German Studies: Finding Books, Articles, and Journals

Step One: UIUC Online Library Catalog

There are two ways to search the UIUC Library catalog. Both offer the same content but the method of searching and presentation of results varies.

1. Through the new Primo Library Catalog. This catalog requires you to register with a login and a password to request materials. It also lets you search books in I-share (see below for more details.)
2. Through the Library Easy Search. This interface lets you search the UIUC catalog for books, articles, journals and media. . 

Getting the actual book: When you locate your item you have two choices.

Print books

You can request the item and pick it up at any of the departmental libraries. Or, you can retrieve the book yourself from either the main stacks or the departmental library where the book is located. If you choose this option, make sure you jot down the location and call number of the item.

Electronic Books

Access will depend on the publisher. In some case you will be able to download full books via PDF. In others you might be able only to view the book online. In all cases the Library follow the publisher's requirements.

Step Two: I-Share

Once you have verified that the book you are looking for is either not located in the UIUC catalog or all copies are checked out, you may order it through Primo Library Catalog and selecting "All I-share Libraries." Items typically arrive within 5-10 days and you will receive an email when the item is available for pick up.

Step Three: Interlibrary Loan

If the item is not available in the UIUC catalog or through I-Share, then your next stop will be Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery. First, keep your full citation handy -- you'll need it. Second, login to the ILLiad server using your NetID and password. From the ILLiad main menu, select "Request a Book." Be sure to fill out as much of the form as possible, including the source of your citation. This will ensure that ILL can place your request in a timely manner. You'll be notified by email when your item is ready to be picked up.

WorldCat -You can search WorldCat to find books on your topic, which might not be in the UIUC nor the I-share catalog. Once you find a title of interest, you can order it through Interlibrary Loan

More Help with the Library Catalog

To find databases:

1. Explore the different topics in this guide.  Some include suggestions for databases that would be useful in your research.  Some general-purpose databases are also linked below.
2. Visit the A-Z Database List for a complete list of databases the library has access to.  Try using the drop-down menus to filter by:
   1. Subject (e.g., German, History, or Literature & Language).  Look for the yellow "Best Bets" box for suggestions on where to get started.
   2. Database type (e.g., Full Text or News & Newspapers)

Use the Ask a Librarian chat or email the library if you have any trouble finding or accessing a database or online articles.

Kindlers Literatur Lexikon (KLL)

Kindlers Literatur Lexicon covers the first written testimonies of mankind to the present. This reference resource brings together thousands of works from all literatures of the world. The lexicon, in 17 volumes, includes fiction and non-fiction texts from a wide range of disciplines.

Properly citing sources is part of research. The Library has an excellent guide for Citing Sources that can get you started and provide guidance on APA, MLA and Chicago Style citations.  Purdue Owl is another great resource for citation formatting.

The Library also has guides to popular citation management systems:

• Zotero

• Mendeley

• EndNote

You can also Google to find help from the software vendors themselves, such as:

• EndNote Support: Links to online guides and manuals, FAQs, and contact information for Customer Service and Technical Support groups.
• Mendeley Support: An FAQs list; also has links to materials for getting started, and information for posting or emailing a question.
• Zotero Documentation: A list of links on topics to get started, and a "Contact Us" link at the bottom.

You can access electronic library resources through one of the following avenues:

1. If on campus, connect to the campus Wifi.
2. If off campus:
   1. Click on the access link provided on the library website, then provide your NetID and password.
   2. Use the University VPN.  The Library and Tech Services have provided instructions for installing the VPN and adjusting your settings to allow access to library materials.  You will need to make sure the Tunnel All setting is on (the default is "Split Tunnel").

Please reach out to the library if you have trouble accessing a resource!

To locate journals relevant to your research, you can search the library website in several ways:

1. EasySearch.  Look for the EasySearch box on the library home page and click the gray "Journals" tab across the top.  Type your search term(s) into the box and click the green magnifying glass.
2. Library Catalog.  Visit the catalog, look across the top of the screen, and click the "Journal Search" option.
3. Journal and Article Locator.  Put in as much information as you have and click the search button.

Below is a short selection of German Studies journals.  This list is intended as a starting point and is not comprehensive.