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Finding Books: Home

This guide explains how to discover and retrieve books

Collections in Schewe

There are multiple collections found in Schewe Library, but all are cataloged using some variation of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). 

Navigate to the Locating Items in the Library tab for more information on how to locate items from each collection.

Finding Books

Step One: IC Schewe Library Online Catalog

Search the catalog. 

  • The Schewe Catalog allows you to register with a login and password to manage your library account. It also allows you to search for books in I-Share.

After you locate your book in the catalog, get the book.

Print Books

Use the catalog to find the Dewey Decimal call number and location of the book and retrieve it from our stacks on the first floor (0-400's) or the third floor (500-999's) of Schewe library. DVDs, new releases, and reference works are located on the main floor.

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.


What if my book is not available in the IC Schewe Library Catalog?

 

Step Two: I-Share

If you cannot find the book you are looking for in our catalog, or all copies are checked out, you can request it through I-Sharean integrated library system (I-Share) of 86 member libraries across Illinois.

I-Share books may be requested through the Schewe Home page by clicking the I-Share icon under the main search bar or through the Schewe Catalog by clicking the "Search I-Share Libraries" button located at the top of the screen. You will need to log in before you can make an I-Share request.

Items typically arrive within 5-10 days and you will receive an email when the item is available for pick up from our very own Schewe Circulation Desk.


What if my book is not available in I-Share?

 

Step Three: Interlibrary Loan

If an item is not available in the Schewe Library catalog or through I-Share, then your next stop is our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. Keep your full citation handy -- you will need it. You can request an Interlibrary Loan by clicking the icon located on the Schewe Home page under the main search bar or through the Schewe Catalog by clicking the "Request an Interlibrary Loan" button located at the top of the screen. Next, fill out our ILL form with your name, e-mail, and the full citation and submit your request.

Interlibrary loan can take some time, so please plan ahead before making a request. You will be notified by email when your item is ready to be picked up.

WorldCat -- You can search WorldCat to find books which might not be in the Schewe Catalog. Once you find a title of interest, double-check that it is not available through our local catalog or I-Share, and then request it through Interlibrary Loan.