Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh: The Premier Library in Aligarh
Welcome to Maulana Azad Library, the central library of the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and one of the most renowned library in Aligarh. Known for its vast and invaluable collections, Maulana Azad Library is a hub of academic excellence, research, and intellectual pursuit. Whether you are searching for a library near to me, a study library near me, a public library closest to me, or a government library near me, Maulana Azad Library stands out as a beacon of knowledge and learning in the heart of Aligarh.
Introduction: A Legacy of Learning
Maulana Azad Library is not just a repository of books; it is an institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of India. Established as the central library of AMU, it is named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Minister of Education in independent India. The library is ISO 9000:2015 certified and is celebrated for its extensive collections of manuscripts, rare books, and artifacts. With a collection of about 14 lakh (1.4 million) volumes of books and subscriptions to leading research journals and databases, it is a cornerstone of academic and research activities in the region.
Vision and Mission
Vision
The vision of Maulana Azad Library is to cater to the informational, academic, and research needs of the university fraternity and, by extension, the global community. It aims to empower AMU to achieve excellence in teaching, learning, and research by providing access to world-class resources.
Mission
The mission of the library is to deliver user-oriented library services that enhance the teaching, learning, and research activities of AMU. By offering high-quality academic and research resources, Maulana Azad Library supports the intellectual growth of students, faculty, and researchers.
Collections and Resources
Maulana Azad Library boasts an impressive collection of over 1.4 million books, making it one of the largest academic libraries in India. Its holdings include:
Manuscripts and Rare Books: The library is home to invaluable manuscripts and rare books, many of which are unique to the subcontinent.
Modern Volumes: A vast selection of contemporary literature across disciplines such as science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.
Research Journals and Databases: Subscriptions to popular research journals and databases ensure that users have access to the latest scholarly work.
Special Collections: The library houses special collections related to Indian history, culture, and Islamic studies, making it a treasure trove for researchers.
In addition to the central library, AMU has more than 110 college and departmental libraries, including the Engineering College Library, Medical College Library, Social Science Cyber Library, and Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College Library. This network ensures that every student, academic, and researcher has easy access to the resources they need.
Library Services
Maulana Azad Library is more than just a collection of books; it is a dynamic institution offering a wide range of services to its users:
1. User-Oriented Services: The library is committed to providing services that meet the needs of its diverse user base. This includes:
Reference and Information Services: Expert librarians are available to assist with research queries, literature searches, and bibliographic support.
Inter-Library Loan: Users can request materials not available in the central library from other libraries within the AMU network.
Orientation Programs: Regular orientation sessions help new users familiarize themselves with library resources and services.
2. Digital and E-Library Services Recognizing the importance of digital resources, Maulana Azad Library has launched the AMU eLibrary on the Refread platform. This digital library provides access to:
e-Books and e-Journals: Thousands of electronic books and journals from world-renowned publishers.
Video Lectures and Expert Talks: Multimedia resources to support diverse learning styles.
Theses and Dissertations: Full-text access to theses and dissertations produced by AMU scholars.
Open Access Resources: A curated selection of open access materials to support research and learning.
The eLibrary can be accessed from anywhere, anytime, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers both on and off campus.
3. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Maulana Azad Library is committed to making its resources accessible to all. The library has subscribed to "Sugamya Pustakalaya," a collaborative effort to end the book famine faced by people with print disabilities. Visually impaired students can register on the portal and access over 653,234 books in 17 languages, maintain individual reading shelves, and download books in chosen formats.
4. Plagiarism Detection and Writing Assistance:To support academic integrity, the library provides plagiarism detection facilities through Turnitin and DrillBit (provided by UGC). Additionally, faculty and research scholars can request accounts for Grammarly, an English writing assistance tool.
5. Special Services and Initiatives: Bibliography On Demand (BOD): This service, announced by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, provides curated bibliographies to researchers and organizations, helping them access relevant literature efficiently.
One Nation One Subscription (ONOS): From January 2025, the library offers access to over 13,000 journals from 30 publishers through this central sector scheme of the Ministry of Education.
Statistical Data Repository: The library provides access to socio-economic and industrial datasets through the INFLIBNET Centre, supporting data-driven research.
Awards and Achievements
Maulana Azad Library has received numerous accolades and recognition for its contributions to the academic community:
Top Contributor to the National Digital Library of India (NDLI): The library’s digital resources are widely used across the country.
Shodhganga: Maulana Azad Library was a top contributor to Shodhganga in 2015 and currently ranks as the sixth largest contributor, with over 10,194 full-text Ph.D. theses uploaded.
ProQuest/Theses Highest Usage Award: AMU is the winner of this prestigious award, reflecting the high demand for its research outputs.
User Access and Membership
Maulana Azad Library is open to students, faculty, and researchers of AMU, as well as to the wider academic community. Library membership can be obtained by filling out an online membership form, granting access to all library resources, facilities, and services.
Additional Resources and Tools
Parliament Digital Library: Developed by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, this resource provides access to parliamentary debates, committee reports, and speeches from 1952 to 2024, as well as historical debates tracing the history of Indian parliamentary institutions since 1854.
ANUVADINI: This AI-powered translation tool supports 22 regional Indian and foreign languages, helping to break down language barriers and promote inclusivity.
Online Data Analysis Tool: Developed by the INFLIBNET Centre, this tool allows users to analyze socio-economic and industrial data using R programming.
Why Visit Maulana Azad Library?
Whether you are a student looking for a quiet place to study, a researcher seeking rare manuscripts, or a member of the public interested in exploring a world-class library near me to study, Maulana Azad Library offers:
- A vast and diverse collection of books, manuscripts, and digital resources.
- State-of-the-art facilities and user-friendly services.
- A peaceful and inspiring environment for learning and research.
- Accessibility and inclusivity initiatives for all users.
- Expert support and guidance from qualified library staff.
How to Get There
Maulana Azad Library is located within the Aligarh Muslim University campus, making it easily accessible to students, faculty, and the public. If you are searching for a public library closest to me or a government library near me, Maulana Azad Library is your best option in Aligarh.
Conclusion
Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh is more than just a library; it is a symbol of knowledge, learning, and intellectual curiosity. With its rich collections, cutting-edge digital resources, and commitment to inclusivity, it stands as a testament to the enduring value of libraries in the digital age. Whether you are a student, researcher, or lifelong learner, Maulana Azad Library welcomes you to explore its treasures and discover the joy of learning.
Visit Maulana Azad Library today and experience the best library in Aligarh—your gateway to knowledge and academic excellence!
Gallery
Opening Hours
| Open | 24 x 7 Hours |
|---|
Recent Questions and Answers
Have a question? Ask away!
Related Listing
