Learn how to use library search tools
The University of Illinois Library is constantly and consistently trying to make it easier for you to find the research materials you need. To that end, we are improving the tools you use every day to search. Below are links to instructional pages that will help you get used to some of the most recent updates.
When you know what you want (e.g. you have a citation)
- When you know what you are looking for and have all or part of a citation.
- How to find the journal or database you need.
- The CitationLinker is a tool that allows you to search for a specific journal article.
- When you have a citation, the pieces will lead you to your source.
- Sometimes we don't own the article you need, here's how to request it through Interlibrary Loan.
When you don't know what you want (e.g. when you don't have a citation or only have part of a citation)
- When you don't know what you want, start searching by subject.
Video: Finding an Article Without a Citation
- When you don't have all the pieces of a citation, a little detective work comes into play.
- Illinois subscribes to thousands of resources, we can help you navigate!
- Get exactly what you need for your research, with a little help from this quick video.
- Once you have performed your subject search, you may want to create a link to your results so that you can share these with your students or peers.
Print Materials
- There are several ways to do determine whether or not the library has access to print versions of articles or journals.
- We buy a lot of books, but sometimes we don't own what you're looking for or it's checked out.
Getting Help
- You have questions? We have answers!
- How to report a problem when using the Online Journals and Databases tool.
- If you have problems with any of the library's searching tools of need help with your research, please ask a librarian!
