Limitresultsbyitemtype(e.g.,books,journals,DVDs),language, publication
year, or format.
d) SortingOptions:Choose how resultsaredisplayed—forexample,byrelevance,title,or
publication date.

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SearchCategoryandLibrarySelection

The Search Category lets you choose the specific section or database within the library catalog
tosearch.

a) LibraryCatalog:Searches allitemsowned byyour library.

b) CourseReserves:Searchesmaterialsreservedforspecific coursesor classes.
c) AuthorityRecords:Searchesforstandardizednames,subjects,orseriestitlesusedfor cataloging.

Selectingthe correctcategoryensuresyoursearchislimitedtothemostrelevantcollection.

Ifyourlibraryispartofamulti-branchsystem,youcanchoosewhichlibrary‘scollectiontosearch.

a) AllLibraries:Searchesthecatalogsof allbranchesinthesystem.
b) SpecificLibrary: Restrictsthesearchtoitems availableataparticularlibrarylocation.

This feature helps users know wherean item is physicallylocated and whether it can be borrowed or
transferred to another branch.

ViewingItemDetails

After performing a search, click on a specific title from the search results to open the Item Details
Page. This page provides complete information about the selected item, helping you decide whether
to borrow, reserve, or explore related materials.

TheItemDetails Pageincludes:

a) Bibliographic Information: Displays the title, author, edition, publisher, publication year,
and subject headings.
b) Summary or Abstract: Gives a brief description or overview of the content to help you
understand what the material is about.
c) Availability Details: Shows how many copies are available, their current status (e.g.,
available, checked out, on hold), and where they are located (specific branch and shelf
number).
d) CallNumber: Indicates wheretheitem canbe foundinthelibrary.

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e) BorrowingOptions:ProvidesactionssuchasPlaceHold,AddtoList,orPrintRecord
dependingonyouraccountpermissions.
f) Additional Information (if available): Links to related titles, series information, or
coverimages may also appear.

Step5:BorrowingItems

Borrowingitemsallows youtotakephysicalmaterialsfromthelibraryforpersonalstudy.

ActionExplanation

Once you‘ve confirmed that a book is Available, note its call number and shelf location from the
item details page. Visit the library circulation desk with your Student ID card and request the item.
The librarian will issue it to your account in OPAC. After borrowing, log in to OPAC and open My
Account → Borrowed Items to verify that the title appears there along with the due date. If
anitemyou want isalreadyborrowed bysomeoneelse, proceedtoreserveit.
Step6:RenewingItems

Renewingaborrowed itemextendsits duedate,allowingyou moretime forreadingorresearch.

Action Explanation

I. Log in to OPAC and go to My Account → Borrowed Items to view the list of books
you have borrowed.
II. Ifyouwishtorenewanitem,contactorvisitthelibrarianandrequestarenewal.
III. The librarian will check the item‘s status and, if renewal is permitted, extend the due
date in the system. You can then log in again to verify the new due date under
Borrowed Items.

Note:-

a) Renewal may not be possible if another student has placed a hold (reservation) on the
samebook.
b) Somelibraries limitthenumberofrenewals per item(for example, oneor two times).
c) Ifrenewal isnotallowed,returntheitemontimetoavoidoverduefines.

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Step7:Reserving/PlaceHoldItems

Reservingenablesyoutoqueueforitemsthatarecurrentlychecked out.

ActionExplanation

I. Usethesearch featuretofind thedesired item.

II. Iftheitem‘sstatusshowsCheckedout,clickthe PlaceHoldbuttonontherightsideof the
page.
III. Confirmyourreservationwhen prompted.
IV. Oncetheitemisreturnedbythecurrentborrower,OPACwillnotifyyouviayour account.

YoucancheckreservationstatusanytimeunderMyAccount→ PlaceHolds.

VisualDescription

When you click the ―Place Hold‖ button, the following screen will appear. On this screen, you can
select the following options:

 Pickup Library:
Choose the librarybranch where you want to collect the item once it becomes
available.
 HoldNotNeededAfter:
Specify a date after which the hold will automaticallyexpire if the item hasn‘t
become available by then.
 NextAvailable Item/ SpecificItem:
o Select Next Available Item if you want to borrow whichever copy
becomes available first.
o Select Specific Item if you want to place a hold on a particular copy
of the item (for example, a certain volume or barcode).

Step8:ManagingYourAccount

OPACprovideseachstudentwithapersonalprofilethattracksborrowinghistory,fines,andpreferences.

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ActionExplanation

OpenMyAccounttomanageyourinformation:

a) BorrowedItems:Seewhat you currentlyhave.

b) Fines/Charges: Checkanyoverdueorreplacement fees.

c) ReadingHistory:Reviewbooks you‘veborrowedin thepast.
d) Preferences: Updatecontact details, password, or notification settings (if yourlibraryallows
editing).

Regularlyreviewing youraccount helps you avoid overduefines and keeps yourcontact information
current for notifications.

VisualDescription

E. Troubleshooting

password,expiredaccount, [Link] isoff. Iflogin

or typing error. still fails, click ―Forgot Password‖ (if
available)orvisitthelibraryhelpdeskfor
assistance.
Account Yourlibrarymembership Visitthelibrary‘scirculationdesktoverify
inactiveornot hasnotbeenactivatedor [Link]
found hasexpired. cardfor identification.
Cannotrenew Theitemisreservedby Returnthebookbeforetheduedatetoavoid
an item another user or you‘ve fines,orcontactlibrarystafftorequestan
reachedtherenewallimit. exceptionif necessary.
Cannotplacea Thesystemmayrestrict CheckyourborrowingprivilegesinMy
reservation reservations to certain [Link],askthe
materialsoryouraccount librariantoplaceareservationmanually.
is limited.
Items not Temporaryserverdelayor [Link]
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Even showing in using the wrong login theissuepersists,reporttheproblemtothe
with a account credentials. libraryITdesk.
user-
friendly interface, students may sometimes face minor technical or account-related challenges when
using OPAC. Understanding how to identify and solve these problems quickly ensures uninterrupted
access to library services. Below are common issues students encounter and their practical solutions.

CommonIssuesandSolutions

Issue PossibleCause RecommendedSolution

Cannotlogin Incorrect username or Double-check your student ID and

VisualDescription

a) Aloginerrormessage(―Invalidusernameorpassword‖).

b) Arenewalblockedmessage(―Cannotrenew—itemreservedbyanotherpatron‖).

c) Aninactiveaccountalertdisplayedontheprofile page.

AdditionalNotes

a) Alwayscheckyourinternetconnection beforereportingloginoraccessissues.
b) Ifyou‘reaccessingOPACthroughyourphone,ensurethatcookiesandJavaScriptare enabled for
smooth operation.
c) Whenencounteringdisplayorloadingproblems,clearyourbrowsercacheorswitchto another
browser (e.g., from Safari to Chrome).

F. TipsforEfficientUse

To make the most of the OPAC library system, students are encouraged to follow these best
practices. These tips not only help in finding books quickly but also ensure smooth account
management and responsible use of library resources.

1. UseSpecificandRelevantKeywords

When searching, avoid general words. Instead of typing ―history,‖ try ―World War II African
campaigns‖ or ―Ethiopian ancient civilizations.‖

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Use quotation marks (“ ”) for exact phrases, and explore advanced search filters to refine results
by author, subject, or publication date.

2. RegularlyCheckYourAccount

MakeitahabittologintoyourOPACaccount atleast oncea [Link]:

a) Trackduedates andavoidoverdue fines.

b) Reneworreturn books on time.
c) Stayinformed aboutreserveditemsthatbecomeavailable.

OPACoftensendsemailorSMSalerts,butmanuallycheckingensuresyounevermissan important update.

3. ReserveItemsin Advance

If you know you‘ll need a particular book for research or an upcoming assignment, reserve it early.
This guarantees that when the item becomes available, you‘ll be next in line to borrow it.
Reserved books are usuallyheld for alimitedperiod, so check yournotifications promptlywhen you
receive an availability alert.

4. KeepYourCredentialsSecure

[Link]
usernameorpasswordwith others.
Alwayslogoutafterfinishing,[Link] unauthorized
access to your account.

5. ExploreLibraryFeatures
OPACprovidesmorethanbasic [Link] can:
a) Tagbookswithpersonal notesforeasier reference.
b) Createbooklistsforresearchprojectsorgroupassignments.
c) Reviewitemstosharefeedbackwithother readers.

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Taking advantage of these tools enhances your learning experience and helps the library community
discover quality materials.

 Tagbookswithpersonal notesforeasier reference.

 Reviewitemstosharefeedbackwithother readers.

6. StayUpdatedwithLibraryAnnouncements

Librariesoftenpostimportantupdates—suchasnewarrivals,systemmaintenanceschedules,or revised
borrowing policies—on the OPAC homepage or through announcements in your dashboard.
Checkingtheseregularlyensuresyouremaininformedaboutnewopportunitiesandservice improvements.

7. ContactSupportWhenNeeded

Ifyouencountertechnicalissues,delayedresponses,oraccounterrors,don‘thesitatetoreachout.

a) HelpDesk:Email: [Link]@[Link]
b) OPACsystemadministrator: Email: [Link]@[Link]

Promptlyreportingissues ensures that your account stays active and the librarycan maintain smooth
service for all users.

Digital Library

A. AccessingtheSite

I. Open your web browser and enter the ASBTC Digital Library URL
([Link]
II. The Homepage usually features a search bar, a breakdown of content by Communities
and Collections, and links to various browse options.

B. Understanding Content Structure

ContentsarehierarchicallyorganizedinASBTC DigitalLibrary:
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I. Communities:[Link]-DL,thesearethe6 Colleges
(e.g., College of Business and Economics).
II. Collections: Contained within Communities, these hold the actual items/files. In
ASBTC- DL, these are the Academic Departments (e.g., Department of Accounting).
III. Items: The deposited object(e.g., a specific book),which contains the descriptive
information (metadata) and the actual file(s) (bit streams, such as a PDF).

C. How toFindand Download Materials

Therearethreeprimarywaystodiscoverresources intheASBTCDigitalLibrary:

I. UsingtheMainSearchBar(forspecific queries)
II. BrowsingbyCollegeandDepartment(for exploringspecificfields)
III. BrowsingbyTitle,Author,orSubject(forbroaderdiscovery)

Method 1: Using the Main Search Bar

Thisisthemostdirectwaytofindmaterialswhenyouknowwhatyou'relookingfor.

Step1:LocatetheSearchBaronthe Homepage

When you first visit the ASBTC Digital Library homepage, the search bar is prominently displayed
at the top or center of the page.

Step2:EnterYourSearchTerms

Type keywords related to the book you are looking for. This could be the title, author's name, or a
specific subject. For example, you could search for "Introduction to Microeconomics" or "quantum
physics". Click the "Go" or search icon button.

Step3:ReviewtheSearchResults

Youwill betaken toaresults pagelistingall theitems thatmatch yoursearch [Link] result will
typically show the title, author(s), and publication date.

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Step4:RefineYourSearchUsingFilters(Faceted Search)

Ifyougettoomanyresults,youcanusethefiltersonthesidebar(usuallyontheleftorright)to narrow them down.

This is a very powerful feature. You can filter by:

 Author:Seeresults onlyfrom aspecific author.

 Subject:Narrowdownbytopicor keyword.
 PublicationDate:Find booksfromaspecificyearorrangeofyears.

To use a filter, simply click on the author, subject, or date you are interested in. The results list will
update automatically.
Method 2:Browsing byCollegeandDepartment

Usethismethodwhenyouwanttoexplorealltheavailableresourcesfromaspecificacademic department.

Step1:Navigatetothe"Communities&Collections"Page

From the homepage, find and click on the link that says "Communities & Collections" or "Browseby
College".

Step2:SelectaCollege (Community)

Youwill seealistof the6Colleges atASBTC. Clickon thenameoftheCollegeyouwish to explore.

Step3:SelectaDepartment(Collection)

After clicking a college, you will see a list of all the departments within that college. Click on the
department you are interested in (e.g., Department of Physics).

Step4:Viewthe Itemsinthe Collection

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You will now see a list of all the books and materials that have been deposited in that department's
collection. You can browse through them or use the search bar at the top of the list to search only
within that specific collection.

D. How toView and Download aBook

Once youhavefoundabookyouwanttoread,followthesestepstodownload it.

Step1:ClickontheItemTitle

Fromanysearch resultsorbrowsinglist,click onthe titleofthe book youareinterested in.

Step2:Viewthe ItemDetailsPage

This page provides all the descriptive information (metadata) about the book, such as the full title,
author(s), abstract/summary, subjects, and publication details.

Step3:Downloadthe File

Scroll down to the "Files" section on the item details page. You will see one or more files listed,
usually a PDF. Click on the file name (e.g., Ionosphere Dynamics and Applications (2021) (
Huang).pdf). The download should begin automatically, or the PDF will open in your browser for
you to save.
YouhavenowsuccessfullyfoundanddownloadedaresourcefromtheDireDawaUniversityDigital Library!
We encourage you to explore the vast collection available at your fingertips.

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ASBTCInstitutionalRepository(ASBTC-IR)

A. AccessingtheSite

I. Openyourwebbrowserandentertherepository'sURL([Link]
II. The Homepage usually features a search bar, a breakdown of content by Communities
and Collections, and links to various browse options.

B. UnderstandingContent Structure

Contents arehierarchicallyorganized:

I. Communities:[Link]-IR,thesearethe6Colleges
(e.g., College of Social Sciences and Humanities).
II. Collections: Contained within Communities, these hold the actual items. In ASBTC-
IR, these are the Academic Departments (e.g., Department of Sociology).
III. Items:Thedepositedresearchwork(e.g.,aspecificthesis),whichcontainsthe descriptive
information (metadata) and the actual file (bitstream, typically a PDF).

C. How toFindandDownloadResearchMaterials

Youcandiscover researchworksin theASBTC-IRusingthreemain methods:

I. UsingtheMainSearch Bar(forspecificresearch topicsorauthors)

II. BrowsingbyCollegeandDepartment(for exploringaspecificacademicunit)
III. BrowsingbyAuthor,Title,orSubject(forbroaderdiscovery)

Method 1: Using the Main Search Bar

This is the fastest method when you are looking for a specific thesis, a known author, or research on
a precise topic.

Step1:LocatetheSearchBaronthe Homepage

Uponvisitingthe ASBTC-IR homepage, find themain search bar, usuallylocated prominently.

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Step2:EnterYourSearchTerms

Typekeywords relevantto yourresearch. Forexample, youcansearchby:

 Keywords from the Title/Abstract: e.g., "Opportunities and Challenges of Electronic

Tax FillingSystem: IntheCaseof Large Tax PayersinChiroTown RevenueAuthority
Office"
 Author's Name: e.g., ―Remedan

Oumer"Clickthe"Go"orsearchiconbuttontoexecutethesearc

h. Step 3: Review and Refine the Search Results

The results page lists all research items that match your query. Since research titles can be
similar,using the sidebar filters is crucial for precision.

Refine Your Search (Faceted Search): Use the filters on the sidebar (left or right) to narrow down
the results:

 Author:Seeworks publishedbyaspecific researcher.

 Subject:Filterbyspecificresearchkeywords or subjects.
 IssueDate: Limitresultsto recentlycompletedthesesor dissertations.

Method 2:Browsing byCollegeandDepartment

This method is ideal when you want to review all research conducted within a particular
academicunit.

Step1:Navigatetothe"Communities&Collections"Page

Lookforthemainnavigationlinklabeled"Communities&Collections"or"Browseby College/Department".

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Step2:SelectaCollege (Community)

Clickonthename ofthe Collegewheretherelevantdepartmentis located.

Step3:SelectaDepartment(Collection)

Within the selected college, click on the relevant department (e.g., Department of Accounting
andFinance).

Step4:ViewtheResearchItemsintheCollection

Thiswilldisplayacompletelistofallthethesesanddissertationssubmittedtothatdepartment's collection. You

can then click on any title to view its details.

D. How toViewand DownloadaResearch Work

Once you have identified a thesis or dissertation you need, follow these steps to access the full-text
document.

Step1:ClickontheItemTitle

Clickonthetitleoftheresearchwork fromyoursearchresultsorbrowsinglist.

Step2:Reviewthe Item DetailsPage

Thedetailpagedisplaysthecomplete metadata,whichis crucialfor referencing:

I. TitleandAuthor
II. Abstract:A detailed summaryof theresearch methodologyandfindings.
III. IssueDate:Theyearthedegree wasawarded.
IV. URI/Handle:Apermanentwebaddressforcitingthe work.

Step3:Download theFull-Text PDF

Scroll down to the "Files" section. The primary file will be the full-text document, typically a large
PDF file. Click on the file name (e.g., Remedan [Link]).
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The file will either open in your browser or automatically download, allowing you to access ASBTC's
scholarly research immediately

PlagiarismDetectionSystem

AccessingTurnitin

1. Open your web browser and go to your institution's Turnitin URL (e.g.,
[Link]
2. ClickLogin andchooseyourinstitution'sloginmethod.
3. Enteryourcredentials(username/emailand password).

4. Afterloggingin,youwillbedirectedtotheInstructor Dashboard.

CreatingaClass

1. OntheDashboard,clickAddClass.

2. Fillintheclassdetails:
o ClassName:e.g.,―IntroductiontoLiterature‖
o EnrollmentKey:optionalpasswordforstudents
o ClassStart &End Date
o InstitutionalID: optional

3. ClickSubmittocreatethe class.
CreatinganAssignment

1. Entertheclassyouwant tocreateanassignmentfor.

2. ClickAddAssignment.

3. Fillintheassignmentdetails:
o AssignmentTitle
o StartDate,DueDate, FeedbackReleaseDate
o SubmissionType: Fileupload,textsubmission,etc.
o OptionalSettings: Allowlatesubmissions,excludebibliographies,etc.
4. ClickSubmittocreatethe assignment.

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ViewingStudentSubmissions

1. Clickontheassignmentfrom yourclassdashboard.
2. Youwill seealist of submitted assignments.

3. Clickonasubmissiontoopenitin the DocumentViewer.

o TheDocumentViewer allowsyoutosee:
 OriginalityReport
 CommentsandFeedback
 PeerReviews (ifenabled)
CheckingOriginality

1. Openastudent submission.
2. ClickOriginalitytoviewtheplagiarismreport.

3. Thereporthighlights:
o Matchedtextin redor other colors.
o Sourcesfromwhichthecontentwasmatched.

4. Reviewhighlightedsectionstoverifyplagiarismorproper citation.

ProvidingFeedback

1. IntheDocumentViewer,clickFeedback Studio.
2. Youcanprovide:
o Inlinecomments:Highlighttextandaddcomments.
o Generalcomments:Feedbackfortheentiredocument.
o RubricsorGradingForms:If enabled,usethemtograde efficiently.

3. ClickSubmitFeedbacktosaveyour comments.

ManagingClassesandAssignments

 EditClass:Changeclass detailsorenrollmentkey.
 DeleteAssignment:Removeassignmentsifnolongerneeded.
 View ClassRoster: Add orremove studentsfromthe class.

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ReportsandAnalytics

Turnitinprovides:

A. ClassSummary:Overview of studentsubmissions.
B. OriginalitySummary: Percentageofmatchesforallsubmissions.
C. LateSubmissions:Identifystudentswhosubmittedafterthe deadline.

TipsforEffectiveUse

A. Setclearinstructionsforstudentstoreduceaccidentalplagiarism.
B. Encouragestudents tocheck theirown work usingTurnitin beforesubmission.
C. Familiarizeyourselfwithcitationguidelinestointerpretoriginalityreportsaccurately.
D. Usetherubricfeaturetostreamline gradingandfeedback.

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
Cannotlogin Checkcredentialsorcontact ITsupport
Studentsubmission notvisible Ensuretheassignmentisopenandthestudentsubmitted
correctly
Originality report not Waitforsystem processing(usuallyafewminutes to hours)
generated
Feedbacknot saving Checkinternetconnectionandbrowser compatibility

Support

Foradditionalhelp,visit:

 TurnitinHelpCenter:[Link]
 InstitutionalITorLMS support

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ElectronicJournals

SubscribedJournals

A. HowtoAccessSubscribed Electronic Journals

1. OpentheOPACHome Pageusingyourinstitutionallink.
2. Onthehomepage,locate the JournalSites section.
3. Click on any of the listed journal links (e.g., Emerald Insight, Wiley, IEEE) to be redirectedto
the respective platform.
4. Accessmayrequireyouruniversitynetwork orinstitutional login credentials.

Thisintegrationsimplifiesaccesstotrustedscholarlycontent,helpingstudents,researchers,and faculty
members efficiently explore high-quality academic resources directly from OPAC.

B. Available JournalPlatforms:

I. EmeraldInsight–Providesaccesstojournalsandcasestudiesinmanagement,business,
education, and social sciences. ([Link]

II. HeinOnline – Offers a comprehensive collection of legal research materials, law

journals, government documents, and international treaties.
([Link]

III. Taylor&Francis/Taylor&FrancisOnline –Coversawiderangeofdisciplines

including humanities, social sciences, science, and technology.
([Link]
IV. Springer Nature – Features journals, books, and research papers in science, medicine,
engineering, and related fields. ([Link]

V. Wiley Online Library – Offers full-text access to journals and e-books in various
disciplines such as health, engineering, and social sciences.
([Link]
VI. IEEE Xplore – Provides access to research articles, conference papers, and standardsin
electrical engineering, computing, and related technologies. ([Link]

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OpenAccess Journals

I. Research4Life – Provides developing countries with free or low-cost access to

academic and professional peer-reviewed content across health, agriculture,
environment, and social sciences. ([Link]

II. BioMed Central (BMC) – Publishes open access journals in biology, health, and
medicine, allowing free and immediate access to research articles.
([Link]

ResearchTools

I. SciVal – Offers research performance assessment tools that enable institutions and
researchers to visualize research impact, collaboration networks, and benchmarking
using data from Scopus. ([Link]

II. Scopus – A comprehensive abstract and citation database covering peer-reviewed

journals, books, and conference proceedings in science, technology, medicine, social
sciences, and the arts and humanities. ([Link]

References
[1] Tripathi, M., & Kumar, S. (2020). Web-based library catalogues (OPAC 2.0): An overview of
[Link],37(2),9–[Link]://[Link]/10.1108/LHTN-11-2019-
0084

[2] Arora,J.,&Trivedi,K.(2021).Digitallibraries:Concepts,technologies,andchallenges.
LibraryPhilosophyandPractice,2021(1),1–[Link]://[Link]/libphilprac/

[3] EmeraldInsight.(2025).EmeraldPublishinge-Journalsande-
[Link]://[Link]

[4] Springer Nature. (2025). SpringerLink: Scientific and Scholarly Journals and Books. Retrieved
from [Link]

[5] Taylor & Francis. (2025). Taylor & Francis Online Journals. Retrieved from
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[Link]
[6] Research4Life.(2025).[Link]://[Link]
[Link]

[7] Breeding,M.(2022). [Link].

[8] DSpaceFoundation.(2024).[Link] [Link]

[9] Tonta, Y. (2020). Digital Libraries:Conceptsand Technologies. Journal of InformationScience,

46(3), 321–334.

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