Loading Library Hours...

Find Library Materials

Collection Development Statements and Descriptions

Getting Started

  • Online Reference Collection

    • Reference resources are great for finding basic information on common research topics. Try one of our many online reference guides (including biographies, book reviews, dictionaries, & encyclopedias).
  • Databases (A-Z List)

    • Find the right database for your needs. Searchable by name, subject area, type, or vendor.

Catalogs

  • Easy Search

    • Search across multiple sources to find books, ebooks, media, articles, journals, databases, etc. Easily select your subject area for more targeted results.
  • Library Catalog

    • Find books, ebooks, journals, and media. Does not search articles or databases. See also: Tips for Using the Library Catalog.
  • I-Share Catalog

    • Find and request items owned by us plus 85 other libraries in Illinois. See also: Request a book not at Illinois guide.
  • WorldCat

    • Find materials at other libraries across the world.

Articles & Journals

  • Article Locator

    • Use when you know the specific article you’re looking for and have the journal name, article name, and/or author name. See also: Journal & Article Locator guide.
  • Online Journals

    • Find online journals by journal title, subject, vendor, or ISSN.

Special Collections

  • Archives Holdings Database

    • Search for primary source documents, images, and electronic records documenting University history, student life and culture, and American music.
  • Illinois History & Lincoln Collections Database

    • Search for primary source materials including letters, diaries, and personal and organizational records documenting Illinois history from the 1700s to the present, the Civil War, and Lincoln’s ongoing legacy.
  • Rare Books and Manuscript Collections

    • Access to over 500,000 items in The Rare Book & Manuscript Library with customizable searches by century and format, and searchable finding aids for literary archives.

Specialized Search Tools

  • Digital Library Collections

    • Collections of digitized materials from our vast collections and archives – books, images, maps, and more.
  • HathiTrust Digital Library

    • Full-text search of millions of books and journals digitized from our library and libraries world-wide.
  • Illinois Experts

    • Find U of I research, view scholarly works, and discover new collaborators.
  • IDEALS

    • Repository for research and scholarship generated by U of I faculty, staff, and students.