Public access to libraries
Chiang Mai University was the first university established in the regional area of Thailand, founded in 1964 (B.E. 2507) with the aims of being a: “Center for advanced academic and professional knowledge to benefit the locality and the nation as a whole” and “Source for collecting, researching, inventing, and transmitting knowledge based on the principle of academic freedom, adhering to truth and virtue for academic excellence, application, dissemination, and preservation of arts and culture.”
To fulfill these objectives, an indispensable component is the “University Library,” which is the origin of the Chiang Mai University Library. The Chiang Mai University Library has continuously served as a source of knowledge, promoting learning and research for generations of Chiang Mai University students for over 60 years. It holds resources including books, journals, theses, magazines, and other media.
Libraries today are far more than just repositories of paper documents and physical volumes. They encompass resources in various formats, including print materials and easily accessible digital media. Access to knowledge extends through library networks and research sources from around the world. The integration of technology in management and service delivery reflects the continuous development efforts of library offices striving to make libraries more accessible and maximally beneficial.
Faculty libraries distributed throughout the university each house specialized knowledge resources relevant to their respective academic disciplines for study and learning. They feature interconnected management systems and implement technology similarly to the central library. All of this aims toward becoming a “Smart Library” that supports the operations of a “Digital University.”
Smart Library
e-Resource
The Digital Information Repository aggregates a comprehensive collection of theses, dissertations, and scholarly works from Chiang Mai University and other Thai universities, in addition to e-books, newspapers, and periodicals. Users may access these resources remotely via their personal devices from any location upon authentication with their CMU Account credentials.
@JumboPlus Wi-Fi
The Central Library and various faculty libraries throughout Chiang Mai University are equipped with comprehensive Wi-Fi network coverage under the name @JumboPlus. The system is maintained by the Information Technology Service Center, Chiang Mai University (ITSC CMU). Supporting Wi-Fi 6 (ax) technology, the network enables students and university personnel to access high-speed wireless internet with greater convenience. Users can configure auto-login settings for up to 10 devices.
CMU Mobile App
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The CMU Mobile App serves as the official application for students and staff of Chiang Mai University, designed to facilitate academic activities and campus life. One of the application’s key features is the ability to check in and out of locations via QR Code scanning, replacing the traditional card-tap system for enhanced convenience, as nearly everyone carries a smartphone.
The CMU Mobile App includes a Library Services menu that enables users to borrow books independently by entering the barcode number located on the back cover of each book. Alternatively, users may borrow at the service counters of the Central Library or faculty libraries by displaying the barcode found within the same menu. The borrowing status can also be monitored directly through the Library Services menu. External visitors or individuals without smartphones may still access library services by contacting the information desk at the Central Library or respective faculty libraries.
CMUL Line account
The Chiang Mai University Library’s LINE Official account (@cmulibrary) provides an additional communication channel for disseminating library news and information. Through this platform, users may monitor book borrowing and return status, reserve group study rooms, access the monthly training calendar, and receive notifications regarding various services and updates.
Spaces for Reading, Research, Meetings, and Activities
The Central Library offers reading spaces distributed throughout all four floors of the library building. Available facilities include individual study rooms and group study rooms accommodating both small and large groups, all of which may be reserved independently via the CMUL LINE account. Additionally, the library features a Living Space suitable for hosting events, with a maximum capacity of 300 attendees.
24-Hour Reading Space During Examination Periods
One week before midterm and final examinations is designated as “Reading Week,” during which regular classes are suspended to allow students to prepare for their exams. Chiang Mai University provides facilities and services to support students during this period, including the Central Library, which operates 24 hours throughout Reading Week until the last day of examinations. Additionally, food vendors are arranged in front of the library to provide convenient access to meals for students.
Book Purchase Recommendations
CMU Book Recommendation PLUS+ serves as a platform for submitting book titles for acquisition consideration by the library. This initiative provides opportunities for students, faculty members, researchers, and staff of Chiang Mai University to recommend books in both Thai and foreign languages with content aligned with curriculum and instruction, research activities, and the university’s strategic priorities. Priority areas include food, health, elderly care, environment, energy, emerging academic fields, life skills development, inspirational content, and Lanna innovation, all aimed at supporting the educational and research needs of the Chiang Mai University community and society.
Recommenders must verify the proposed titles through the Chiang Mai University Library information resources database (PRIMO) to avoid duplication in the acquisition process. Recommenders may receive notifications regarding the acquisition decision through LINE Official: @cmulibrary and https://services.library.cmu.ac.th/bookrecommendations
Digital Resources via PRIMO SEARCH
CMU Library’s PRIMO SEARCH system exemplifies smart cities technology integration, providing unified access to:
- Digital Repository: University research outputs and publications
- E-Books: Thousands of electronic books across disciplines
- E-Journals: International academic journal databases
- Digital Newspapers: Current and archival news sources
- Multimedia Resources: Educational videos and audio materials
The PRIMO SEARCH system is accessible at: https://search.lib.cmu.ac.th
The evolution of Chiang Mai University’s Central Library and faculty libraries into “Smart Libraries” equips students, university personnel, and the general public with contemporary, diverse, and readily accessible learning resources. This transformation facilitates continuous knowledge exploration and research in users’ fields of interest while establishing an environment conducive to learning, providing collaborative workspaces, and fostering creative thinking. These factors collectively promote lifelong learning, ultimately enabling the “Smart Library” to cultivate “Smart People.”
For additional information regarding Chiang Mai University Library and its faculty libraries, please visit: library.cmu.ac.th For inquiries or to receive news and updates, please follow through: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LibraryCMU