Milner Library has a variety of electronic resources available to students, faculty, and staff at any time, from anywhere. Milner’s electronic resources include things such as e-books, topical library guides, electronic databases, Kanopy streaming video service, ISU ReD (Illinois State University’s institutional repository), and our digital collections—just to name a few.
Databases available
Milner Library subscribes to nearly 300 electronic databases that include journal, magazine, and newspaper articles covering just about every topic imaginable. Electronic databases are accessible from anywhere; however, individuals using a non-ISU network will be prompted to log in using their ULID and password. Databases of particular interest include:
- Archives/Archival
- Articles (General/Multi-Subject)
- Audio (Streaming)
- Biography
- Dissertations and Theses
- eBooks
- Evidence-based Practice
- Government Information
- Images
- Laws and Regulations
- Multi-disciplinary Databases
Music (Streaming)- News / Newspapers
- Primary Sources
- Reference (General/Multi-Subject)
- Statistics and Data Sets
- Video (Streaming)
Using Topical Library Guides
Libraries use guides to curate important resources for subjects all in one place. Topical guides are those that are devoted to specific topics. Milner Library houses hundreds of guides covering topics ranging from Milner-specific information (Navigating the Library, Our Librarians) to course-specific guides to fun reads usually found on our Browsing Books shelf. Guides that might be of particular assistance include:
- Citing Sources
- Current Issues, Hot Topics, & Controversies
- Determine Credibility (Evaluating)
- EndNote Basic
- Glossary of Library Terms
- Milner Library Orientation
- The Research Process: an Overview
- Types of Sources: What’s the Difference
- Style Manuals/Guides
- Understanding Call Numbers
- Zotero
Expanded Electronic Book and Textbook availability
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many publishers have worked to allow expanded free e-book and e-textbook access for students, faculty, and staff of colleges and universities. Please see our COVID-19 Free e-Resources and e-Textbook Guide for more information on expanded options available from various publishers. Please note that in many cases books from these sources will not show up when searching the Milner Library catalog. Individuals will need to go through each company to see if the books they want are available.
Unsure where to start?
We are here to help! Connect directly with a Milner librarian seven days a week through our virtual reference desk. Librarians are available daily via chat when the Chat with Us button is green on the library’s homepage, through an email contact form, by texting (309) 807-9442, and/or by contacting your subject librarian to schedule a research consult via Zoom and/or email. Fall Virtual Reference Desk hours are
- Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
