Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

• I want to eat and study, can I do this in the library?
• Can Alumni students still use the library?
• Can I reserve a study room?
• It can be noisy in the library. Are there designated quiet areas?

Renewing, Checking in/out Library Items

• I am trying to renew a book online and it is asking for my AUS email username and password, is that my whole email address?
• How can I renew a media item online?
• I checked a book out and it has to be returned in less than 3 weeks, why?
• How many DVDs can I have at one time?
• Can I check out periodicals or reference items?
• I can’t seem to check items out on the self check items, why?

Finding Library Items

• I need to read an article in a periodical that isn't on the shelves, how can I access it?
• I need a book that is located in the “Oversized Reference” or "Oversized General" shelving, where is that?

Information Commons

• How can I connect my laptop to the AUS wireless network?
• I need to install a program onto one of the library computers, where can I do this?

Registration, Enrollment and Holds

• I can’t register for a class because of a hold, how can I remove it?
• I have a hold for a late book, but I need to enroll in a class today and the book is at home, what can I do?

General Information

I want to eat and study, can I do this in the library?

Eating is not allowed within the library, please consult the Food and Drink policy for details.

Can Alumni students still use the library?

Yes, you may borrow 20 items for up to 2 weeks.

Can I reserve a study room?

The Study Rooms are only reserved during the weeks leading up to exams. Otherwise it is a first come first served basis. For more information see our Library Rooms and Zones page.

It can be noisy in the library. Are there designated quiet areas?

There are a few reasons for the noise. First, the library building's three-story atrium allows noise to carry to all floors. Second, although libraries are known for being quiet areas for individual study, they also need areas for collaborative learning such as the Information Commons, Reference and group study rooms. These areas generate noise.

To compensate, the library has designated the top floor as a quiet study zone i.e. no mobiles and no group discussions. For those who need absolute silence, two "No Talking" zones have been created, the Arabic Collection on the first floor and the Periodicals area on the second floor. These glass-enclosed areas have a strict no noise policy and will be patrolled by staff. For more information see our Library Rooms and Zones page.

Renewing, Checking in/out Library Items

I am trying to renew a book online and it is asking for my AUS email username and password, is that my whole email address?

No, to access your library record use just the first part of your AUS email address, leaving off the @aus.edu portion.

How can I renew a media item online?

This is not possible, media items can only be checked out for 1 week and are not renewable.

I checked a book out and it has to be returned in less than 3 weeks, why?

Either the book is on a restricted 3 day loan, and must be returned within 3 days, it will have a green dot on the spine of the book. Or the book has been recalled by another patron placing a hold on it, the item will then need to be returned although you are guaranteed a minimum of one week for items from the general collection.

How many DVDs can I have at one time?

You may have up to 5 DVDs at one time on your account.

Can I check out periodicals or reference items?

Only Faculty may check out periodicals or reference items.

I can’t seem to check items out on the self check items, why?

If the machine does not give you a message directing you to the circulation desk then it is not reading your ID card. This maybe because the barcode on your ID is worn down, you will need to get a new card or check your items out via the Circulation desk then. Otherwise you should contact a staff member and have them show you the best method for using the machines.

Finding Library Items

I need to read an article in a periodical that isn’t on the shelves, how can I access it?

The vast majority of our periodical collection is stored electronically and can be accessed from the web page through Journal Finder or by searching individual databases.

I need a book that is located in the “Oversized Reference” or "Oversized General" shelving, where is that?

Oversized Reference is located on a dictionary stand on the 1st floor near the Library Admin Office. Oversized General is in the same area on 2nd floor, near the ND section. Oversized General books are marked by an orange dot on the spine and will be found on their own bookcase.

Information Commons

How can I connect my laptop to the AUS wireless network?

Simply follow the instructions in the link.

I need to install a program onto one of the library computers, where can I do this?

You may install programs onto the computers in IC1 and IC2 on the ground floor, however it will automatically delete it when you turn the computer off.

Registration, Enrollment and Holds

I can’t register for a class because of a hold, how can I remove it?

You may have a hold for one of two reasons, you may have fines exceeding 100 Dhs, or you may have a book that is overdue for more than 4 weeks. You will need to pay the fine or return the book before the hold will be lifted.

I have a hold for a late book, but I need to enroll in a class today and the book is at home, what can I do?

Come and see the shift supervisor and we will remove the hold for a few hours, just long enough for you to enroll. However you must return all items and clear all fines before you graduate.