Library
The library of SWPU is divided between two campuses: One is on the new campus in Xindu District, Chengdu，the other on the original campus in Nanchong. In Xindu the library has more than 21,000 square meters of floor space. Located in the center of the new campus, the library is a main symbolic construction of the new campus. The affiliated library on the Nanchong Campus covers a floor space of more than 11,000 square meters.
The library has 71 staff members in total, of whom seven are professors. It has a collection of more than 1.6 million printed books and periodicals and more than 1 million electronic books and periodicals, and has over 3,600 seats in total. With its academic resources and user-centered services, the library functions dynamically to meet the readers’ needs for their teaching, learning and research.
As a result of constant development for nearly fifty years, the library has built up an unique collection characterized by academic resources in oil and gas-related disciplines. With most comprehensive collections on petroleum and natural gas in western China, the university library has played an increasingly important role in supporting the regional economic and technological growth. In line with the university’s strategic development in the context of academic priorities, the library emphasizes that its collections represent the most relevant resources needed by all disciplines taught at SWPU.
Through active collaboration with other libraries and professional organizations, the library effectively expanded its collection by way of interlibrary loaning and web-based virtual reference transactions.
The university pays great attention to the digitalization and automation of the library. In 1997, the library boosted an Automation Integrated Management System based on the SUN3000 main Server. In 1999, the library completed the library compact disc network service system using JVC compact disc storehouse and AXIS compact disc tower as the data center. In 2001, the service system of the local mirror digital library was established. So far it has nearly 80,000 digital books.
To enhance and expand orientation and education regarding library resources and services for students to increase information literacy awareness, the library developed online tutorial and programs especially targeted at the freshmen and the first year experience. In addition, the library also provides short-term courses focusing on the use of library electronic resources and the skill of information search.
Being committed to user satisfaction, the Library is exploring all alternative means to improve the serve for the purpose of increasing the accessibility of all resources and the convenience of use.