Usually, yes. If you’re off campus, you’ll need to sign in with your Avila username and password to access library databases, articles, eBooks, and other licensed resources. Please make sure to remove @avila.edu from the end of your username.

When using a library computer or the AURESERVE wireless network, many resources will recognize you as an Avila user and may sign you in automatically.

Some library tools allow basic searching without signing in. However, access to full text and other features may require authentication.

If you’re having trouble signing in, please contact the library for assistance.

If you’re having trouble signing in to a library database, try the following:

1. Verify your username and password.

Use the same credentials you use for Canvas and MyAU. Do not include @avila.edu as part of your username.

Example usernames:

• Student: smith543210 (last name + student number)
• Staff: smithja (last name + first initial, and sometimes middle initial)

2. Test your Avila account.

Try signing in to Canvas or MyAU. If the same username and password work there but not in a library database, contact the library for assistance. If you are unable to sign in to Canvas or MyAU as well, contact IT Services.

The best place to begin is with the library’s databases or Search Everything. These tools provide access to scholarly articles, books, and other sources selected for academic research.

When evaluating sources, look for indicators of quality such as:

• Publication in a respected academic journal.
• Evidence and citations that support the author’s claims.
• Peer review by other experts in the field.
• Authors with expertise on the topic.
• Recent publication dates, when appropriate for your field of study.

One of the easiest ways to find scholarly sources is to use the Peer reviewed button or filter.

If you’re unsure whether a source is appropriate for an assignment, library staff can help you evaluate it.

For most academic research, library databases are the best place to start. They provide full-text access to scholarly articles, eBooks, and other resources selected specifically for academic research. Library databases also include advanced search tools and filters.

Google Scholar searches scholarly content from across the web and can help you discover additional articles and citations. However, many Google Scholar results lead to content that requires payment to access.

If you regularly use Google Scholar, we recommend installing LibKey Nomad, a browser extension. When the library has access to an article, LibKey Nomad adds a convenient Full Text button, helping you bypass paywalls and access content through Avila’s subscriptions.

The library offers two ways to get help with your research: Quick Support and Research Consultations.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” style=”font-size:20px”>Quick Support</h3>

For quick questions, stop by the Circulation Desk, call (816) 501-3621, email library@avila.edu, or chat with us online. Most questions can be answered in just a few minutes, whether you need help finding a source, accessing a database, or troubleshooting a library service.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” style=”font-size:20px”>Research Consultations</h3>

For more in-depth assistance, schedule a one-on-one research consultation with a librarian. Research consultations are ideal for complex projects, literature reviews, database selection, citation assistance, and other advanced research needs.

Appointments may be scheduled through Navigate or by emailing the Library Director directly at thomas.pfeifer@avila.edu.

If the Avila Library doesn’t have the resource you need, there are two ways to obtain it from another library: MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

MOBIUS

MOBIUS includes more than 70 libraries in Missouri and nearby states. It is usually the fastest and easiest way to borrow physical items such as books and DVDs, and requests are always free.

Best for: Books and DVDs.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

If an item is unavailable through MOBIUS, Interlibrary Loan can request materials from libraries throughout the United States. ILL can obtain books, journal articles, book chapters, dissertations, audiovisual materials, and other resources.

Best for: Articles, items not available through MOBIUS.

If you find a book on the shelves that you would like to borrow, simply bring it to the Circulation Desk and library staff will check it out for you.

Many of Avila’s books are stored in our closed stacks located in O’Rielly Hall. These materials cannot be browsed in person but are available for checkout. Use the Avila Library Catalog to search for these items. When you find a book you’d like to borrow, visit the Circulation Desk and library staff will retrieve and check out the item for you

Most library services are free for current Avila students, faculty, and staff. This includes borrowing materials, accessing databases and eBooks, using study rooms, receiving research assistance, and requesting materials through MOBIUS and most Interlibrary Loan services.

Charges may apply for lost or damaged items, overdue equipment and course reserves, copying, printing (beyond your Avila allotment), and a small number of Interlibrary Loan requests.

You can view your current holds, checkouts, and library fees through the Holds & Checkouts page in My dashboard within the Avila Library Catalog.

To access Holds & Checkouts, click My Bookshelf near the top of the Avila Library Catalog, or select any link labeled My Library Account on the library website.

You will be asked to sign in using your Avila username and password, the same credentials used for Canvas, MyAU, and Navigate.

If you are unable to sign in or notice incorrect account information, please contact the library for assistance.

Placing a hold allows you to request an item for pickup, join a waitlist for a high-demand item, or borrow materials from other libraries through the MOBIUS Catalog.

Library staff can place holds for you, but many people find it easier to place holds themselves through the Avila Library Catalog or MOBIUS Catalog:

1. Find the item you would like to request in the catalog.
2. Select Access Options.
3. Choose Place Hold.
4. If using MOBIUS, select Avila University as your library.
5. Sign in with your Avila username and password if prompted.
6. Select Avila University as your pickup location.
7. Click Place Hold to submit your request.

Once your request is submitted, library staff will retrieve the item and notify you by email when it is ready for pickup.

Contact the library if you have trouble placing a request or encounter an error.

You can renew books and many other library materials online through the Holds & Checkouts page in My dashboard within the Avila Library Catalog.

To renew materials online:

1. Sign in using your Avila username and password.
2. Open the Checkouts tab.
3. Review your current loans.
4. Click Renew next to the item you would like to extend.

If the renewal is successful, a new due date will appear for the item.

If you are unable to renew an item online, please contact the library. Staff may be able to assist you or renew the item on your behalf.

To return borrowed items, visit the Circulation Desk during library hours and hand them to a staff member.

Once your items have been returned, no additional action is required.

If you have questions about your account, circulation staff can review your current checkouts, due dates, and fees. We especially recommend this if you are returning an overdue item or a material previously marked as lost.

When the library is closed, books and DVDs may be returned using the outdoor drop box labeled Book Depository, located to the right of the library’s front entrance.

Note: Please do not place laptops, calculators, peripherals, or other fragile items in the outdoor drop box. These materials must be returned directly to library staff.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” style=”font-size:20px”>Loan Periods for Students</h3>

• Books: 28 days with up to 2 renewals
• Reference Books: In-library use only
• Calculators: Until the end of the semester
• Camcorders: 28 days with up to 2 renewals.
• Course Reserves: Loan periods vary; most items are for in-library use only
• Faculty DVDs: In-library use only
• Student DVDs: 28 days with up to 2 renewals
• Headphones: 6 hours with up to 1 renewal
• Interlibrary Loan Items: Loan periods are determined by the lending library
• Laptops and Accessories: 6 hour or 14 days with up to 1 renewal
• MOBIUS Items: 28 days with up to 2 renewals
• Periodicals (Journals, Magazines, Newspapers): In-library use only

Unless otherwise noted, renewals extend the loan period by the same amount of time as the original checkout.

Note: Staff and faculty may be eligible for longer loan periods. Contact the library for details.

Overdue policies vary by material type:

• Books and DVDs: No late fees are charged, but replacement costs may apply if an item is considered lost.

Technology items and course reserves: Late fees apply because these items are in high demand and often needed by other users.

Items that remain overdue for an extended period may be declared lost. When this occurs, borrowing privileges may be restricted and replacement charges may be added to your account.

Tip: Renew or return items before their due date to avoid late fees and replacement charges.

Most required textbooks and course materials are not obtained through the library. Instead, they are provided through BibliU or the Avila Bookstore.

Electronic course materials are typically available through the BibliU Course Materials link in Canvas. Print materials may be picked up from the bookstore in the Marian Center.

If you have trouble accessing your course materials, visit the bookstore or go to support.bibliu.com.

The library may have selected textbooks available for short-term use through Course Reserves. You may also be able to borrow textbooks from other libraries through MOBIUS.

The library provides 16 Windows desktop computers and 6 Mac desktop computers for use by Avila students, faculty, staff, and guests. Desktop computers are located in the library’s main room and quiet study area and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To use a desktop computer, sign in with your Avila username and password. Guests may request computer access at the Circulation Desk.

Laptops are also available for checkout to current Avila students, faculty, and staff. Most laptops have a 6-hour loan period and may be renewed once for an additional 6 hours. Longer-term loans may be available upon request.

Printing is available for current Avila students, faculty, and staff. When printing, be sure to select LIB-SLOAN as your printer.

• Students receive $30 in printing credits each semester and may purchase additional credits at the Circulation Desk.
• Faculty and staff have unlimited printing.

There are two ways to print:

• Print from a personal laptop: Go to print.avila.edu and select Web Print from the menu.
• Print from an Avila computer: Use the standard print function in your application.

Note: Printing from a personal device has a few limitations. Files must be PDFs or image files, and all documents will print double-sided and in black and white.

If you need assistance with printing, please visit the Circulation Desk.

The library’s LIB-SLOAN printer can both scan and copy documents.

Scanning to email is free:

1. Place your documents on the flatbed scanner or in the document feeder.
2. Enter your email address, select your preferred settings, and press Start.
3. If using the flatbed scanner, press # when you are done scanning to send your document.

Copying requires staff assistance and has a per-page charge. We recommend scanning documents to your email and then printing copies as needed. This allows you to use your print credits and provides you with a digital copy that can be saved, shared, or printed again later.

If you need assistance with scanning or copying, please visit the Circulation Desk.

Many library study rooms include TVs that allow you to share your laptop screen for presentations, group projects, and collaborative work.

To connect, open MirrorOp for Windows and select the TV you would like to use. You can choose the TV from the available device list or enter an IP address shown on the TV. When prompted, enter the connection code (also shown on the TV) and begin sharing.

MirrorOp for Windows is free to use, launches in seconds, and does not require installation or administrative privileges.

If you use a Mac or need assistance connecting to a study room TV, please visit the Circulation Desk.

The Avila IT Department maintains a Help Desk in the library. If you need assistance with your Avila account, computer, software, network access, or other technology-related issues, visiting the Help Desk is often the fastest way to get support.

If no staff member is available at the Help Desk, you can still contact IT by submitting a ticket through the IT Services website or by calling (816) 501-2900.