Happy fall quarter and welcome to the DePaul University Library! If you haven’t had the chance already, come say hello to us at the Research Help Desk. We are more than happy to help you with your research needs both in-person and over our online library chat. Wondering what services we offer? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
What is my library card?
Your DePaul ID is also your library card. The barcode number on the back is your Library Borrower ID. Use your Blue Key login credentials to access your account, renew material, and order books through I-Share, the consortium of 88 academic libraries in the State of Illinois to which DePaul belongs.
Can I Print/Copy/Scan in the Library?
Yes! The Library has black & white and color printers, photocopiers, and scanners. Each quarter, students receive a $24 printing credit, and you can add more money online through Demon Express. For more information on printing/scanning/copying, click here.
How can I request materials from the Loop or John T. Richardson Libraries?
You don’t have to travel between the Loop and Lincoln Park to pick up a book! Place a request in LibrarySearch, and we will send your items to the DePaul library of your choice.
Can I borrow materials from other libraries?
Yes! If we do not have the item you are looking for, you can request it from I-Share for free. Books generally arrive in 3-5 business days and can be returned to either the Loop or Richardson Library regardless of where you picked it up. You can also visit other I-Share libraries to borrow or return books in person. Click here for a list of participating Illinois libraries.
How do I find textbooks and other materials?
You can search for textbooks and other materials in LibrarySearch on the library homepage. If we don’t have the item you are looking for, check if it is available through I-Share.
Where can I find Course Reserves?
Your professor may have created a reading list (print or online) specifically for your course. Find this content in Course Reserves on the library website. Print materials “on reserve” may be borrowed for 2 days.
How can I get research help?
Ask-A-Librarian to get help with your research via chat, text, email, phone, in-person at the Research Help Desk, or by scheduling a consultation. Also, visit our research guides on the library website to find recommended resources by subject.
Here are some examples of recent questions we have received over chat:
- Where are the computers located in the Loop Library?
- How can I borrow a DVD set from another library?
- How can I tell if an article is peer reviewed?
- Can you help me find an article from the Chicago Tribune?
- What technology do you lend out?
- How can I read the latest edition of the New Yorker?
- How do I make a study room reservation?
An example library chat may look something like this:
Patron: Hello!
Librarian: Hi! How may I help you?
Patron: I am looking for peer reviewed articles on education
Librarian: Sure! I can help you with that. Are you familiar with our Education Research Guide?
Patron: Thank you!
Librarian: You can find databases such as ERIC and Education Research Complete, which are both great places to search for scholarly articles on your topic.
Librarian: In both of those databases there is a search limit on the left hand side to include scholarly/peer reviewed journals only.
Patron: This is great, thank you!
Librarian: You’re welcome! If you need help with any searches, feel free to chat us again!