Lightning LEARN
These 2-3 minute video tutorials will help you to learn how to use the basic tools of the library.
Find Library Materials
**New - Find an Article with a Citation
When you have a citation, the pieces will lead you to your source.
**New - Finding an Article Without a Citation
When you don't have all the pieces of a citation, a little detective work comes into play.
**New - Search by Topic, Part 1
Illinois subscribes to thousands of resources, we can help you navigate!
**New - Search by Topic, Part 2
Get exactly what you need for your research, with a little help from this quick video.
Easy Search: Illinois Library Homepage
The new Easy Search function allows you to search across library applications.
Book Search: Illinois Library Homepage
Learn how to find books using the Easy Search.
Quick Search in Library Catalog: Search for Known Titles or Authors
Learn how to find items in the online library catalog using the quick search option.
Advanced Search in Library Catalog: Search by Subject
Learn how to perform an advanced search in the library catalog.
Find a Book that is Unavailable at Illinois
What do you do when the item you are looking for is already checked out or is not available at the University Library?
Find Journals by Title
Already know your journal title? Learn how to find your journal.
Find Journal Articles by Topic
Unsure of where to start? Learn how to begin your research using academic journals.
Accessing eBooks
Are you interested in reading books online? The University Library subscribes to an increasing amount of eBooks. Self-paced tutorial.
Find Videos and Games at the Library
Are you interested in finding a film to watch? How about playing some video games?
Library Services
Electronic Thesis and Dissertations
Provides a step-by-step process for submitting your theses electronically. See requirements at: http://grad.illinois.edu/thesis
- Flash Version (you can turn off the captioning by clicking on the CC on the menu bar at the bottom)
- Quick Time Version (for higher quality, but the captioning can't be turned off
How to save your thesis in a PDF document
Convert your Word document to a PDF document for EDT submission. All of the University Library's public access computers will be able to perform this function.
What is Interlibrary Loan? And When Would I Use It?
Unfamiliar with Interlibrary Loan? Learn how it fits into your research!
Interlibrary Loan: How to Order a Photocopy
Is your journal article "At the Bindery"? Is your article unavailable online and in print? How to find an article that is not available at the University Library.
Interlibrary Loan: How to Borrow Books and Other Materials
Follow the steps on how to order items from Interlibrary Loan.
IDEALS: How to Deposit Items
The Library brings you IDEALS, the institutional repository that collects and provides consistent and reliable access to the research and scholarship produced at the University of Illinois. Learn how to deposit your publications today!
Course Reserves: Illinois Library Homepage
Find your course reserves!
Call Numbers, Cell Phones and You!
Describes the "text me this call number" feature in the Library catalog.
Getting Help
Navigating the Library Gateway
The University Library's homepage is your gateway to library resources and services. Self-paced tutorial.
Main Stacks at the University of Illinois Library
With 6 million volumes spread across 10 decks, here's the guide for you to help to navigate the Main Stacks.
Video Tour of the Library Bookstacks
A four part video introducing faculty, staff and students to the Illinois Library bookstacks.
Part 4: Operating the Compact Shelving
Using Your Library Account
Did you know that you can manage your library account online?
Ask a Librarian: Let Us Come to You!
The Ask a Librarian service provide virtual reference.
Help from a Distance: What to Do, Who to Contact
Are you taking online classes and accessing the library remotely? Learn how to get research helps and navigate technology problems.
>>Videos are available on our YouTube channel, uiuclearnlib.
Research Tutorials
These 3-4 minute video tutorials are meant to get you started with the research process.
Using the Library
Streamline your research! An overview of the University of Illinois Library system, take a virtual tour of the library and learn about how the library is organized.
Starting Your Research
Tools to start your research including basic resources to find background information and the Library's Easy Search.
Cite a Source: How and Why You Should Do It
Review types of citations and citation styles, how to organize your citations and where to go for help.
Primary Sources: Types of sources and where to find them
Types of historical primary sources, including where to find and analyze them.
Secondary Sources: Types of sources and where to find them
Types of historical secondary sources, including where to find them.
Current Awareness: Using RSS Feeds to Keep up With Publications in your Field
Keep current! You'll find tips for using and choosing RSS feed readers and creating search alerts.
Global VILLAGE
The University Library's Virtual Information Literacy Learning and Growing Environment
Global News: You'll discover how to use the library to find and critically analyze news articles from sources beyond the major US media companies.
Primary Source: You’ll learn to understand the value and uses of primary sources and how to find them in the Illinois Archives.
Database Tutorials
Every database interface is different - save yourself time by getting familiar with these video and print tutorials.
ABI/Inform
Videos: Introduction to ABI/Inform | Searching in ABI/Inform | Viewing Results in ABI/Inform
ERIC
Videos: How to search in ERIC
EuroStat
Videos: Products: Introduction | Special Topics and Themes | Statistics of the Week: Statistical Overview | Publications: Searching Strategies
PsycInfo
Videos: Searching and retrieving information
Roper
Videos: Introduction to the Roper Center Datasets | Using the Ipoll Databank | Searching RoperExpress for the OnLine Catalog of Studies
Using Library Tools
RefWorks
Videos: Create an Account | Creating Folders | Creating a Bibliography | Write N Cite
Citation Import Instructions: Importing Citations from CSA | Importing Citations from Academic Search Premier | Importing Citations from the Library Catalog
LEARN More About the Library
Journey of the Book
Learn about the process our materials go through from ordering to the shelf.
Information Cycle
The Information Cycle is the progression of media coverage of a newsworthy event. It will help you to better know what is available on your topic and to better evaluate information sources.
Video tour of the Undergraduate Library
Midwest Book and Manuscript Studies Exhibit
Highlights an exhibit held at the University of Illinois.
Mandeville Collection in the Occult Sciences Exhibit
Highlights an exhibit held at the University of Illinois.
S-Collection in the Education and Social Science Library
Introduces the second largest children's book collection in the nation.
Education Research Tutorial
The following tutorials have been developed to assist with the research process.
