Visitors are welcome to browse books on the shelves in most departmental libraries. Access to the Main Stacks in the Main Library is limited to University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students, as well as patrons with courtesy cards.

Visitors also have the option of requesting University of Illinois materials through the interlibrary loan department at their local public or university library. For more information on interlibrary loans at the University of Illinois, please visit Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery.

Many of the University of Illinois online journals and databases are only available to current University students, faculty, and staff. However, these subscription-based resources can be accessed on public computers in most departmental libraries. 

Additionally, one can review the borrowing basics of the University Library to further understanding the services and procedures available upon arriving. 

The OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program and the BTAA offers borrowing privilieges for faculty and students outside the University of Illinois. These borrowing privileges vary on member status and which organization one is from. Refer to the Reciprocal Borrowing library guide to learn more about the requirements and options available to those visiting the University Library as part of the OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program or the BTAA.

The University Library offers public wireless connectivity for campus visitors. This service is available in the public areas in most Library facilities. Public wireless is intended for visitors who have no formal affiliation with the University. Information on getting started is available on the Technology Services Public Wireless website.

If you have problems using with public wireless, contact Technology Services at 217-244-7000.