Online Reference Help by Email:
Mon – Thu 10am – 5pm CT
Borrowing Physical Collection:
Tue & Wed 9am – 4pm CT on campus or by appointment
For information contact:
Balsam Haddad
AIC Head Librarian
library@aicusa.edu
773-281-4700 ext.209
Library Fall Semester Hours & Contact
As a result of the ongoing pandemic, the library has adjusted its hours of operation.
Library
The mission of the academic library is to support American Islamic College’s students, various theological schools, and researchers in world religions. The library at AIC is specialized and has a good collection of books and journals covering diverse fields in Islamic Studies, General Theology, History of Religions, Middle Eastern & Global Studies, Social Sciences, among others. The collections are in English, Arabic, Persian, and Urdu.
As affiliate members of the Association of Theological Schools, AIC has been recognized by the Association of Chicago Theological Schools. Therefore, members of the AIC community have access to theological libraries affiliated with the ACTS consortium.
The AIC library provides resources for study and research for students and faculty members. The AIC library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with various neighboring universities. Contact the librarian for details.
AIC users (faculty, students, staff) must have an institutional ID from AIC with a valid date of expiration.
Circulating Materials
AIC patrons who have registered for borrowing privileges can borrow any of the library’s circulating materials. Non-Circulating Materials Periodicals and reference books are for in-library use only. Two copiers, one with scanning capability, are available in the library.
Reserve Books and Materials
Books and materials placed on class reserves are to be read or photocopied in the Library. Students may borrow two items at a time for in-library use only. If a book is needed for Reserve or recalled by another patron it should be returned immediately.
Loan Periods
The loan period for books is 30 days with one renewal of 30 days.
The loan period for AV materials is 7 days with one renewal of 7 days.
Book Renewals
Renewals are the responsibility of the patron and can be done by computer either in the library or remotely by accessing the My Account button in the library catalog.
Fines
Three days after the due date, books are fined at .25¢ per day/per book up to a maximum of $5.00 per book. Books recalled for Reserve should be returned immediately, or will be subject to a fine. Books not returned in (5) working days will be charged $5.00 per book per day.
Lost / Damaged Books
Replacement charges for lost/damaged books include the price of the book plus a $15.00 processing fee and a $5.00 late fee if applicable. The library staff will determine the need for replacement of a damaged book. The out-of-print book charge is $100.00 or the prevailing price of the book in the used book market, plus a mandatory-processing fee of $15.00. Books that were assumed lost, and are found and returned to the library are subject to the overdue fee of $5.00 and/or a book processing fee of $15.00 for each book. Fees for lost books that are returned to the library within 6 months of payment will be refunded.
Computers and Wireless Access
There are six computers dedicated for library research. AIC patrons can use these to check the online catalog or look for periodical articles or other research material. AIC patrons may access the Library’s electronic resources only while in Library buildings, due to site licensing agreements. While in Library buildings, AIC patrons may use Library computers or the Library’s wireless network to access electronic resources and networked printing. In addition, there are several lab computers set up in the Northwest corner of the library. The printer is located near the lab computers.