Our collection
Athabasca University Library and Scholarly Resources has a variety of collections that serve AU students, faculty, staff, and alumni in research and lifelong learning. Our recent collection growth has focused on digital subscriptions and acquisitions, and we continue to maintain our physical collections, including select course materials.
The collection has been developed primarily for two purposes:
- to support courses and programs
- to support research in online and distance learning
We also have open digital collections that can be viewed by the public.
Archives collection
The Thomas A. Edge Archives & Special Collections has records created by and about Athabasca University and its affiliated organizations, as well as private records donations. Areas of special interest include distance education, women’s issues, and grassroots environmental organizations. Records are available for use by researchers including textual records, photographs, audio, video, maps and artifacts.
Research databases
AU Library subscribes to over 200 research databases, providing access to full text e-books, journal articles, streaming video, art, and more. We also locate and provide links to numerous other websites relevant to AU research and study.
Journals and magazines
Through AU Library, you can access over 100,000 full text online journals and countless other journal citations and Open Access journals. There are also a number of periodicals available in print or on microfilm, including newspapers.
Books and e-books
AU Library’s collection has over 250,000 e-books available. These books are selected to support courses and programs and include both subscription and purchased items that are used as course texts.
Our print books number over 100,000 and are often consulted or loaned and shipped to AU learners.
Audio-visual
Audio-visual is an important component of course curriculum and AU Library has a substantial collection of streaming audiovisual materials. We also maintain a physical collection of DVD and CD course materials that may be borrowed by students.
New materials lists
AU Library is continually adding new materials to our collection that represent the latest publications and newest research. Visit this page to view our lists of new books and ebooks, updated monthly.
Updated August 23, 2021 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)