Library FAQs

How do I request materials from the Library?

You can contact the Library Information Desk in Athabasca in person or by e-mail, phone, fax, or mail. When making a request, please provide your full name, student ID number, the course name and number, and a daytime telephone number. You can also request library materials directly from the Library's online catalogue.

What is the loan period for materials borrowed from AU Library?

The standard loan period is four weeks. In some cases, materials reserved for specific courses will have an extended loan period. Reference materials and journals cannot be borrowed.

Does AU Library provide photocopy services?

Photocopies of requested journal articles and sections from non-circulating works will be made for students. Requests for copies of journal articles must include a complete bibliographic citation for each item requested.

Can I renew borrowed materials?

Borrowed materials may be renewed twice online, unless another user has requested the item. To do so, please go to the View Your Account page on the Library website. If you need additional renewals, please contact AU Library.

How are library materials sent to me?

Library materials are normally sent to your mailing address. The package will include a pre-addressed, return-mail card to accommodate the return of the materials to AU Library. You can also arrange to pick up or return library materials at the AU locations in Calgary or Edmonton. Arrangements for special delivery or courier of library materials will be made for you at your expense.

As an AU student, can I use other libraries?

Yes. Most libraries are open to the public on a walk-in basis, and most of their materials will be available for in-house use. AU Library participates in two reciprocal borrowing programs which allow in-person borrowing privileges for AU students, faculty, and staff. To learn more about these programs refer to the Library's Web site or contact the Library Information Desk.

What are the Library's hours of operation?

The AU Library Information Desk is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MT).

How do I contact the Library when it is closed?

When the Library is closed, or if the phone lines are busy, you can leave a voice-mail message on the Library's phone system. The system accepts voice-mail messages at all times. You may also contact the Library Information Desk by e-mail or fax at any time. A staff member will usually respond to your call within 24 hours or by the next business day.

What online resources does the AU Library have?

AU Library subscribes to a substantial number of databases and e-book collections that can be accessed by AU students, faculty, and staff. A list of our online resources is provided on the Library's Web site.

What if I have difficulty connecting to a database?

If you encounter difficulties connecting to a database or other electronic resource, please contact the Library for assistance.

How do I learn to use a database?

AU Library has created a number of tutorials geared towards helping students learn how to search Library resources. These can be found in the Help Centre. Library catalogues and online databases have similar structures: both can be searched by author, title, subject, or keyword. In addition, most databases have Help files that give tips on the most effective ways to search the particular database. If you encounter problems or have questions, please contact the Library.

How do I learn research skills?

The Help Centre on AU Library’s website can provide you with a number of resources that will help you develop research skills. Some of the basic steps include:

• Decide on a research topic, and broaden or narrow your topic as necessary.
• Develop a search strategy.
• Do a literature search.
• Critically evaluate your search results based on currency, relevancy, and authority (of the author).
• Gather the needed material.
• Write the paper, and rewrite as necessary.
• Cite all sources of information using an appropriate bibliographic style.

What is a bibliographic style?

A bibliographic style is a standardized method of citing and inserting quotations and preparing footnotes or endnotes. It also includes presenting a reference list or bibliography of works consulted in the process of preparing your research paper. The three bibliographic styles commonly used by academic writers are the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual, the Modern Language Association (MLA) Style Guide, and The Chicago Manual of Style. Examples of each of these styles can be found in the Help Centre under "Citing & Referencing".

You must always cite the source of any information you use or refer to in your research papers. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism. AU Library has copies of the style guides listed above. If you are unsure of which style to use, check with your tutor or learning facilitator.

Does AU Library impose fines for overdue material?

No, the Library does not impose fines for overdue materials. However, you are encouraged to return your materials in good time or request to renew them. If you do not return your borrowed materials to the Library, you will eventually be invoiced for any outstanding items. Non-return of library materials may prevent you from registering in other courses or from receiving other AU services such as your grades or transcripts.

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Student & Academic Services - Last Updated October 11, 2012