Finding books may involve several steps, depending on availability of the materials. Start by searching materials owned by Milner Library. Then, if necessary, expand your search to Illinois academic libraries.  Finally, search the catalog of academic libraries throughout the U.S.  These steps are described in more detail below.

STEP 1:
Use the Milner Catalog to search for materials owned by Milner.  Use the Request button in the catalog to request that materials be retrieved from the Milner shelves and held for you at the main circulation desk (this may take a day or two). Better yet, retrieve materials directly from the Milner shelves using the floor locations and call numbers indicated in the catalog.

STEP 2:
Use I-Share to search for materials owned by more than 65 Illinois academic libraries in the CARLI consortium.  Materials can be requested from other libraries by using the Request button in the catalog.  Requested materials are typically shipped to Milner within 5 to 7 days, depending on their location and the time of year (requests during semester breaks may take longer).  You will be notified via e-mail when your requested items are available at the Milner circulation desk. This is a free service. 

STEP 3:
Use WorldCat to search for materials owned by libraries throughout the U.S.  Books found in WorldCat can be requested by using the interlibrary loan link that appears near the top of WorldCat book records (see Request item from ILL).  Requested materials are typically shipped to Milner within 1 to 2 weeks.  You will be notified via e-mail when the book is available at the Milner circulation desk. These materials typically may be borrowed for only a few weeks.  This is a free service.

STEP 4:
Use the ILLiad interlibrary loan service sponsored by Milner Library to request materials you cannot otherwise locate in the Milner Catalog, I-Share, or WorldCat. Milner Library staff will search all available resources and, if possible, will borrow the materials on your behalf. You will be notified via e-mail when the items are available for you at the Milner circulation desk.  This is a free service. 

Important note:
Carefully check both the Milner Catalog and I-Share before placing an order in WorldCat or ILLiad. If you request an item through WorldCat or ILLiad that is otherwise available at Milner or via I-Share, your request will be cancelled. Interlibrary loan staff does not place orders in either the Milner Catalog or I-Share on behalf of library patrons.