The library has started its operation in 1993, when UTHM was known as Pusat Latihan Staf Politeknik, with 5 staffs, 5,000 copies of books and a small two-storey building, left by the Politeknik Batu Pahat, which could accommodate about 120 seats.

To support the increasing number of users, the library building has been extended to provide more reading area in 2000. The extension has increased the floor space for reading to 200 seats. With the opening of branch library at the Town Campus in 2004, and B5 Library (above the Bursary Office) in 2006, the seating capacity has been increased to 500.

The development of library collection in various fields, especially in science and technology, has been intensified to support the learning, teaching and research activities. Currently the library has acquired about 130,000 copies of books, 4,000 titles of thesis, 500 titles of journal, 50 titles of magazine and 12,000 copies of audio-visual materials. The library has also subscribed 23 online databases and 4 electronic books services.

In 2005, the number of staff has been increased to 65 to provide efficient services and to match the increasing number of students. The library automation project has been started in 1997 to provide better and faster services.