Request a Research Consultation

Librarians are available to help with any aspect of your research. Email us at refassist@library.illinois.edu. 

Research Services for People with Disabilities Policy

The Library's commitment to people with disabilities:

• Will not require documentation of disability
• Will provide service to the best of our ability
• Will provide research consultations appropriate to the each patrons’ needs, both academically and in terms of their disability
• Will provide consultation in a timely manner

Examples of what we can do:

• Reading book titles and table of contents for people with visual or mobility impairments
• Sighted assistance in navigating databases for people who use screenreaders
• Wayfinding to determine best routes into and out of buildings to access materials
• Research assistance in a quiet, reduced distraction environment
• Use of large screen monitors during research assistance
• And a lot more - contact JJ Pionke pionke@illinois.edu with questions

We can help you find and retrieve materials from various libraries.

• If you need an item immediately, please go to an information or reference desk and talk to a library employee.
• If you have a couple of days, you can place a request through the Library Catalog which allows you to have the book delivered to any library on campus. You'll receive an email when the book is ready for pick up.
• If you need to create a proxy so that others can get your materials for you, or for other questions and requests, please contact Central Access Services at 217-333-8400 or email circlib@library.illinois.edu

Photocopiers and scanners are free to use and are located throughout the libraries.

Library staff are happy to provide assistance with copying and scanning.

IllinoisDocExpress Service

• Request the digitization of a book chapter or paper article via Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery
• Electronic delivery of documents within 48 hours (within 72 hours for microfiche or film).
• Delivery of hard copy by other means may take longer.

To use the HathiProxy service, which provides digital copies of in copyright materials that are contained in the HathiTrust Digital Library:

1. Be an Illinois faculty, students, or staff
2. Have a print disability (visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning disability that prevents you from effectively reading print materials)
3. Email JJ Pionke at pionke@illinois.edu

What is it?

• The Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center (ITBOC) provides free library service for anyone unable to read regular print because of a visual or physical disability.

What do they offer?

• Audio books and magazines with playback equipment, and books in Braille.

How do I get materials?

• Books and magazines are mailed free to and from library patrons, wherever they reside.

Does it cost anything?

• No.

How do I contact them?

• The The Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center's website has information on their program, links to other disability sites, and news of interest to readers.
• Email the Center at info@illinoistalkingbooks.org
• Call them at 1-800-426-0709.

For deaf and speech impaired communication over the telephone, use the 711 Illinois Telephone Relay Service to contact the library.