Answering questions.

If a library visitor asks us:

• Who can use the library?

A polite way to reply would be to say:

• Members of the Thammasat University community.

If the visitor wants to know who is included in the TU community, we can add:

• People with Thammasat ID cards. Undergraduates, graduate students, teachers, staff.

Perhaps the visitor is a student at a university in Europe or America, and shows us an ID card from that university. We can explain:

• If your university has an exchange agreement with the TU libraries, then we can admit you.

If there is no exchange agreement, or the visitor is just a tourist, then we can say:

• A one-day pass to the TU libraries costs 20 baht.

If the visitor asks how to get a one-day pass, we can inform them:

• Just go to the front counter of the library. Show your passport or national ID card so that our staff can record the information.

If the visitor is a TU graduate, student of other institution, secondary school student in years 4 to 6 or other professional needing to do research, an annual membership may be the best solution. The visitor may ask:

• How much does an annual membership cost?

We may answer:

• It is 500 baht, so if you are planning to visit the library regularly, it is better than paying for one-day visitor passes.

• Can I take out books if I have an annual membership?

• Sorry, but annual members may not take out books.

• If I have an annual membership, can I use any one of the TU Libraries?

• Yes, the membership card is good for entry to any of the TU libraries.

• How can I apply for an annual membership?

• Just fill out an application form at the Pridi Banomyong Library at the Tha Prachan campus or the Puey Ungpakorn Libraryat on the Rangsit campus.

The visitor may not ask if any documents are required to apply for the membership, so it is a good idea to add:

• You will need two portrait photographs measuring 2 inches square, a passport or national ID card, and a letter of authorization from an organization or institute of affiliation.

• But I am a TU graduate. Can I use the library?

• TU Alumni must show a TU membership club or association card to avoid paying the 20 baht one-day fee.

• I am a TU alumnus and I will need to borrow books.

• If you need to borrow books, it is best to apply for associate membership.

• How much is an associate membership?

• An associate membership costs 4,000 baht. To borrow books and other materials, associate members must also leave a 2,000 baht deposit. The deposit will be returned at the end of the membership period, after all borrowed items are back at the library.

• How do I apply for an associate membership?

• Just ask for an application form at the Pridi Banomyong Library, Tha Prachan campus. Be sure to bring two portrait photographs measuring 2 inches, a passport or national ID card, a document showing your educational background, and a letter of authorization from an organization or institute of affiliation.

(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)