Throughout the remainder of the semester, many of the Library’s resources will be available online for students to access at home. Whether you need sources to complete a research paper or relax with a streaming film, we are here to assist you in every way possible. Here is everything you need to know about our online resources:

Research Assistance

Research Assistance is available online. The chat will be open during regular hours to answer any questions you may have. You can also text (571) 248-7542 or send us an email. Visit this page for more information!

Online Databases

Using the Library’s search engine, you can find the vast majority of our electronic resources including scholarly journal and newspaper articles, books, videos, maps, manuscript collections, music scores and more.

Here are some tips to generate results for online resources quickly and efficiently:

1. Use “AND” to combine keywords and phrases when searching rather than using an entire sentence.
2. Use filters to refine your search. In the sidebar on the left, find Availability and select the check box Available online to generate online-only results.

Be sure to open all databases through our website, which will allow you to sign in and be authenticated. Students outside the U.S. may encounter issues accessing some databases and must use the AU VPN.

Course Reserves

Be sure to check if any course reserve materials are available online. In Blackboard, head to your class page and select “Course Reserves” from the sidebar. Under Reserve Items, select Show Details for each material. Once inside, select the link that says Click here for current availability. If there is an online version, there will be a link that says Available Online.

Media Services

Under the library home page, select Media Services to gain access to streaming video, visual media, sound effects and other online media. For a complete list of streaming content, select the Streaming Video link or search using the keyword “streaming video”.

Music Library

The Music Library has an additional tab under the library home page. Here, you can find links to streaming music and video from the Naxos Music Library, Naxos Jazz, Music and Dance Online, BroadwayHD and others. Feel free to use the chat feature or email ajstead@american.edu to reach out with any questions!

Be sure to follow the Library on social media for continued updates.