Abu Dhabi University’s libraries increases titles to over 100,000

The libraries at Abu Dhabi University’s campuses have been updated in their collection of print and electronic books, and reference works to include over 100,000 titles in both English and Arabic languages, covering various topics that meet the needs of teaching and scientific research throughout the University. The update is part of a comprehensive development plan that the university has implemented in libraries on its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses. This includes building a new collection that covers the history, civilization, culture and traditions of the United Arab Emirates. 

Dr. Mustafa Abdel Wahid, Director of Libraries at Abu Dhabi University asserted that the libraries have modernized several of the initiatives that cater to the needs of teaching and scientific research. An example is, the University’s “Subject Guides" which provides over 360 guides to information resources such as books, research papers, print and electronic references and dedicated websites that have been collected in advance and classified according to each specialization and courses offered at the university. Topics include: environmental health and safety management, engineering, education, natural sciences, philosophy, marketing, electronic engineering, human resources management, languages, etc. 

Dr. Abdel Wahid went on to explain that ADU’s library subject guides are the largest to be offered in any university in the UAE and the region. He added that the “Subject Guides” initiative has been a great success among students and faculty members, registering over 20,000 hits during the academic year 2010-2011. 

Dr. Abdul Wahid pointed out that as part of its comprehensive development plan, the library has also increased it’s subscriptions to specialized electronic databases to include over 100 resources that faculty and students can access remotely from anywhere around the world using their university IDs. In addition, the library’s information literary services has been enhanced to include specialized workshops that acquaint students with the most effective techniques in using print electronic databases and references. 

“These developments have become a big success amongst students and faculty members as we witnessed a remarkable boost of around 500% in the number of materials borrowed from the library, in addition to a dramatic increase of 1625% in the usage of electronic resources registering over 700,000 searches”, added Dr Abdul Wahid.