Research
How can I get help researching a topic?
Reference librarians are here to help you! Please visit the Reference Services page to find out more.
I need to write a research paper for one of my classes. Can't I just use the Internet to do my research?
Many good resources are available on the Internet, but some Internet sources are not suitable for academic research. Our librarians have created lists of useful Internet sources that you can find on the Articles by Subject pages.
I need to do some research, and I don't know where to begin!
There are two basic starting points: If you're looking for books, use our online catalog, Pegasus, and search by keyword for your topic on the Advanced Search page. If you need journal, magazine or newspaper articles on your topic, consult our Articles by Subject list of databases.
I have the name of a book that I need to find. Where do I look?
Search our catalog, Pegasus, to find out if Loyola has the book, and which library it is in.
Can I locate periodical articles by searching Pegasus?
The best way to locate an article from a periodical is to search in a periodical index or database. You can find our list of online indexes and databases on the Articles by Subject page.
Some indexes will include the full text of articles along with citation: there may be a link directly to the full text; or you can look up the name of the periodical (for example, New York Times or American Journal of Education) in our e-journals list to see if any other database includes the full text of that publication.
If the full text is not available online:
- Go to our catalog, Pegasus, to determine if Loyola subscribes to the publication where the article was published.
- Use the Journal Title search in Pegasus and enter the name of the periodical. Make sure to enter the publication title, not the title of the article!
- If the title comes up in Pegasus, carefully examine the record to see whether we have the volume and issue that the article appeared in; and which library has the subscription.
Locating Materials
The book or article I want is in a Loyola library on another campus. Do I need to go to that campus?
No, you don't need to travel to a library on another campus (unless you want to). The libraries provide Intercampus Loan service: we will send books and photocopies of articles between campuses for you.
How long does Intercampus Loan take?
Please allow 2-4 business days for your materials to arrive.
What if the book I need isn't on the shelf where it's supposed to be?
You can fill out a Search request, and we will try to locate the book for you.
What if someone else has the book checked out, and I need it? Can you tell me who has checked it out?
You can fill out a Recall request to have the book returned before the due date. We cannot reveal patron circulation information due to legal restrictions, so we cannot tell you who has a particular book checked out.
Loyola doesn't have a copy of the book or article I need! Now what do I do?
We may have access to the book or journal online. Please check the Find page, or ask a reference librarian for assistance if you're not sure where to look online. If you don't find it online, you can request it using our Interlibrary Loan service; you can also try other Chicago area libraries.
How long does Interlibrary Loan take?
Please allow 2-4 weeks for your materials to arrive.
Can I get the full text of articles online?
In many cases, yes. Please check the e-journals list, or ask a reference librarian for assistance.
Circulation
How long can I keep the books I check out?
How long you can borrow library materials depends on your status as well as the the type of material (for example, reference books can't be checked out at all). Check out the Borrowing Services page to get details.
How many books can I check out at once?
You may check out as many books as you can carry!
Can I check out periodicals?
No, periodicals (magazines, journals, newspapers) do not circulate.
Can I renew books without coming in to the library (online or over the phone)?
We don't do phone renewals, but you can renew your books online. Go to Pegasus, and click on "Patron Info" at the top of the screen. Sign on with your barcode and last name, and you'll see a list of books you have checked out, with the option to renew them.
Can I get a list of the books I have checked out?
Yes-- just go to Pegasus, and click on "Patron Info" at the top of the screen. Sign on with your barcode and last name, and you'll see a list of books you have checked out.
How much are fines?
Late fines are $.25 a day per book. Overdue recall fines are $.25 a day after the recall due date and $.50 per day for each day after the original due date. However, fines will vary by type of material, e.g., psychological test kits or reserve items may incur higher fines.
What happens if I lose a book that I've checked out?
Fees for lost books are the cost of the book ($50 if the book is out of print) plus a $15 processing fee.
Can alumni check out books?
Yes! For information on obtaining a library courtesy card, see the Alumni Library Privileges page.
Citations and Bibliographies
What is a citation?
A citation is the information needed to identify a book or article: author, title, date, etc. For books, it will include the publisher and place of publication; for articles, it will include the title of the periodical, volume and page numbers.
How do I format the citations in the bibliography of my paper?
Find out which style manual your professor would like you to use (the most common are APA and MLA), and get a copy of the manual-- the library reference desks are one place to find the manuals.
Using Videos
What videos does the library have available on my topic?
All videos in the libraries' collections are listed in Pegasus, the online catalog. To limit your Pegasus search to videos only, use the search limits function and choose "Video recording" from the "Medium" menu.
What are the policies for checking out videos?
See the audiovisual services page for detailed policies on how to book and check out videos, or see this printable (pdf) version of the Audiovisual Handbook.
How do I arrange use of a VCR or other AV equipment?
Equipment is arranged by ITS Media Services, rather than the libraries. For information, call the Help Desk at x44444 .
Printing and Photocopying
Why do I have to pay for my printouts?
When using the computers in the library reference areas, we ask that patrons contribute a few cents for each page printed. This saves paper and helps us keep costs down.
How much are photocopies?
For prices and other info, see our photocopying page.
Off-Campus Access
Can I get into the library databases from my home computer (or other computer off campus)?
Yes! Just follow the instructions on the off-campus access page.
I've followed your instructions for off-campus access, and it still doesn't work. Help!
Please send us a message describing the problem, giving as much detail as possible. There are a number of reasons why it might not work-- If you send us the details, we can probably figure out what is wrong.
Making a Suggestion
How do I suggest a book for purchase?
Faculty members are encouraged to recommend books for purchase by contacting the appropriate subject specialist librarian. Students and staff are also welcome to make book recommendations.
How do I make a suggestion?
We welcome your comments at any time! You can find suggestion boxes in each library, or use our online form.
Reserves
Where can I find an item that is on reserve in the library?
Reserve materials are located behind the circulation desk at each library.
How do I access electronic reserves?
To access an item that is on electronic reserve, go to Pegasus and click on the Course Reserves option from the main screen. Search reserves by instructor or course; click on the item you wish to view.
How do I place something on reserve?
Faculty can find information about reserves on the reserves guidelines page.
Visitors
I'm NOT a Loyola student, faculty or staff member, but I'd like to use your libraries. What is the policy?
See the Visitor Access Policies page for information.
I'm from another university and would like to borrow one of your books.
Some libraries in Chicago have reciprocal borrowing agreements with Loyola; ask at one of our circulation desks, or the desk at your library, to see if your institution is one of them. If not, most academic libraries have an inter-library loan (ILL) department; please contact the ILL department at your institution's library, and make the request through them.
What about parking?
Click here for information on parking and more at different Loyola campuses
