For any questions please contact the AU Library Circulation Desk. (circulation@american.edu or 202-885-3221)
Common Terms:
Book Barcode: A 14-digit barcode number located on the inside back page of AU Library books. An AU Library barcode will say "The American University" above it. This is the barcode one scans when checking out AU Library Books.
ID Card Barcode: The 14-digit number located below the photo on an AU ID - NOT including the A & B.
Desensitize/Deactivate:
A security strip is embedded into each library book. When a book is checked out, it must be “desensitized”/"deactivated" so that it will not set off the alarm when it leaves or enters the library.
What if my ID doesn't scan?
If your ID doesn't scan, type in your barcode number. This is a 14-digit number located below the photo on your AU ID. DO NOT include the 'A' and 'B' at the beginning and end, respectively, of the number. (The 14-digit number is 2119402 + your 7-digit ID number.)
I type in my ID number, and it says "Login Failed - Invalid patron identifier", now what?
Make sure you type in the entire barcode number. This is a 14-digit number located below the photo on your AU ID. DO NOT include the 'A' and 'B' at the beginning and end, respectively, of the number. (The 14-digit number is 2119402 + your 7-digit ID number.) Your 7-digit ID number is not linked to the self-checkout system.
I've opened my account, but I get an angry beep & a red light when I try to checkout the book.
There is likely something going on with your account, you may be over the maximum fines limit or otherwise have an issue preventing you from checking out books remotely. You will need to come to the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library for help.
The machine / my phone say the barcode isn't found, what's going on?
Make sure you're scanning the correct barcode. Book barcodes are located on the inside back back of AU Library books (not on the back cover). AU barcodes also say "The American University" above the barcode. If the problem persists, please contact the Circulation Desk.
No locations are available when I open the app.
Make sure you've turned location services ON/allowed the app to use your location. The app is geographically sensitive and will not work if you are out of range of an AU Library Location.
Why do I beep when I try to leave the building after checking out the book?
Likely, the book wasn't desensitized properly. Make sure you desensitize the book on the kiosk near the Circulation Desk. You do this by sliding the spine of the book along the Self-check kiosk and scanning the book's AU barcode under the barcode reader. Wait until the light on the reader turns green - then you're good to go!
The book is checked-out to my account, and I slid it along the desensitizer, but I still beeped when I tried to leave, what gives?
Likely, the book wasn't left along the desensitizer for long enough. Make sure you hold the spine of the book along the machine until the light on the machine turns green.
Why would I use the Self Check App/Kiosk?
Why not? But really, it's useful when the Circulation Desk is closed (like over night!), when there are long lines, or you don't want to talk to anyone, but want to check out a book! It's also useful that you can check-out the book anywhere in the library - just remember to bring it to the self check kiosk to desensitize before leaving!
The iPad isn't working, what can I do?
The iPad and the desensitizing machine work independently of each other. You can still check out books using your smartphone/tablet and then you can still desensitize the book(s) even if the iPad isn't working.