Goldsmith Library

The Goldsmith Library at AIT is an integral part of the institute and it plays a central role in academic life. It supports the educational and research activities of the institution by providing a comprehensive information service. In recent years the library has taken on an educational role by providing instruction in the use of information technology.

We have a purpose-built modern library which contains 400 study places and a total book stock of some 29,000 volumes. The library currently subscribes to over 260 print journal titles covering subjects in business, engineering, humanities and science. Information is also available in electronic format. The library subscribes to a number of databases which are accessible through the internet.

The computer room in the library contains open access PCs and internet access, and information sessions are conducted for students. Students are encouraged to conduct research by using the web databases linked from the library homepage. Library users may book a machine and request individual instruction on searching the databases and the internet. Group information sessions are also provided in collaboration with lecturers. In addition, the library has 12 open access PCs with internet connections, which are not subject to booking and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Photocopiers for student use are also available within the library.

The library has an automated circulation system and the computerised catalogue can be searched by means of three public access terminals (OPACs) within the library or through the web (http://libmain.ait.ie). Library staff are available to help students to use the search facility and to answer information queries. Any material not held in the library can be obtained from other libraries using the inter-library loan facility. While there is a charge per item for this service, registered final-year students are entitled to four free inter-library loans per year.