Introduction to HEC's Digital Library
1. What are Basic Resources?
These resources are provided to universities, colleges and other academic and research institutes as a bundle package. The details are available at https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/Basic-resources.aspx
2. What are Premium Resources?
These resources are provided to limited public and private sector universities/institutes based on demand and availability of licenses. The detail are available at https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/Premium-resources.aspx
Access and Registration
3. How can my institution register for the Digital Library?
Institutions can register by applying online via https://research.hec.gov.pk. Approval is granted based on eligibility and subscription requirements.
4. Can individual researchers register directly for the Digital Library?No, individual licenses are not available. Access is only granted through institutional licenses.
5. How can I find out if my institution is already subscribed?
Visit the "Institutional Focal Person" page https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/IFP.aspx or contact your library/IT department.
Access Methods and Technical Support
6. How can I access HEC Digital Library?
If you institution is part of HEC Digital Library Program. You can use the following links using the institutional network to access the digital contents
Basic Resources:
https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/Basic-resources.aspx
Premium Resources:
https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/Premium-resources.aspx
In case of any query, reach out to your institutional focal person or ndlp@hec.gov.pk
7. Does it required username and password to access the Digital Library?Access is IP-based, meaning users must be connected to their institution's network to gain access. Institutions provide their public IPs to HEC to ensure access within their premises. No user and password are required.
8. What should I do if my institution has access, but I cannot download content?
Check if your institution's name appears on the resource provider's page. If it does and access is still restricted, the material may not be included in your institution's subscription. You may lodge a request to institutional focal person to review the situation. The detail is available at HEC Digital Library Institutional Focal Person
Resource Availability and Subscription
9. Does the HEC Digital Library offer full access to all subscribed resources?
No, access depends on the institution's subscription. Service providers offer various packages, and access is determined by the specific subscription agreements.
10. Is the HEC Digital Library is free? The HEC Digital Library is offered to the Higher Education Institutions and all desirous organizations on a cost-sharing policy which can be perused at https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/Applicable-Charges.aspx 11. What is the period of subscription?
Period of Subscription for DL is one year from January to December.
12. If my institution applies after inception of the subscription period say during June or July, will there be a reduction / pro-rating in cost-sharing policy?
No, as no pro-rating is offered by the service providers, same is not extended to the subscribers as well and even if an institution joins in June or July or any other month during a given calendar year; full cost-sharing fee shall be applicable and payable.
13. Can we make partial payment for DL charges?
Full upfront cost-sharing amount shall be paid for activation of DL services.
14. What other modalities are linked with activation of access to DL?
After applying online via https://research.hec.gov.pk, request is considered on its merits and email confirmation is granted followed by a cost-sharing bill and an agreement to be provided by the applicant (applying institution) on a stamp paper of Rs. 100/-. This agreement outlines the modalities and other terms and conditions to be followed during the course of subscription.
Requesting Access to Specific Content
15. I need an article from a Premium Resource that my institution does not have access to. How can I get it?
You can request the article by emailing ndlp@hec.gov.pk. Requests are processed in accordance with the service provider's terms, but the provided content is for single-use only and cannot be shared with any other individual or entity.
16. Can my institution renew its Digital Library subscription?
DL subscription to Basic Resources does not need yearly renewal and it is automatically renewed unless the institution desires to unsubscribe within 90 days of closure of the given calendar year. However, for Premium Resources, yearly consent is obtained from the institutions.
Other Queries
17. I have a degree attestation query; can I contact the Digital Library for help?
No, the Digital Library does not handle degree attestations. Please reach out to the relevant department for degree-related queries through https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
18. How can I find my institution's focal person for the Digital Library?
Visit the "Institutional Focal Person" page at https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DL/Pages/IFP.aspx to find your institution's designated contact person.
