Comprehensive development of Abu Dhabi University’s libraries with access to international databases

Abu Dhabi University has completed a comprehensive development plan for its libraries on both its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses. The university has enhanced both the libraries with over 75,000 titles and reference works, in addition to 100 E-databases.

Dr. Mustafa Abdel Wahid, the Abu Dhabi University Director of Libraries, explained that the university libraries play a key role in the educational process as a link between the university and other universities and educational centers around the world. He pointed out that ADU’s libraries include more than 75,000 titles and reference works in both English and Arabic, in addition to around 100 specialized databases, electronic resources and a wide-range of international databases such as EBSCO, ProQuest, JSTOR and ScienceDirect . These databases give students and faculty members access to unlimited data in all fields, he added.

The libraries at ADU provide direct support through database sources related to academic programs offered at various colleges to provide students with a knowledge-based environment. Students can choose from a wide range of database sources related to their areas of ​​specialization. The other part of direct support is related to faculty members who are well-aware of the accessibility of these sources and therefore can provide guidance to students and assist them in dealing with e-resources while selecting the most appropriate sources.

Dr. Mustafa said that preparations at ADU’s libraries on both campuses are based on outstanding international standards which give students the privilege of having many services such as online borrowing of books and references and remote access by students using their university IDs from any place around the world. These unique services are made possible at ADU through direct cooperation with international universities around the world.

Dr. Mustafa pointed out that there are more than 250 computers within ADU’s libraries on its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses which provide a state-of-the-art environment for students during their visits to the libraries. Other services such as online databases and counseling services to students through different social networks like FaceBook and Twitter are also accessible, and students have the opportunity to send their requests to the library’s website where queries will be answered promptly by library science specialists. Queries vary as students ask about scientific reference, specific subjects and questions related to graduation projects which usually require a large list of databases and information sources.

Libraries also provide other support services such as organizing orientation workshops for students on how to use the library and e-databases and how to save time and effort in searching for information sources. A number of library specialists visit students in classrooms to inform them about the latest updates related to searching for information sources, whether using traditional ways of research or through internet and e-databases.

It should be noted that the number of visitors to the libraries have increased dramatically from less than 10,000 in December 2010 to 50,000 in March 2011 when the development plans for the libraries were implemented.