AMERICAN LIBRARY FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Library
- When is the Library open?
- What are the telephone numbers for contacting the Library?
- Where is the library located? Which is the nearest bus stop?
- Do I need an appointment to visit the Library?
- Who all can become members of the library?
- Can I visit the library if I am not a member?
- How do I join the Library?
- What are the membership fees?
- How do I pay my membership fee?
- How many items can I check out at a time?
- Do I have to have my card with me to check out materials?
- What if I lose my library card?
- How much are overdue fines?
- What if I lose or damage something I borrow?
- The book I need is listed not in Chennai but other Centers in your catalogue? How can I access it?
- I am a member of the American Library Chennai. I plan to shift to other metro in India. Can I use my card in any of the other three American Libraries in India?
- Can I use my American library card in other countries?
- How are the books arranged in the library?
- Can the library buy the book I want from U.S.?
- Do you have books for children? If yes, could we borrow them?
- How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe to the mailing list of the American Library for information about upcoming events programs?
- Can I bring my Internet enabled device or laptop to the library to access Internet services?
- Do you have audiobooks in your collection?
- Where do I ask if I have a question?
- Can someone show me how to research a topic?
- What electronic resources are available to me?
- How could I know about Saturday Matinee? Can I bring my family member/friends with me?
- How do I apply for a U.S. visa?
- Is there a student adviser in the library who can help me with information about universities and courses in the United States?
The American Library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The library is closed on Indian and American Holidays. Please see the Holiday list.
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The board number is 044-2857 4000. Alternatively you may call directly Reference Desk at 044-2857 4017 or 2857 4089, and the Circulation and Membership Desk at 044-2857 4223 or 2857 4321.
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The American Library is located at 220, Anna Salai, (near Gemini Circle), Chennai 600 006. The nearest bus stop is Gemini Circle.
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The library is open to general public during its open hours. No prior appointment is required to visit the library. All visitors are requested to conform to entry requirements and produce a valid photo Identification (ID) at the Cathedral Road entrance. Acceptable photo IDs are: passport, driver's license, voter ID card, Permanent Account Number (PAN Card), government/ employer issued ID, or college/university issued ID. We only accept original IDs and not photocopies.
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The library membership is open to anyone 16 years of age or older who is a resident of South India.
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You are welcome to visit the library even if you are not a member. However, if you want to come to the library regularly, we would encourage you to enroll as a member of the library. You will need to bring an identity card when you visit us. If you are not an Indian citizen, you will have to bring your passport for identification.
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To become a member you need to fill up an online application form and pay the enrollment processing fee.
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The membership processing fee is Rs.400/- for one year and Rs.700/- for two years. The Institutional membership fee for non-profit Institutions are Rs.2000/- for one year, Rs.3,000/- for two years and for profit Institutions it is 4000/- for one year and 7000/- for two years.
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The library accepts membership processing fee in cash or by bank draft drawn in favor of the American Consulate General, Chennai.
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As a member, individuals can borrow four books for four weeks, and back issues of two periodicals for two weeks. Institutions can borrow upto 20 books for four weeks and 5 DVDs for two weeks.
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We strongly suggest that you bring your library card with you.
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Report your lost or stolen library card to the Library as soon as possible to prevent others from charging materials to your account. You are responsible for all items charged to your card until its loss is reported. Staff can issue a new replacement card the next time you visit the library. Duplicate card processing fee is Rs.25.
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The overdue fine is one rupee per item per day.
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If library material is lost, replacement cost of the lost item will have to be paid by the member. The library cannot accept replacement items in lieu of lost items. Items returned with damage that warrants withdrawal from the collection will be treated as lost.
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We will arrange to get it on interlibrary loan without any fees.
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You can use our Chennai Library card for reading books in the library and using the Internet, if you are visiting for a short duration. However, if you plan to stay longer, please request your home library to transfer your membership to the library you plan to shift.
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No, you cannot use our library card in other American libraries located outside India.
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The books are shelved according to Dewey Decimal System. You can check the location of the books by the decimal numbers on the spine of the books. If you have trouble finding the books you want, ask a reference librarian for help.
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We do not sell books. The library provides a listing of leading book dealers in Chennai, who are known to procure U.S. publications. Ask at the Reference Desk for possible assistance. However, if you want to have a particular book added to the library collection, you can suggest either by email or at the reference desk.
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Yes. Recently we started adding books for Children. You are welcome to borrow them.
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You just need to drop a line at chennairefdesk@state.gov.
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For security reasons, patrons will not be allowed bring such equipment. However, you are most welcome use our computers to access the Internet.
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Yes, we do have.
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The Reference Desk acts as the point of contact for enquiries. Ask the Reference Librarian for assistance in locating and searching the library material. Or you can call or email us at 044-2857 4017, 2857 4089 and chennairefdesk@state.gov.
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Yes, the Library has staff who can introduce you to the most relevant print and electronic resources, for your subject. Just ask at the Reference Service Desk if you would like this type of individual help and we will refer you to the appropriate resources.
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The Library subscribes to a range of online databases and CD-ROM databases to help you with your research. We subscribe to Ebscohost, Proquest, Factiva, Lexis-Nexis and Jstor and Gale databases. We recently added eLibraryUSA (a virtual library with 22 databases). However please note that access to the select databases is available to members only at the library workstations. Please contact Reference Desk for possible assistance.
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Our website lists the Saturday matinee. http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/satmatinee.html. We also inform our members through email and SMS. You are welcome to bring your family/friends. Please follow the entry requirements mentioned above.
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The American Library does not handle visa enquiries. Please contact the Consular Section of the American Embassy at 2857 4000 or visit our website: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/visas.html
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You are welcome to check our university and scholarship directories to find information that you need. To meet a Student adviser you can visit USIEF (United States - India Education Foundation) located on the same floor as the library. Direct phone number for USIEF is 044-2857 4423/4131 you can also e-mail at usiefchennai@usief.org.in