Library Introduction: Getting Library Materials
Getting Library Materials
Vocabulary:
- Interlibrary Loan
UBC Library offers a number of ways to access materials. Read below and consider which method might work best for you.
Access Resources Online
Library journals, books, and databases can be found using the search tool on the Library main page. For more details, see this guide to connecting to electronic resources.
On-campus computers using a UBC network are automatically able to access these resources.
Off-campus there are two ways to access electronic resources :
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Use OpenAthens (on-campus on a personal computer or off-campus):
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From the UBC Library main page use the "LOGIN" drop-down menu on the right-hand side of the grey bar and sign in with your CWL, or;
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Start searching from the library main page. The first link-out to a licensed resource will automatically request authentication via OpenAthens.
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Use the Library Access Browser Extension for automatic access to UBC materials.
Anyone can download the free UBC Library Access Browser Extension from Lean Library. With the Extension, you can start from anywhere on the internet and access UBC Library materials. No need to begin at the Library main page. The Extension detects when you are on a website that contains content licensed by UBC Library. A pop-up window will appear with either a "GET ACCESS" button or directions on how to access the resource. Authorized Users will be routed via OpenAthens for authentication.
Use the Libraries in Person
UBC Library serves many patrons and has many libraries, and each library has specialized topics with subject librarians to help you. Knowing which libraries carry the topics you need will come in handy while searching for a book or contacting a subject librarian.
Learn more about our library locations, and gain some tips for searching, in the video below.
Link to: Transcript of ‘Research Skills Tutorial – Library Locations’
Requesting Materials not at UBC Library
If you cannot find any non-textbook material you need after searching in Summon and the UBC Library Electronic Journals, Interlibrary Loan (ILL) can often order it for you for free from another Library. Note that many Libraries, including UBC, do not buy textbooks.
Log into the Document Delivery and Interlibrary Loan system with your CWL. Make sure you have as much information about the material as possible ready for the form, including the title, author, journal information, publisher, publication date, etc.
Activity
(Need the worksheet? Library Introduction Worksheet Download Library Introduction Worksheet )
On your worksheet, answer these questions:
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- Consider which electronic resources option might work best for you. Try it out! What happened?
- Why would you make an ILL request?
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