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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Sociology Research

A guide to research in Sociology

Using Library Books during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be providing access to library materials as much as possible. You can look for existing online books in our catalog or request a title that we own in print. Once you place a request, we'll look for or get access to an online version if possible. If we can't get an online version if possible. If we can't get an online version, we'll let you know and either make the book available through our locker pick up system or digitize the book ourselves. 

How to Find E-books in the Library's Catalog

When you search our library catalog, you can limit to books we already have online. When you do a regular search, there are options that narrow down your search results on the left side. Click "Available Online" un the "Availability" section to see all books that are already online. 

After clicking "Apply Filters" it will show you all online results. 

Image contains a filtered library search result for sociology that shows all online resources

Requesting Print Books from the Catalog

If you are searching for a book and cannot find it available online through the catalog, you can put in a request to see if the library can try to find an online version. To send a request, log in to your Illinois account through the catalog, the sign-in button is in the upper right corner

Then look at the options on the left side of the catalog record of the book you want. Press "Get It" and it will show you the availability of the book.

Image shows catalog record for a book with the "get it" selection on the left highlighted with a red arrow

Image shows availability for a book in the catalog with arrows pointing to the requestion option and the book record

Click "request" and a request form for the book will pop-up. Here you can specify if you would prefer an online version or not. 

 

 

 

Books in SSHEL

SSHEL is currently closed to visitors, but SSHEL services and materials are available virtually.

  • SSHEL staff will be answering questions through chat from 10am-4pm Monday through Friday. The University Library’s full Ask a Librarian services are also online this semester during regular hours. Questions can also be directed to sshel@library.illinois.edu.
  • SSHEL subject specialists are meeting virtually with individuals and classes and can be reached by email with questions about accessing library materials during this time.
  • SSHEL materials can be requested through the library catalog. Materials will be provided in digital form whenever possible, following the University Library’s electronic first policy. Print materials will be available for pickup when it is not possible to get electronic access to requested titles.