In an increasingly digital world, libraries have evolved to stay relevant while continuing to serve as essential resources for students, researchers, and the general public. The AIS (Auckland Institute of Studies) St. Helens Library is no exception. For those who are part of the AIS community, a library card offers access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that go far beyond traditional bookshelves.
This article will explore what the AIS St. Helens Library Card offers, how to obtain one, and the numerous benefits and services that come with it. Whether you’re a student looking to supplement your studies or a faculty member seeking research materials, the AIS St. Helens Library Card can be your key to a world of information.
1. What is the AIS St. Helens Library?
AIS St. Helens is a private tertiary education institution based in Auckland, New Zealand. The institution offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, hospitality management, IT, and English language studies. The St. Helens campus includes a well-equipped library that caters to the academic and research needs of students and staff.
The library at AIS St. Helens is designed to provide a rich learning environment, offering both physical and digital resources to support students in their academic pursuits. In addition to books and academic journals, the library offers a wide range of online databases, e-books, and multimedia resources, all accessible with a library card.
2. How to Obtain an AIS St. Helens Library Card
Obtaining a library card at AIS St. Helens is a simple process, and it is usually part of the orientation procedure for new students. Here are the general steps:
a. Enroll at AIS
Before you can obtain a library card, you need to be an enrolled student or a faculty member at AIS. The library is exclusive to the AIS community, so you need to ensure that your enrollment is active before applying for a card.
b. Visit the Library
Once you’ve enrolled, you can visit the library at the St. Helens campus to apply for your library card. You will need to provide your student ID and other identification documents as required by the library.
c. Complete the Application Process
The library staff will assist you in filling out any necessary forms. Some institutions also allow online applications for library cards, so it’s a good idea to check with the AIS library website or contact the library directly to confirm.
d. Activation
After submitting your application and the required documents, your library card will be issued. Depending on the institution’s policies, your card may be activated immediately, or you might need to wait a short period for processing.
Once your library card is active, you will have access to a wide range of services and resources both at the physical library and online.
3. Key Benefits of the AIS St. Helens Library Card
The AIS St. Helens Library Card is more than just a pass to borrow books—it’s your gateway to a comprehensive array of academic and research tools. Below are some of the primary benefits associated with holding an AIS St. Helens Library Card:
a. Borrowing Privileges
One of the most obvious advantages of having a library card is the ability to borrow physical books, journals, and other materials from the library. With your card, you can check out books for a specific period, renew them if needed, and return them without hassle.
b. Access to Online Resources
In today’s digital world, access to online resources is just as important as physical borrowing privileges. The AIS St. Helens Library offers a variety of online databases, journals, and e-books, all accessible with your library card login. Some popular resources include:
- ProQuest: A comprehensive database with access to dissertations, research papers, and academic journals across various fields of study.
- EBSCOhost: Another database offering a wide range of academic articles and e-books.
- Google Scholar Integration: Use your library credentials to access full-text versions of research papers that are otherwise behind paywalls.
c. Study Spaces
The library at AIS St. Helens provides quiet and well-equipped study spaces for both individual and group learning. As a cardholder, you can reserve study rooms, access computer workstations, and make use of the library’s printing and scanning services. These study areas are designed to foster a productive academic environment.
d. Research Assistance
For students working on research projects, dissertations, or other academic endeavors, the library staff at AIS St. Helens is available to assist in locating relevant resources. This could include helping you navigate through online databases, suggesting research papers, or guiding you through citation and referencing processes.
e. Interlibrary Loans
In some cases, the AIS St. Helens Library may not have a particular book or resource that you need. However, the library is part of a broader interlibrary loan network, allowing cardholders to borrow materials from other libraries in the region. This service broadens the range of available resources, especially for more specialized fields of study.
f. Workshops and Learning Support
The library frequently hosts workshops and seminars aimed at improving study skills, research techniques, and digital literacy. These workshops are typically free to attend for library cardholders and can be an invaluable resource, particularly for first-year students who are still acclimating to the academic environment.
4. How to Use Your AIS St. Helens Library Card Effectively
Having a library card is only beneficial if you know how to make the most of it. Here are a few tips for maximizing the use of your AIS St. Helens Library Card:
a. Set Up Your Online Account
Once you have your library card, one of the first things you should do is set up your online account. This will allow you to access the library’s digital resources from anywhere, manage your borrowed items, renew books, and place holds on items you wish to borrow.
b. Explore Online Databases Early
Online databases are an essential part of academic research. Familiarize yourself with the databases available through the AIS library as early as possible. Take advantage of trial periods or free webinars offered by the library to help you learn how to navigate these resources efficiently.
c. Use the Reservation System
If the library is particularly busy, or if you need to secure a study space, it’s a good idea to make reservations for study rooms or computer workstations in advance. Many libraries offer an online booking system, which allows cardholders to reserve spaces or equipment.
d. Stay on Top of Due Dates
One of the downsides to borrowing materials is the risk of late fees if you forget to return items on time. Keep an eye on the due dates for any books or resources you’ve borrowed. Many libraries offer an email notification system that sends reminders before items are due, helping you avoid any unnecessary fines.
e. Attend Library Events
The AIS St. Helens Library often organizes events, such as guest lectures, study groups, or academic workshops. These can be great opportunities to engage with fellow students and faculty while expanding your knowledge on various subjects. Make it a point to attend these events whenever possible.
5. Managing and Replacing Your Library Card
While library cards are durable, they can be lost, stolen, or damaged. In such cases, it’s important to know how to manage your card and get a replacement if necessary.
a. Reporting a Lost or Stolen Card
If your AIS St. Helens Library Card is lost or stolen, report it to the library staff immediately. They can deactivate the old card to prevent unauthorized use and issue you a new one. You may be required to provide identification or pay a small fee for the replacement.
b. Renewing Your Card
Most library cards at academic institutions like AIS are valid for the duration of your enrollment. However, if you are a faculty member or have completed your studies but still require access to library services, you may need to renew your card periodically. Check with the library for renewal policies.
Conclusion
The AIS St. Helens Library Card is more than just a tool for borrowing books—it provides access to a vast array of digital resources, research tools, and academic support. For students, faculty, and researchers at AIS, the library card is an invaluable asset in their academic journey. Whether you’re studying for exams, conducting research, or simply expanding your knowledge, the AIS St. Helens Library Card opens doors to a world of information and learning opportunities.
