Library Services

We can connect you with the information and expertise you need in a variety of ways.

Research Assistance

Ask a Librarian Chat Reference

Hours of Operation

Email us: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/960560

Call us: (217) 333 -2290

Text us: (217) 686-4361

Subject Specialists

You can review a list of librarian specializations and schedule a consultation for in-depth research help on our directory of subject specialists.

Circulating Materials

Main Stacks Staff Assistance

Our Central Access Services unit is here to assist you access our Stacks collection.

If you’ll need assistance in accessing materials due to limited mobility, please email circlib@library.illinois.edu prior to your visit so we can make the appropriate arrangements.

Additionally, with appropriate advance notice, you may contact us to arrange retrieval and delivery of materials to an accessible location.

Proxy User Authorization

Current University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) patrons and courtesy card patrons may authorize another library borrower to perform certain circulation functions on their behalf.

This authorization is usually extended to students who are assisting a faculty member or a graduate student with their research. A spouse, staff member, etc., can also be designated as a proxy patron as long as they also have an Illinois library account. The patron granting the authorization is the sponsor, and the patron they’ve authorized to act on their behalf is the proxy. If you have any questions about proxy authorization, please contact Central Access Services.

DocExpress

UIUC DocExpress is a service to have materials owned by the University of Illinois at Urbana Libraries copied on your behalf to use in your research. There is no charge for faculty, students and staff.

Most materials are available in 2 business days, however microfilm and microfiche formats will take longer. This service requires that you provide us with the call number and location of the materials that you need photocopied.  In most cases, a digital scan will be loaded into your ILLiad account.  However, some formats require us to provide a print copy to your campus address.  Login to the UIUC DocExpress pages to learn more or to place your photocopy request for materials here on campus.

Interlibrary Loan

To make an Interlibrary Loan request, go to the ILL webpage. Please note that only materials not available at UIUC or through I-Share may be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan. If you request materials through the form that are available on campus, you will receive a note telling you where you can find the item at UIUC.

HathiTrust

HathiTrust is a partnership of academic and research institutions, offering a collection of millions of titles digitized from libraries around the world. The goal of the partnership is to both preserve and provide access to print works, mainly by digitizing materials from library collections and making them available in the HathiTrust Digital Library. The Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a HathiTrust-designated Proxy and will provide special access to in-copyright materials found within HathiTrust to those on campus with a print disability. You can submit a request for HathiTrust materials with this form. 

Library Tours