Main Stacks and Central Circulation
Overview
The Central Circulation Department of the University of Illinois handles the circulation and maintenance of the Bookstacks collection. The Bookstacks house a general collection of more than six million volumes. The Central Circulation desk and the entrance to the Bookstacks are located on the second floor of the Main Library.
The Bookstacks are divided in two stacks sections, east and west. The primary entrance to the Bookstacks is located on the fifth level of the east section (Deck 5 East). Directories and maps are posted throughout the Bookstacks indicating the specific locations of call numbers.
A unique mobile compact shelving system is used in the West Stacks to maximize storage space. Instructions for handling the compact shelving are posted throughout the west stacks. If any problems or questions arise about their use, please inquire at the Circulation Desk.
Bookstacks Access
Entrance to the Central Bookstacks is restricted to University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students. UIUC undergraduate students can access the Bookstacks, but they need to come to the Circulation Desk to request a bookstacks pass. At the entrance, they need to present their I-card and bookstacks pass to gain entrance to the Bookstacks.
Requesting a Book
Requesting materials via the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Online Library Catalog and I-Share Online Catalog is available on any computer that can access the Library's web pages. If you need assistance, see instructions on requesting or call the Library Telephone Center at 333-8400. On-site requesting is also available. If you do not want to retrieve the materials yourself, visit the Main Circulation Desk to request materials from the Main Bookstacks, and the materials will be retrieved for you.
For requests placed through the online catalog, you will receive a notice via e-mail or in the mail indicating that the material can be picked up and how long it be held for you.
EOTU Resources in the Main Stacks
A collection of materials about the University of Illinois is housed in the Main Bookstacks. The collection consists of communications, reports and other documents published by the University of Illinois as well as books about the university, its people, and its departments/units.
The call number of these materials begins with C.IL6U and these materials are shelved between 379s and 380s on 10 East. The notable exception is the university’s yearbook, The Illio. Its call number is C.IL6UPI, and the volumes covering the years 1895-1993 are housed on 5 East. Ask at the Circulation Desk for its precise location.
While an excellent collection of materials on the university, especially from the early to the mid-twentieth century, not all materials about the university are housed on 10 East. It is always advisable to search on the UIUC Online Catalog for a more comprehensive view of what is in the Main Bookstacks. If you are having difficulties finding materials, please consult the Information Desk on the second floor of the Main Library.
Stacks Help
If you are having difficulties finding materials in the Bookstacks, go to the circulation desk for assistance. If you are using the online catalog remotely and need assistance with placing requests, renewing books, etc., contact the Library Telephone Center at (217) 333-8400 or 1-866-262-1510 (toll free), or send an e-mail to circlib@library.uiuc.edu.
