Social Work Research at a Distance

As a UIUC student, you have access to the vast resources of the I-Share catalog, which allows you to search the combined holdings of 65 academic libraries throughout the state of Illinois. Once you find what you need, you can then request that the item be sent to the library nearest you for pickup.

SEARCHING THE CATALOG

How Do I Find...? is a guide to help find books, journals, journal articles, dissertations and much more at UIUC. There is also a series of online handouts available.

Should you need additional help using the online catalog, you can request it online through the Ask-A-Librarian service or call the library phone center at 866-262-1510 (toll-free).

REQUESTING ITEMS

You can request that an item in the catalog be sent for pickup to any ILCSO member library through the online request feature. First, locate the item and verify it is available at one of the I-Share libraries. If it is, click Request on the upper menu bar. Select your home library ("Univ. of Illinois-UC"), and enter your patron ID (the 14-digit number on your i-card, beginning with 20111) and last name. After logging in, click OK to request the first available copy. On the next screen, you will be able to select which I-Share library to have the item sent to, and the location within that library at which you would like to pick up the item. I-Share requests usually take about 5-6 working days to fulfill, and you will receive an email when the item is available for pickup.

The I-Share online help system provides a more detailed walkthrough of the request procedure. You may also request assistance from the library phone center at 866-262-1510 (toll-free). A complete list of I-Share member libraries is available here. Remember, you can request that items be sent to any of these institutions for pickup.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What if I can't find what I need through the I-Share catalog?

  For books unavailable via the online catalog, the Academic Outreach Library will place an interlibrary loan request for students. Use the AO Library's Material Request Form (login required) to access this service.

• Is there a distinction between a book acquired through an ILCSO request and an interlibrary loan book?

  This is somewhat confusing, but yes, there is a distinction. Any books acquired within the I-Share network are not considered interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan books are those from outside the I-Share network, and must be requested via the Academic Outreach Library.

• How long can I keep books I've checked out?

  Loan periods vary depending on the school loaning the material, and can range from 4-16 weeks for I-Share materials. Interlibrary loan material has a 3 week loan period and is nonrenewable.

• How do I keep track of what I have checked out?

  The online catalog has a My Account feature (accessed via the link in the top menu bar). Login to your account by selecting your home library ("Univ. of Illinois-UC) and entering your borrower ID (the number beginning with 20111 on your i-card) and last name. You can then see a list of everything you have checked out, and view the status of any requests you have placed. You can also renew books online through My Account. (Online renewal policies vary depending on the library lending the book. If you have trouble renewing online, call the phone center toll-free at 866-262-1510.)

• How do I return materials?

  Non-interlibrary loan material may be returned in-person to any I-Share member library. You can also return material directly to the Academic Outreach Library via an insured carrier (FedEx, UPS, U.S. mail). Material borrowed by students during on-campus visits can also be returned to the AO Library; they'll make sure it gets back to the lending library. Interlibrary loan material should only be returned directly to the AO Library.

Questions?

• Contact us!