With changes in library staffing due to retirements and other vacancies, we are using this opportunity to rethink and streamline some existing service models while considering or planning new services as part of the library’s strategic planning process. While the desk is closing, services are not going away - we are just changing where some services are located and how they are being offered.

DVD’s and Blu-rays can be borrowed at the Circulation and Course Reserves Desk on the first floor of the library. Most media can be requested through the library catalog and held for pickup at the desk.  Required course materials can be borrowed at the desk along with all of our other physical course reserves.

Through careful analysis we’ve determined that many of our laptops are borrowed as a convenience service and less so for actual need. The reason we began offering this service was to help our students and faculty who had need for a device because their own was inoperable or they did not otherwise have access to a device. For this reason, we will no longer be offering laptop borrowing as a daily walkup service. All of our computers will now be available, by request, for long-term loan.

Students will have access to our 85 Chromebooks and adjunct faculty will have access to our 20 laptops by contacting their department to request a computer on their behalf. Once arrangements have been made, these devices can be picked up and returned at the Circulation and Course Reserves Desk on the library’s first floor.

We will also no longer be offering laptop chargers for loan. Instead, the library will be purchasing charging stations that will be available at selected study areas across the library.

Our circulating audio/visual collection, including cameras, microphones, audio recorders, tripods and lights, will be available for instruction and pickup in the library’s Makerspace.

Other peripheral technology, such as calculators, headphones, DVD drives, HDMI cables, and HDMI and VGA adapters, can be borrowed at the Circulation and Course Reserves Desk on the first floor of the library.

We will no longer be offering USB or lightning chargers for loan. Instead, the library will be purchasing charging stations that will be available at selected study areas across the library.

Absolutely. It continues to be our mission to support the research and teaching needs of AU students, faculty, and staff. Though we buy fewer DVD’s, as we continue to transition to a more digital world, we will continue to purchase and facilitate access to our DVD collection in addition to enhancing our robust collection of streaming media titles.

Both DVDs and streaming videos can be reserved for your course through Canvas Course Reserves, through this library webform or by contacting Media Services at mediaservices@american.edu. For more information on booking media for pickup, assigning viewings, or scheduling screenings, visit our faculty services webpage.

Questions around changes to these services can be sent to Rob Kelshian, Director of Access Services for the University Library – calvin@american.edu.

Questions about purchasing media titles for courses, general questions about our media and technology collections, or borrowing laptops can be sent to Sean Casey, Media Services Manager – mediaservices@american.edu.

Questions about borrowing DVD’s or other peripheral items can be sent to circulation@american.edu.