Student Resources

You may visit the Library Service Desk, on the entry level, for help with locating library materials, getting started with research, contacting a librarian, picking up a poster, or getting an item that is on Reserve. You may also reach us by calling (309) 556-3350 or email.

If you have any questions, please contact a liaison librarian, or submit a question.

Getting Started

• Sign into your I-Share borrowing account or watch our video on, "Requesting Through I-Share".
  Click on "Sign In" on the upper right to set up your account to borrow books from over 90 I-Share libraries across Illinois. Sign in with your University NetID and password. 
  
  
• Setup your ILLiad account or watch our video on, "Requesting Articles Through ILLiad".
  Use ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan) to request articles that the Library does not have access to electronically or in print. Sign in with your University NetID and password.
  
  
• Customize Google Scholar to search IWU resources
  Configure Google Scholar to show you when IWU provides access to an article
  
  
• Begin Your Research Tutorials
  Learn about basic research skills need to complete assignments
  
  
• Assignment Calculator
  Manage your time and tasks efficiently
  
  
• MegaSearch Minute Videos
  Learn how to use MegaSearch

Navigating the Library

• Library Services Desk
  Located on the entry level, you can check-out books & technology equipment, pickup a poster or a reserve item, and much more
  
  
• Podcast Studio
  High quality audio recording
  
  
• Reserve a Group Study or Project Room 
  Project Rooms are equipped with computer, projection, and some rooms also have DVD/VHS players
  
  
• Tate Archives & Special Collections
  This is where you can find information on the history of the University
  
  
• IT Services Desk 
  Located on the bottom floor of the Ames library. You can also enter a request here or visit the ITS homepage.
  
  
• Writing Center
  Tutors are available to help you with your writing assignments

Research Help

• Begin Your Research Tutorials
  Learn about basic research skills need to complete assignments
  
  
• Cite Sources
  Learn about the main bibliographic styles, such as MLA, APA, Chicago, ASA, etc.
  
  
• Contact a Librarian
  A librarian is always available to help your with your research and assignments
  
  
• Course Guides
  These guides help with advice on completing assignments for a specific course
  
  
• Academic Honesty
  Learn more about how to avoid plagiarism. You can complete a self-paced tutorial here. 
  
  
• Zotero
  A tool which helps you manage references and create bibliographies
  
  
• Research Guides
  These guides include resources related to a specific subject
  
  
• Writing Center
  Tutors are available to help you with your writing assignments

Undergraduate Researchers  

• Ames Library Artistic & Scholarly Research Award
  Provides a funding opportunity for an IWU student to propose a significant research or creative project in their specific fields of study
  
  
• Contact a Librarian
  A librarian is always available to help your with your research and assignments
  
  
• Copyright
  Learn more about copyright
  
  
• Digital Commons@IWU
  Submit your final research papers for publication in our Institutinal Repository
  
  
• IWU Undergraduate Journals
  Checkout our student journal publications
  
  
• Open Access
  Learn more about Open Access materials
  
  
• Zotero
  A tool which helps you manage references and create bibliographies
  
  
• Right to Research Coalition
  An organization which promotes open access
  
  
• Using Tate Archives & Special Collections
  This is where you can find information on the history of the University