This study explored the experiences of Muslim Arabic-speaking women international students (MASWIS) using a qualitative design method. A phenomenological approach included face-to-face interviews with five MASWIS who live in Chicago and three focus groups with seven additional participants (two groups in person and one online.) The data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), which provides a tool for deep analysis of data gained through purposive sampling. The study found that MASWIS needed information from books and databases for class assignments but faced obstacles when using American academic libraries: reluctance in asking for help, difficulty using open stacks, and lack of prayer rooms inside academic libraries. The study ends with implications for understanding MASWIS' American academic library experiences. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]