Library Services for Distance Education

Graphical link to Milner Library home page

Off-Campus Access

Accessing Restricted Databases | Ordering Books and Articles | Reference and Instruction Services

Accessing Databases

Any computer with Web access can reach Milner Library's website. Although some of the information presented on the website is available to all users, many electronically-based information resources that involve licenses, copyright restrictions and other contractual agreements require that access be limited to Illinois State University faculty, staff, and students. If you come to the library, you will be able to access all of these resources.

If you are currently affiliated with Illinois State University, but wish to access restricted resources from outside the Milner Library premesis, a remote user authentication and proxy system is in place to grant authorized users such access. When you attempt to enter a restricted database, you will be prompted for your ULID and Password. After the system confirms that you are a valid Illinois State University user, you will be able to access most of the electronic resources that are restricted to Illinois State University. If you have not activated your ULID or need additional information about your campus ULID, go to ULID Account Setup and Maintenance.

Ordering Books and Articles

Faculty, staff, and students can use the electronic Interlibrary Loan Request Form to order books and articles not available in Milner Library. Requests usually can be filled in 10 to 14 working days. You will be notified by e-mail when the item arrives. Currently, you must come to the library to pick up the items.

The Online Catalog also offers an option for directly ordering books available at other ILCSO libraries. Your request will be sent to another library where the item will be retrieved and then sent to Milner. You will receive a notice from the Library when the item is ready for you to pick up at the Interlibrary Loan Office. This option usually takes less time Interlibrary Loan, so it is a good idea to see if the title is available in another ILCSO library. To request materials if you are using the Online Catalog, locate the item record and then select Request. You will be prompted for your Borrower ID (your social security number with no hyphens) and your PIN number (the default PIN is the last four digits of your social security number).

Reference and Instruction Services

Each academic department on campus has a designated liaison librarian. Consult the Subject Specialist Directory to identify the librarian for your department. Librarians may be contacted by phone or by e-mail for assistance. Milner Library also provides an electronic reference service to answer short reference questions via e-mail. Use the electronic form to query the Ask-A-Librarian service or send your questions directly to libemref@ilstu.edu.

Milner Library, Illinois State University
E-mail comments to: web@milton.mlb.ilstu.edu
Last revised: September 2, 2004