Library FAQ

1. Where is the Sun Yat-Sen Library located?

Library address: 213 Wen Ming Lu, Guangzhou, China.

2. What do I need to check out library materials?

Library Card is needed to check out library materials.

3. How do I obtain a library card and how long do the card valid?

To apply for a library card, you must be elder than 16 and have identification with your name. Library card can be obtained at the Library Card Registration Counter. Your ID, 2 photos and ￥5.00 service charge are required, in addition to a deposit of ￥40.00 for Chinese Book Card or Chinese Periodical Card and ￥500.00 for Foreign Book Card. Each library card is valid for one year from the issued date.

4. How many books or magazines may I check out at one time?

You may have up to 3 items checked out on your Chinese Book/Periodical Card or 2 items on your Foreign Book Card at a time.

5. How long can I borrow materials?

All materials are loaned for a one-month period.

6. Late Returning a book?

The overdue fine is ten fen per day for each book/periodical.

7. What should I do if I lose my library card?

Report lost, misplaced or stolen cards immediately to the Library Card Registration Counter in person or by phone (Tel: 83825707). You are responsible for materials taken out with the card until the card is reported lost or stolen. Lost or damaged cards will be replaced at the rate of ￥5.00 per lost or damaged card.

8. How to renew my expiry library card?

You may renew your library card at the Library Card Registration Counter. You must have your identification with you and pay an annual fee of ￥5.00.

9. Do I need a reader card to enter reading room?

You do not need a library card to enter any reading room. However, you are required to show a valid identification on entering our reading rooms.

10. Where are the public catalogue computers?

Public catalogue computers, which are used for library catalogue and information searching only, unavailable for word processing or Website connection, are located at Chinese Book Lending Section.

11. Is there any remote access to library catalogue?

To access our library catalogue outside the library, please visit our website: http://bmzx.zslib.com.cn/

12. How can I browse the library's e-books?

Only a SuperStar registered member is entitled to browse our full-text e-books. Membership can be obtained by buying a SuperStar Reading Card for an annual fee of ￥100.00

13. Do you offer scanning service?

Only the Multi-Media reading room has scanning service, please call 83818245 for more information.

14. Do you offer translation service?

The Section of Books and Periodicals in Foreign Languages provides translation service; please call 83825710 for further information.

15. Is there a place for readers to study with their own materials?

Study Room on the third floor is available for readers to study with their own materials.

16. Can you put a book on hold for me?

We only put a hold on the books currently on loan. When they are returned, we will inform you immediately.

Please note: circulating Chinese books whose call number starts with letter "I" are out of reservation service.

17. What about copying library material?

Almost each reading room is equipped with a photocopy machine. Please ask the staff of different reading rooms for details.

18. Do you offer fax service?

Fax service is available at the Reference Service Desk at the library's ground lobby. Please ask the staff for more detailed information.

19. What library materials can be borrowed?

Books in the Chinese Book Circulation Stock and Circulation Stock of Books & Periodicals in Foreign Languages and magazines in Chinese Periodical Section can be borrowed.

Foreign periodicals, reference books, newspapers, ancient books, rare books are not circulated.

20. Where are those main sections located in the library?

In the south building:

1st Floor:

Reference Desk, Chinese Newspaper Reading Room, VIP Room.

2nd Floor:

Chinese Books Lending Section, Chinese Periodicals Section

3rd Floor:

The Section of Books and Periodicals in Foreign Languages, Study Room, Reading Room of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau Materials.

4th Floor:

Library Office, Ancient Chinese Book Section.

In the north building:

2nd Floor:

Audio-Visual Room.

4th Floor:

Reading Room of Chinese Reference Books, Newspaper & Periodical Information Developing Center

21. What are the library opening hours?

Monday-Wednesday; Friday-Sunday: 8:30am—10:00pm

Thursday: 8:30am—12:00pm

Public Holidays: 9:30am—4:30pm

22. Do you sell computer disks?

Yes, they are available at our Multi-Media Reading Room and Reference Service Desk.

23. Can I bring my laptop?

Yes, laptops are allowed in the Reading Rooms.

24. Can I plug my desktop in to use the Internet in the Library?

No. Internet access is only available for library computers in Multi-Media Reading Room.

  We will keep you informed of our special opening hours in the public holidays on our home page respectively.