AUS Library introduces new services to deliver knowledge to students’ homes

Students at American University of Sharjah are benefiting from new services that bring the AUS Library’s wealth of information directly to their homes.

While studying remotely, AUS students can use the library’s website to easily order scans of book chapters or journal articles to be sent to them by email, keeping within copyright guidelines, or to request general collections materials such as books for courier delivery to their UAE residence. Borrowed books can be conveniently returned either by courier or to a drop box located just outside campus. Faculty members and students living on campus can also use this service to request materials, which can be collected from the Library Foyer or delivered to their campus residence.

Students and faculty have long had online access to vast resources through the library’s website, such as ebooks and databases with thousands of journal articles. The new services are providing access to even more materials, some of which are normally available only by visiting the library in person.

“We had been discussing some of these services even before the remote working and learning period began. Delivery services have flourished in the last five years and we are keen to be a part of delivering the library and our resources, to where our community lives and learns—in the dorms, on campus, in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the country!” said Kara Jones, AUS University Librarian.

She added: “AUS students and faculty have a fantastic resource in their library building, filled with inspirational space and key resources to support their academic studies and research. Some of these resources are not available electronically. These new services will assure that many students can still access the print materials equitably and quickly. The academic community can find the library online at library.aus.edu to access all of our ebooks, discipline-specific databases, and online course guides.” 

For those needing library assistance, help is always at hand, with expert information professionals available by email, phone and virtual meetings. Ghada ElAbbady, who is the Circulation Supervisor at the library and has been working remotely since March, said: “AUS Library circulation services are now being provided online to offer on-hand support. We are just a call or email away to assist our students.”

Additionally, the library is offering a full slate of online workshops during the semester on topics that will help students and faculty with their research.