The American Library, Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours?

The American Library is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The library is closed on Indian and American Holidays. Please see the Holiday list.

What are the telephone numbers for contacting the Library?

The board number is 91-11-23472000. Alternatively you may call directly Reference Desk at 91-11 23472115 or 23472116; Circulation and Membership Desk at 91-11- 23472119 or 23472298.

Where is the library located? Which is the nearest metro station?

The American Library is located at 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg (next to the Hindustan Times Building), New Delhi 110001. The nearest metro station is the Barakhamba Metro Station.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Library?

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 security regulations and produce a valid photo Identification (ID) at the 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. The American Center will only accept original IDs and not photocopies.

Who all can become members of the library?

The library membership is open to anyone 16 years of age or older who is a resident of North India.

Can I visit the library if I am not a member?

You are welcome to visit the library even if you are not a member. However, if you want to come to the library regularly they you will have to become 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.

How do I join the Library?

To becoming a member you need to fill up an online application form and pay the enrollment processing fee. You also need to provide current residence address proof in the form of driving license, passport, identity card or voter identity card, passport or PAN Card.

Can I pay the membership processing fee thru payment gateways on web?

Right now, regret, there is no facility to pay the fees online, however, we are working on it.

What are the membership fees?

The membership processing fee is Rs.400/- for one year and Rs.700/- for two years. The Institutional membership fee is 4000/- for one year and 7000/- for two years.

Can I pay my membership fee through credit card?

The library accepts membership processing fee in cash or by bank draft drawn in favor of the American Embassy, New Delhi. This fee can also be paid by credit/debit card at the American Library.

How many items can I check out at a time?

As a member you can borrow four books for four week, two periodicals for two weeks, two DVDs for two weeks and 2 CDs for two week.

Do I have to have my card with me to check out materials?

If you forget to bring your card, you can check out materials by presenting a picture ID. To speed checkout, we strongly suggest that you bring your library card with you.

What if I lose my library card?

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.50/-.

How can I renew the items on my card?

You may renew your materials online through the "My Library Account" button in the Library Catalog (amlibindia.state.gov). Books charged on your account will be renewed for two weeks from the current due date, or, in the case of an overdue item, two weeks from the date you submit your request. Please make a note of the new due date. Books not in demand may be renewed up to three times. A book which has reservations on it will not be renewed. DVD/Periodicals and books on inter library loan are not renewed.

You may also renew items by calling us at 23472119 or sending us an e-mail at libdel@state.gov.

How much are overdue fines?

The overdue fine is one rupee per item per day. The overdue fine for DVDs is Rs.5- per day per day.

What if I lose or damage something I borrow?

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.

Can I use the library services from home?

You can check the library catalog, login your library account online at http://amlibindia.state.gov. You can renew your books and reserve titles online.

What are the other services I can access using the library online system?

Other than renewing and reserving library material, you can create My List of library material and save it for future use.

I am a member of the American Library Delhi. I plan to shift to other metro in India. Can I use my card in any of the other three American Libraries in India?

You can use our New Delhi 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.

Can I use my American library card in other countries?

No, you cannot use our library card in other American libraries located outside India.

How are the books arranged in the library?

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.

Can the library buy the book I want from U.S.?

We do not sell books. Library provides a listing of leading book dealers in Delhi, 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 give your suggestion either by email or at the reference desk.

How do I subscribe/ unsubscribe to the mailing list of the American Library/American Center for information about upcoming events programs?

You just need to drop a line at libdel@state.gov

Can I bring my internet enabled device or laptop to the library to access internet services?

You are welcome to visit us and access high speed internet access at workstations or use Wi-Fi, however access to electronic services is restricted to registered members only.

Where do I ask if I have a question?

The Reference Desk acts as the point of contact for enquiries. Ask the Reference Librarian for assistance in locating and searching the library material. You may also fill in our online Reference Request Form or call us at 91-11-23472115, 23472116 or email libdel@state.gov.

Can someone show me how to research a topic?

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 staff there will refer you on to appropriate resources.

What electronic resources are available to me?

The Library subscribes to a range of online databases and CD-Rom databases to help you with your research. Library subscribes to Ebscohost, Proquest, Factiva, Lexis-Nexis and Jstor and Gale 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.

How do I apply for a U.S. visa?

The American Library does not handle visa enquiries. Please contact the Consular Section of the American Embassy at 2419-8000 or e-mail at infousdelhi@vfshelpline.com or visit the visa pages.

Is there a student adviser in the library who can help me with information about universities and courses in the United States?

We do not have a student adviser in the library however we do have university and scholarship directories which you can go through to find information that you need. To meet a Student adviser you can visit USIEF (United States - India Education Foundation). The phone number for USIEF is 42090909 you can also e-mail at adviser@usief.org.in or visit them at www.usief.org.in

Embassy of the United States New Delhi, India

Resources

Frequently asked Questions for Library