Sakarya University promotes public access to information and lifelong learning by making its Central Library available to members of the wider community as well as university students and staff. External visitors may use library study areas and consult printed resources on-site free of charge after completing a brief security registration procedure. No membership fee or special permission is required for entry.
Library Facilities and Institutional Access Regulations
Study and learning facilities at Sakarya University Central Library.
The Sakarya University Central Library occupies an area of 10,000 square metres and has a capacity of 1,650 users. Block A operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing extended access to study spaces and library facilities.
The Sakarya University Library Directive, updated in 2025, identifies guest researchers among library users, alongside university students and academic and administrative staff. It also establishes procedures for researchers to consult rare and special collections under specified conditions.
Library Visits and Educational Activities for School Groups
School students exploring books and library resources at Sakarya University Central Library during the 61st Library Week, 2025
Sakarya University provides library orientation and educational visits for schools outside the university, helping children and young people become familiar with library facilities and information resources.
Through its Library Orientation Services and Group Tours, students from schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Sakarya and surrounding areas may visit the Central Library by prior reservation. Tours are organized for groups of 10 to 50 participants, with bookings arranged in advance.
A documented example from 2025 is the 61st Library Week Event. During this event, kindergarten, primary and middle school students from Sakarya visited the Central Library and its Children's Library. They explored the library environment, examined books and received guidance from library staff on locating and using library resources. The event provides direct evidence of students from external educational institutions physically accessing the university's library facilities and collections.
The Library Orientation Training Attendance Form provides an institutional mechanism for recording the requesting school or unit, number of participants, and date of participation. This practice supports the organized documentation and monitoring of library orientation activities.
The university also announced Library Break Between Semesters 5, a programme scheduled for 25–27 June 2025 for children of Sakarya University staff. Planned activities included library tours, exploring information resources, book-finding exercises, information literacy sessions, short films and creative activities. The programme illustrates the university's efforts to introduce children of different ages to library services and learning resources.
Open Access to Digital Information Resources
Sakarya University complements its physical library services with digital information resources that extend access to academic knowledge beyond the campus.
The Sakarya University Open Access Repository provides online access to academic publications, theses and research outputs made available under open-access conditions. In addition, the library's Open Access Databases provide access to a range of scientific and academic resources.
These services facilitate the dissemination of academic knowledge and enable individuals outside the university to benefit from publicly available educational and research materials.
Accessible and Inclusive Library Services
Sakarya University works to improve physical and digital access to library services for users with disabilities.
The Central Library received the Orange Flag Award for Accessibility in Physical Spaces as part of the Accessible University Flag Awards presented by the Turkish Council of Higher Education.
Through its Services for Users with Visual Impairments, the library supports access to information through assistive technologies and accessible learning materials. The 2025 Library Directive also provides for the digitization of essential books and learning resources needed by students with visual impairments.
Furthermore, the 2025 Activity Report of the Department of Construction and Technical Works documents improvements to student study desks in Blocks A and B of the Central Library. These activities demonstrate the continued maintenance and improvement of library study facilities.
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
By providing free public access to its Central Library, organizing educational visits for external school groups, making academic knowledge available through open-access digital resources, and improving accessibility for users with disabilities, Sakarya University supports equitable access to information and lifelong learning.
These practices contribute to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting inclusive and accessible public educational facilities. They also support SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities by expanding learning opportunities and improving access to educational resources for different groups in society.
