Library FAQ
A list of frequently asked questions about library policies, procedures, resources, and facilities.
How do I?
- Find my Library ID number?
- Renew my books?
- Find a textbook?
- Find sources for my assignment?
- Get research help?
- Get to the library?
- Get library privileges?
- Use library resources from home?
- Use MyILL?
- Apply for a job in the library?
- Suggest a resource for the library?
- Get a tour of the library?
Your library ID number is the number on the front of your IIT ID card.
Click on the My I-Share/IIT Account under My Library to renew your I-Share or IIT library books.
Log in using your Library ID number and last name (How do I find my Library ID?). You will see a list of items currently charged to your account. Click on the check box next to the book you want to renew, then click on "Renew Selected Items" at the bottom of the page. Your new due date will appear.
Sometimes a book cannot be renewed. If the due date doesn't change then you must return the book by that date. Click here for more information on using your I-Share/IIT Library account. For questions about your account or your account status, please call the Circulation Desk at 630.682.6050.
If the library has a copy of your textbook, it has been placed on Reserve for you to use in the library. This means that you may check it out for two hours for within Biegler to read, make copies, or scan pages. Reserve materials cannot be taken outside of the building.
To find textbooks in the library, click on Course Reserves under the My Library links. Go to the Print Reserves tab and click on "Search for Print Reserves." On the search page, use the drop down menus to search by instructor, department, or course. Click on the title of the book you need and write down the Call Number. Bring this number to the Circulation Desk and library staff will retrieve the item for you.
Click here for more on the library's textbook policy. It is the expectation of the university and the individual academic departments that assigned textbooks will be purchased by students for use in their classes. Textbooks may be purchased from the IIT Bookstore.
Find sources for my assignment?
The library's subject guides can direct you to the best research resources for your topic.
If you need to find books for an assignment, start your search with the IIT Library Catalog. (Click here for a tutorial/guide).
If you need articles, newspapers, conference reports, company profiles, or other non-book sources, use a database.
- For information on how to select and search databases, click here.
- For information on finding scholarly articles for your sources, click here.
- If you already know the specific article you need, click here.
It is strongly recommended that you speak to a librarian to learn the best ways to find sources for your assignment. Go to the Ask a Librarian page for research assistance or to find the librarian who specializes in your subject.
The most effective way to learn scholarly research skills is to make an appointment with the Branch Librarian at the Biegler Library.
You can find directions to the library here.
Library privileges may include access to interlibrary loan services, remote borrowing from I-Share libraries, borrowing books from IIT Libraries' collections, and remote access to electronic resources. Your exact level of privileges depends upon your status within the IIT community. Click here to get an overview of library privileges for your patron group.
Questions regarding library privileges should be directed to the Branch Librarian at the Biegler Library.
Use library resources from home?
Most of the library's online resources are available from off-campus. In order to use licensed journals, e-reserves, and databases from non-IIT locations, patrons must first log in to EZproxy, the library's authentication system. You will automatically be prompted to log in when you click on a restricted resource. Students are required to authenticate by entering their Library ID number. Faculty and staff must enter their MyIIT username and password.
You can also access the library's resources remotely by logging into the MyIIT portal and selecting the Library E-Resources button at the top of the portal main page. Click here for more information.
MyILL is a service the library provides to the IIT community to manage requests for articles, books, and other resources not available in IIT Libraries or I-Share libraries. MyILL is a free service, but you must create a personal account. Click here for more information on creating your MyILL account.
You will find links to MyILL when you search for a book or video in WorldCat. Use that link to request the book from another library if it is unavailable in IIT Libraries or I-Share Libraries. You will also find links to MyILL when your article search results include an article that is not part of the Galvin Library's electronic or print journal collections. Once your request has been filled, you will be notified by email to log into your MyILL account and download the article or to pick up the item at the Circulation Desk in Biegler Library.
Apply for a job in the library?
If you would like to work in the library, please the contact the Branch Librarian.
Suggest a resource for the library?
If you would like to suggest a resource for the Galvin Library, please use the Ask a Librarian email form. You may also contact the librarian in the appropriate subject area directly. Click here for a complete list of librarians and their subject areas.
For group or class tours, you may arrange a date and time with the Branch Librarian.
Tours of the building are only the beginning of what the library has to offer. If you are thinking of bringing a class to the library for a tour, we highly recommend that you also schedule a library instruction session for your class. These sessions are customized to meet the needs of students using course-specific resources and will provide invaluable library training for attendees.
