11.2.2. Public access to libraries

UEH Smart Library serves as the knowledge and learning service hub of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). The library provides diverse academic resources in both physical and digital formats, enabling integrated access to internal and external knowledge through its centralized digital platform at smartlib.ueh.edu.vn. It also offers extended learning spaces with multiple functional areas to meet the different needs of library users, rich library services and events aimed at a wide range of users (learners, teachers, researchers, alumni and the local community). Officially launched in June 2020, UEH Smart Library marks a significant step toward the Smart Hub model, fostering a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that promotes creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Integrating technologies of Industry 4.0 such as the Internet of Things, big data, machine learning, cloud computing, and mobile applications, the library enhances governance efficiency and offers a personalized user experience. The system allows users to conveniently access, borrow, and exchange resources, or explore a vast collection of over hundreds of thousands of books and international databases from more than 90 reputable publishers and institutions such as Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford.

Access Smart Library at https://smartlib.ueh.edu.vn/ 

In particular, UEH Smart Library provides open and inclusive access to not only targeted users (UEHers) but also local residents to visit, read on-site, search academic materials online, and access open educational resources. Guided by the philosophy of “Spreading Knowledge for Sustainable Development”, the library has gradually evolved into a hub for academic connection and knowledge sharing for the society. By publicly providing information on its location, opening hours, and access policies through the platform smartlib.ueh.edu.vn, UEH reaffirms its commitment to offering equitable public access to learning resources, thus meeting the criteria SDG 11.2.2 under the THE Impact Ranking.

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A variety of services for Learners, Lecturers, Researchers, UEH Alumni Community…

Academic Exchange and Study Visits at UEH Smart Library

UEH Smart Library is not only a destination for the domestic academic community but also a venue for international exchange on the smart library model and digital transformation in higher education. Each year, the library welcomes many delegations of students, lecturers, and experts from universities inside and outside the country to visit, exchange, and learn about the operation of digital libraries, open learning spaces, and integrated academic data systems.

Delegation from the National Economics University (NEU) visiting the Smart Library model. (Source: https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/a-visit-on-university-management-exchange-between-ueh-and-neu-solidarity-cooperation-development-73040)

International students exchange program between UEH and Lincoln University (New Zealand). (https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/highlights-of-the-lincoln-university-student-exchange-program-at-ueh-2024-73248) 

These activities reaffirm the role of UEH Smart Library as an international knowledge bridge, where universities, scholars, and students come together to exchange, share, and spread sustainable academic values.

Community Events and Open Academic Activities at UEH Smart Library

Alongside academic exchange programs, UEH Smart Library also serves as a hub for organizing various community and academic events for students and scholars. The library regularly hosts academic seminars, scholarly discussions, research skill workshops, expert talk shows, and open reading activities that welcome local community participation. In addition, musical performances and social exchange programs are organized to create a balanced learning and recreational environment. These events not only transform the library into a space that spreads knowledge but also help UEH realize its goal of becoming a “University for the Community,” contributing practically to building a learning, creative, and sustainable society.

The “Digital Security Hackathon” competition, an international-scale technology playground co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, the Embassy and Consulate General of the Netherlands, and the UEH Institute of Innovation (UII).(Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A1mR1FUeU/)

Music exchange activities at the Smart Library

Open Knowledge Space – Convenience for Everyone

UEH Smart Library is designed as an open and comprehensive learning ecosystem where everyone – from UEHers including students, lecturers, and the community – can access knowledge quickly, conveniently, and equally. Along with UEH Library app, the information portal smartlib.ueh.edu.vn serves as the centralized platform for accessing all library resources and services, including:

+ Online catalog (OPAC) at opac.ueh.edu.vn providing access to printed and digital books, theses, dissertations, UEH coursebooks, monographs, and reference materials;

+ UEH Digital Repository at https://digital.lib.ueh.edu.vn, which contains academic publications and internal scholarly works for online reading and remote searching;the domestic and international publications of UEHers with restricted access conditions.

+ “Ask Us Now” service, an online support and feedback channel available within 24 hours, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.

The library space is designed to be user-friendly and equipped with accessibility features such as wide walkways, priority seating, and screen reading software to support people with disabilities, enabling everyone to study and conduct research conveniently. The library staff are professionally trained to provide assistance to users with special needs when required. All of these efforts contribute to realizing the spirit of “Build Communities”, creating a smart, friendly library that serves the community and promotes a lifelong learning society

Knowledge Dissemination and Social Impact

UEH actively disseminates academic knowledge to the community through open publications and digital platforms. The UEH Academic Branding Program – “Research Contribution For All” – shares research projects, reports, and podcasts on the Future UEH platform, enabling the public to freely access research outcomes related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The podcast series has introduced more than 200 topics and 100 SDG-related studies, reaching over 500,000 engagements. In addition, the Proceedings of Student Scientific Research Development (PSSID) are publicly available on youth.ueh.edu.vn, allowing scholars and researchers to easily access, reference, and apply the knowledge produced.

Through its smart library system, UEH has realized its commitment to being a “University for the Community,” expanding academic accessibility, and promoting a learning society and sustainable development.

In 2023, UEH primarily focused on introducing the Smart Library model and affirming its openness for community visits. By 2024, the university had completed its public access system fully aligned with the three levels defined by the THE Impact Ranking: free access, access after application, and access under specific circumstances. The technological infrastructure has been expanded to deliver a more comprehensive and inclusive user experience. Notably, UEH has made its mark through knowledge dissemination initiatives and open academic collaboration — welcoming delegations from domestic and international universities (NEU, Lincoln New Zealand), and organizing community events such as the Digital Security Hackathon, workshops, and talk shows. These efforts affirm the role of the Smart Library as a public knowledge hub, contributing to the development of a learning and sustainable society.

Open related links:

1. UEH Smart library: https://smartlib.ueh.edu.vn/

2. November 23th, 2024 – A Visit on University Management Exchange between UEH and NEU: Solidarity – Cooperation – Development: https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/a-visit-on-university-management-exchange-between-ueh-and-neu-solidarity-cooperation-development-73040

3. December 21st, 2024 – Highlights of the “Lincoln University Student Exchange Program at UEH 2024”: https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/highlights-of-the-lincoln-university-student-exchange-program-at-ueh-2024-73248

4. Digital security hackathon: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A1mR1FUeU/

5. Online Public Access Catalog: https://opac.ueh.edu.vn/

6. UEH Digital Repository: https://digital.lib.ueh.edu.vn/

7. Future UEH: https://future.ueh.edu.vn/en/ueh-research-contribution/

8. UEH Youth: https://youth.ueh.edu.vn