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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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How to Use the IFSI Library: Information Literacy for Firefighters

This Libguide is for the Firefighters that use the Illinois Fire Service Institute Library Catalog and materials who may need guidance on how to locate and manage resources for classes and research.

FAQ

1. How do I get an IFSI library card?

Stop by the IFSI Library or contact us via phone or email and we will create a library account for you. You do not need a physical card for the IFSI Library. To create your account, we will need your name, contact information, and address. If you wish to have materials sent to your local Illinois public library, we will need your public library card number.

2. Does getting materials cost money?

No, there is no charge for borrowing IFSI Library materials.

3. How long can I have an item?

Physical materials are checked out for 30 days. If you need an item longer, we have options for renewal.

4. How many items can I have checked out at once?

Loans are limited to 6 items at a time.

5. What if I need a textbook for an IFSI class or class at my fire department?

Reach out to your instructor to get the exact title and edition required for the course. For each IFSI class, the library collects a limited number of related texts available on a first-come-first-served basis. These texts are also available for loan to firefighters throughout Illinois.

Have library materials sent to you at your public library

Interlibrary loan is a service provided by the Illinois State Library. It allows us to deliver our library materials to you at your local Illinois public library. To have IFSI library items delivered to your library, you need:

  • An IFSI library account: call or email us to create one for you, or create your own at the library website
  • A public library card number: take a photo ID and a piece of mail addressed to you at your home address to obtain your free card at your public library.

When you request an interlibrary loan through us, we will contact your public library to arrange delivery. Some public libraries require that their patrons initiate the interlibrary loan with them instead of with the IFSI Library. If that's the case with your public library, we will inform you and help you make that request.

UIUC Library Resources

If you have a UIUC ID you can use your email and password to access the UI Main Library`s materials and databases. Click the image below to be brought to the Main Library`s Webpage. If you need help accessing these materials, the IFSI librarians would be happy to walk you through them.