Visitor Accounts
Friends of the Library, OLLI members, and alumni should use this button to access your account:
The library is an open access facility. We are pleased to offer a multitude of services for all members of the greater Washington, DC area. Visitors may use Bender Library until closing or until 11pm when the library is operating 24 hours. While on-site, you have access to select databases and electronic resources, as well as professional assistance from reference librarians and subject specialists. Visitors are welcome to read or use any of the books in our collection.
In order to access the internet and AU's electronic resources, you will need to show a valid government issued photo ID at the Circulation & Course Reserves Desk for a daily use login. These logins expire at midnight of the day they are issued. If it is your first time using the library, a guest account will be created for you at that time.
AU offers two different options for individuals/groups to purchase borrowing privileges from our library:
Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at American University have borrowing privileges for up to 25 books at one time from the library's general collections. The loan period for books is 4 weeks, and they can be renewed 3 times via your My Library Account, by phone, or in person.
OLLI instructors may also borrow certain DVD titles for class use. This is restricted to low use and easily replaceable titles and requires the prior approval of a Media Services supervisor.
American University Library participates in the OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program. Visiting faculty from participating research libraries are eligible to borrow from our general collection. Faculty must pre-register for an identification card at their home institution before coming to AU to set up their account.
Friends of the Library, OLLI members, and alumni should use this button to access your account: