Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains information regularly requested at the LAU Libraries’ public services area. Email us if you would like to see a question added to this list.

What is the mission of the libraries?

“The mission of the LAU Libraries is to acquire, organize and disseminate information resources that support the academic curriculum and university research needs, and, to cater to the intellectual and cultural pursuits of the university community.”

Where are the libraries located?

The Riyad Nassar Library (RNL) is a new facility that was inaugurated November 11, 2006. It is located near the Business Building (Beirut campus). The Byblos Library is located in the Science I Building, 1st Floor.

What are the libraries’ opening hours?

Please see “Opening Hours.”

Who can use the library?

All LAU users are welcome provided they abide by library rules and regulations. Non-LAU users are also entitled to in-library use (including photocopying facilities) given that an Entrance to Campus Form is submitted by an LAU member and approved by the appropriate department (Protection Department). Borrowing items from the libraries, browsing the Internet and searching online databases are permitted to the LAU community only.

Can I eat and drink in the libraries?

As of January 1, 2009, certain food and drink items are allowed in most areas of Riyad Nassar Library if consumed according to the Food and Drink Guidelines. However, eating and drinking are not allowed in Byblos library.

Do I need a password to use library facilities?

Yes.

• To access library computers:
  • Username: LAU ID Number
  • Password: Enter your birthdate as follows: DDMONYYYY. Example: 03SEP1980
• To access the Library Catalog:
  • Username: LAU ID Number
  • Password: Follow this syntax:
    1. Faculty, staff, alumni, subscribers: enter the first letter of your first name, ID Number, and the first letter of your last name. Example: John Smith with ID#1999031000 should use “J1999031000S”
    2. Students: enter your birth date as follows: DDMONYYYY. Example: 03SEP1980
• To access all other resources, including Zportal, off-campus access, etc.:
  • Username: LAU email username
  • Password: Assigned

How do I find a book, a serial, a video, etc.?

Use the Library Catalog. You can search by title, author, keyword, series, etc. to find a book or any other item in both the Riyad Nassar and Byblos Libraries. While Riyad Nassar Library has open stacks, whereby users can browse in person the Library collections, the Byblos Library still follows the closed stacks policy. Users should ask the Circulation staff to fetch the requested items.

Can I check out any kind of items from the library? For how long?

Books, CDs, diskettes, videos and films can be checked out of the library according to the libraries’ loan policy. Visit the “Circulation” page for details. Some materials are not for loan, e.g., reference books, serials, etc. Ask at the Circulation Desk for more information about particular items.

How do I get a borrower’s card to check books out from the libraries?

You just need to show your valid LAU ID.

How do I check out a book?

After finding the record of the book requested, look at the availability field. The status of the book (available, on loan, etc.) and its location (Beirut or Byblos) are stated there. At the Riyad Nassar Library, which applies the open stacks policy, you can browse the shelves and select the desired items. At the Byblos Library, write down the complete shelfmark on the call slip (available next to the workstations), and hand it to the Circulation Desk for processing. If it’s available in a different location you can reserve the book online.

Can I borrow periodicals?

No. Magazines, journals, newspapers (Periodicals) do not circulate.

What happens if I lose a library item?

If you lose, damage, or are unable to return library materials for any reason, you will be charged the amount necessary to repurchase and process a replacement. More information is available on the “Circulation” page.

If I am in the Byblos Library can I search for items in the Riyad Nassar Library and vice versa?

Yes. The Library Catalog is a single database for both libraries.

If the book or article I want is on another LAU campus, do I need to go to that campus?

No, you don’t need to travel to the other campus. The libraries provide an inter-campus borrowing service. We will send you books and photocopies of articles if you request so.

How long does inter-campus borrowing take?

Please allow two working days for your materials to arrive.

Can I search the Library Catalog from outside library premises?

Yes. Within LAU campuses, you can access both libraries’ holdings using the Library Catalog.

Can I search the Library Catalog from outside the LAU campuses?

Yes. Visit the libraries main page and click on the Library Catalog link.

How can I get something that the LAU libraries don’t have?

Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Services (ILL/DDS) are services provided by the LAU Libraries to obtain materials such as books, photocopies of articles, theses and dissertations, conference papers and audiovisual materials, which are not available at LAU but are required by faculty, staff, and students for their research or teaching purposes.

Can I recommend new items to be added to the Libraries?

Yes. You can use an online form to order new items from the Acquisitions Department.

How do I know that the libraries have a specific magazine/journal or e-book?

You can search for a specific magazine/journal title or e-book by using the Find It option.

How can I find what is on reserve for my class?

Copies of course materials “on reserve” for all classes can be found at the Circulation Desk.

Do we have electronic reserves?

Yes. This is called e-reserve and it allows you to access the course materials “on reserve” online.

How do I access e-reserve?

To access an item that is on e-reserve go to the e-reserve main page then click on “current materials on e-reserve.” Search e-reserve by instructor’s name, department, or course name and number. Click on the link to your course and type the course password as provided by your course instructor.

How do I place something on reserve?

Faculty members are allowed to place a limited number of books on reserve at the Circulation Desk. As for other materials they should check the information available on the Reserve Materials: Guidelines for Faculty page.

What is the InfoCommons Area?

The InfoCommons Area is a working place in both the Riyad Nassar and Byblos Libraries for LAU students, staff and faculty members who wish to browse the Net, send e-mails, etc.

Do you have computers with word processing?

All computers in LAU Libraries have Microsoft Office installed. In addition, SPSS is available on dedicated PC’s in Byblos library and in the EIC (Electronic Information Classroom, RNL-8th floor).

Can I use my laptop in the libraries?

Yes, you can use your laptop in LAU Libraries. For Internet access your laptop should have a wireless connectivity feature. More information on LAU’s wireless network.

Can I borrow a laptop from the libraries?

Yes. As of Fall 2009-2010, Byblos users will have the privilege to borrow a laptop for a period of two hours (renewable once) and use it in the library premises ONLY.

Is printing available in the libraries?

Yes. Please read these printing guidelines.

Is photocopying available in the libraries?

Yes. Twelve photocopying machines are available. In Beirut, there are seven black-and-white and two color machines. In Byblos, there are three machines. You need magnetic cards to operate them. These cards can be bought within library premises through a vending machine (100 units / L.L. 5,000).

Do you offer help in researching a topic?

Reference librarians are here to help you. You can ask for assistance in person at the appropriate Reference Desk, or online by filling out the Reference librarians are here to help you. You can ask for assistance in person at the appropriate Reference Desk, online through the Chatting Service, or by filling out the“Ask a Librarian” form.

Do you offer orientation classes?

Yes. The library is ready to offer orientation to any class in the university provided it is requested and coordinated with the class’ instructor. This is done by appointment.

What is a citation?

A citation is the information needed to identify a book or article: author, title, date, etc. For books, it will include the publication information; for articles, it will include the periodical title, volume, issue and page numbers. APA style is used at LAU.

What are LALC, AMICAL, and LIDS?

LAU Libraries are members in the following consortia: LALC (Lebanese Academic Library Consortium), AMICAL (American International Consortium of Academic Libraries), and LIDS (Lebanese ILL/DD Services). Areas of interest are: Purchasing and sharing of e-resources, collaborative training, shared course offerings and interlibrary loan possibilities.

What is ZPortal?

ZPortal is a search engine that taps into LAU Libraries resources allowing LAU users to retrieve information from several resources (databases, Library Catalog, selected websites, etc.) in one session and with a standardized look.

What is Kindle?

Kindle is an e-book reader that LAU users have the privilege to borrow and use in the library premises ONLY.

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is an online service which allows LAU faculty members to place course materials and work with students over the Web.

If I need assistance, who can help?

If you need assistance you can ask any public service staff at the Circulation and Reference desks, and at any other library service point.

Who do I contact to:

• Ask about the availability of a book, journal, or other media? kjaroudy@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and nfattouh@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Renew a book or non-print item?  kjaroudy@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and nfattouh@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Put items on e-reserve? eres@lau.edu.lb
• Ask a reference question? skreidieh@lau.edu.lb (RNL), sjldine@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and mtalam@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Inquire about the Libraries e-resources? houeida.charara@lau.edu.lb (RNL +BY)
• Arrange tours and orientations? kjaroudy@lau.edu.lb (RNL), mtalam@lau.edu.lb and nfattouh@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Place an ILL/DDS request? swhabre@lau.edu.lb (RNL+ BY)
• Place an Inter-Campus Borrowing request? lroukos@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and nfattouh@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Donate books, journals, or other media to the libraries? ahajjar@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and gacostantine@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Recommend books or other media for purchase? ahajjar@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and gacostantine@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Recommend journals for subscription? rhage@lau.edu.lb
• Rush processing for any book or other media received by the library? bhajjar@lau.edu.lb (RNL) and ctrad@lau.edu.lb (BY)
• Reserve a conference room? Click here.
• Get help in desktop support? hsalem@lau.edu.lb.
• Make comments and suggestions about the LAU Libraries’ Website? houeida.charara@lau.edu.lb.

Last updated February 22, 2010