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Essential Free Academic Search Engines

WorldCat: Nationwide Library Catalog for Interlibrary Loan

WorldCat is a comprehensive library catalog that allows you to search for books and other materials available for interlibrary loan (ILL).

Start with either a Basic or Advanced Search (1), and refine your results by limiting to books or by date. Browse (2) through titles of the search results and select the one you wish to request. To request a title, click on it to view its details, then select the ILL link at the top left (3).

Fill out the required fields (4) in the request form, including your first and last name, street address, telephone, email, and maximum cost (ILL is usually free). There’s no need to enter book information; the system remembers your data if you request multiple items. ILL is generally free for MIU students and faculty. To access WorldCat, go to https://library.miu.edu/databases/ click on FirstSearch, and select from “Jump to Advanced Search” menu: WorldCat.

WorldCat: Nationwide Library Catalog for Interlibrary Loan