Library Resources
Access to databases licensed by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library is available on-site, but not from off-campus computers for individuals with courtesy borrowing cards. Information about free databases may be found on the Education Research and Reference Sources and Information for Alumni pages.
Courtesy Cards
Unaffiliated users can obtain a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library courtesy borrowing card. To apply, fill out a courtesy card application in Room 203 Main Library (9:00 am – noon; 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday) or at the Main Circulation Desk anytime that Room 203 is closed. You will need to present photo identification and proof of your current address, see the above link for a list of acceptable identification. Your courtesy borrowing card will be mailed to you in 7 – 10 days. Courtesy cards are valid for one year. See the above link for further information about courtesy cards.
Library Catalog
The Library Catalog can be searched to find books, journals, newspapers, and other materials held in the university libraries. If you wish to limit your search to children’s and young adult literature, you can do so using the Advanced Search. In the first drop-down list, select Subject, and enter juvenile in the search box. Use the second drop-down list to select the additional field you are interested in searching (Keyword, Title, Author, or Subject). Then, in the second search box, enter a subject, keyword, author name, or other search criteria. You can also display the newest items first by choosing the Sort option on the drop down menu once you get search results. For instance, if I wanted to find children’s books about whales, the search screen would look like this:
Local Public and Other Libraries
For teachers in the Champaign and Urbana region, you can find materials (e.g., children’s books, DVDs, and audiobooks) in the local public libraries. You must have a library card from a library which is a member of the Illinois Heartland Library System to check out items.
- Champaign and Urbana Public Libraries Catalog
- Illinois Heartland Library System Catalog (This searches the catalogs of other regional public libraries including Carbondale, Charleston, Danville, Decatur, Rantoul, and Springfield)
Illinois educators may find the libraries at the Regional Offices of Education useful in providing resources and services. The Rantoul Regional Office of Education serves educators in Ford, Champaign and Vermillion counties. Detailed information about services can be found on their Web page.
For teachers living in other areas, your local public or community college library may provide borrowing privileges for material of interest.
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