AUC’s Libraries and Learning Technologies includes the Main Library, the Rare Books and Special Collections Library, Classroom Technologies and Media Services, Academic Computing Services, and the Center for Learning and Teaching. These constitute a vital component of the university as they provide access to resources, information and services for students, faculty and scholars from Egypt, the Middle East and worldwide — services designed to promote innovative, technologically advanced teaching and learning.
Main Library
AUC boasts the largest English-language research collection in Egypt. The university’s Main Library — designed with open stacks and a fully automated catalog system — features more than 400,000 volumes, including thousands of e-books, more than 1,700 current periodical subscriptions and more than 80 databases providing access to an additional 6,000 periodicals. Library services include research instruction and assistance, and document delivery of resources obtained from other libraries. Students can take advantage of more than 100 public access computers, a wireless computer lab and a laptop loan program.
Rare Books and Special Collections Library
The Rare Books and Special Collections Library (RBSCL) is housed in a restored turn-of-the century villa on Sheikh Rihan Street. RBSCL operates as a scholarly research facility and a teaching resource center specializing in the civilizations of ancient, medieval, and Modern Egypt and the region. The current holdings of over 35,000 books and extensive collections of manuscripts, photographs, slides, maps and plans attract researchers from around the world. The special collections include the Creswell Collection of Islamic Art and Architecture, and the collections of Max Debbane, Selim Hassan, Labib Habachi, Mahmoud Saba, and most recentlythe collections of Egyptian architects Hassan Fathy and Ramses Wissa Wassef, and renowned photographer Van Leo. The Rare Books and Special Collections Library also houses the university archives.
Center for Learning and Teaching
The Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) promotes excellence in teaching, including the effective application of technology to the teaching/learning process. CLT supports faculty in their efforts to enhance the quality of their instruction by providing them with the opportunity to rethink their teaching, explore the effective application of technology to the
teaching/learning process, and help create a stimulating learning environment. CLT keeps a spotlight on teaching through a variety of programs, services, workshops and lectures, including orientation for new faculty, a bi-monthly newsletter, instructional design consultations, and the Student Technology Assistant program which provides one-to-one training and support for faculty who want to innovate their teaching by using diverse instructional technologies. CLT is also a strong advocate of academic integrity on campus and contributes to its enhancement by administering the plagiarism detection software, Turnitin.com, as well as conducting dedicated workshops for both faculty and students.
Classroom Technologies and Media Services
Classroom Technologies and Media Services provides media and instructional technology support to all academic departments of the university. The department provides necessary equipment and maintains a collection of non-print materials, including films, DVDs and videocassettes. CTMS supports 46 smart classrooms and lecture halls, 22 of which are specialized for videoconferencing, student computers or language instruction. Technical assistance and training in the use of media is available to all faculty and students.
Academic Computing Services
Academic Computing Services (ACS) provides computer services to all AUC faculty, staff, researchers and students. Services include providing necessary computing facilities, management of public-access computer labs, technical support and training, management of a licensed software library for popular desktop software for the whole community, software installation and trouble-shooting, web and application development, and support for the use of computing technology in instructional programs. ACS also provides a range of research and development support services including technology tracking and specialized training and consulting, and offers workshops and seminars to faculty, staff and students on a regular basis, aimed at all skill levels. ACS also organizes community awareness programs and annual events.