What the University Libraries Can Offer You

The University of Alabama Libraries offers many resources and services to support the academic pursuits of students. This research guide outlines how you can access those resources and services to your own benefit. As your librarian, please feel free to contact me whenever you need assistance while using the library!

Circulation

• Undergraduate students can check out up to 50 books for a 30 day loan period
• You are allowed 3 renewals for any book checked out
• If a title you want is currently checked out, you can still request a copy, and an interlibrary loan will be made.
• If an item you want is not owned by UA Libraries, you may place an Interlibrary Loan request to borrow it from another library
• You can also check out audiovisual equipment at the Circulation Desk as well

Sanford Media Center

• The SMC provides consultations and trainings on using audiovisual equipment
• Facilities include a recording studio and individual whisper booths for audio projects like podcasts
• Computers at UA Libraries also have specialized software for graphic design, engineering, programming, video production, etc.

Ask-A-Librarian

• Students can ask librarians questions via email or through our Ask-A-Librarian chat service
• Librarians are now providing one-on-one Zoom consultations
• UA Libraries also has dozens of video tutorials on how to use certain databases
• If you have never been to Gorgas, you can take a virtual tour of the library to find out where to study or access resources