Written by Samar Mikati (2024)

INtroduction

The American University of Beirut hosts several libraries, including the main Jafet Memorial Library. This is where you’ll find AUB’s Archives and Special Collections Department. This department is dedicated to preserving the institutional and regional heritage by collecting essential primary sources and significant research materials that document the history, development, and operations of the University and its community, as well as the broader history of the country and region.

The Jafet Memorial Library offers extended hours, remaining open 24/7 during reading periods, while the Archives and Special Collections Department, included in Jafet,  operates from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

The American University of Beirut has two campuses one in Beirut, Lebanon, where the Archives is located, and a newly inaugurated campus in Cyprus. Grab a taxi heading towards Ras Beirut to reach the Main Gate on Bliss Street in the Hamra neighborhood.

GETTING IN

You’ll need prior permission from the library staff to enter AUB. Just fill the visitors’ form on the library’s website, and you should be contacted by the staff by email  within a short period. They will then grant campus access by notifying the Protection Office at the Main Gate.

To access the AUB campus, approach the security staff at the Main Gate and let them know that you’re going to the Jafet Memorial Library. Bring your ID and, ideally, the email from the library staff, showing that you have an appointment with the Jafet Memorial Library.

Finding your material

The collections may be searched through multiple platforms: the online library catalog or physical finding aids accessible online. Beware that many manuscripts, posters, periodicals, as well as AUB newsletters and reports, are also available for remote access by researchers (for more, visit Digitized Collections).

Ordering your material

Archives, books, posters, photographs and periodicals can be requested from the library staff and accessed on-site. Access to the AUB Manuscript Collection is also available on-site via microfilm or digital copies.

Ordering scans

Researchers are permitted to take a limited number of photographs of the requested materials. However, there is no onsite scanner available for user access. If any material requires scanning, the researcher must inform the librarians. A special form will be completed, and the scanning will be performed by a professional digitizer at AUB Library for a fee. Once the process is finished, the scanned files can be delivered via email, online file transfer service, or USB. In some cases, some files can be requested remotely by email.

Food and well-being

The AUB campus features several cafeterias, with the nearest one to Jafet Memorial Library located in Ada Dodge Hall. Alternatively, head out on Bliss Street and explore the many cafes and restaurants in Hamra.