The Library and Documentation Department of Kocaeli University, formerly known as the Engineering Academy Library affiliated with Yıldız University until 1992, operated as a small library with a closed shelf system housing around 5000 books. With the establishment of Kocaeli University in 1992, professional library services commenced, and in 1994, initial steps were taken towards becoming a digital library. Computer and CD-ROM databases were provided to facilitate academic researchers in social sciences and engineering with access to international journal articles. Additionally, printed periodical subscriptions were increased, enhancing the printed journal collection.

In 1995, our department became the first unit at our university to connect to the internet via the telnet system. What began with a single terminal evolved into an uninterrupted journey, expanding annually to 80 computers with continuous and unlimited internet access. Our library, which also offers wireless internet access, transitioned all library services to computer-based systems in 1999, and the library catalog became accessible online.

The database collection, which started with CD-ROMs in 1994, reached the level of major university libraries with online database subscriptions in 2001, enabling access to thousands of journals that could be searched over the internet. Through the EKUAL (Electronic Resources National Academic License) Consortium established by ULAKBİM and ANKOS (Anatolian University Libraries Consortium), access to numerous important databases was secured. Books are shelved according to the open shelf arrangement and classified using the Library of Congress Classification System (LC).

Our library, which has fully transitioned to automation in all its services, protects its collection with a security alarm system. You can access our collection not only through the catalog search tab on our library website but also via the mobile application 'Pocket Library' that you can download to your devices.

The Library and Documentation Department of Kocaeli University continues to provide services, adapting to evolving technologies, with the Umuttepe Central Library having a seating capacity of 500 and four Unit Libraries (Faculty of Medicine Library, Faculty of Law Library, Anıtpark Library, and Arslanbey Library).