Academic Libraries of Indiana
This map will show you the locations of ALI institutions around the state:
Use the map to find the ALI member library closest to you (note: not all map locations are exact; make sure to check the institution's website for specific directions).
Having trouble with the map? Visit Academic Libraries of Indiana to see a list of ALI member libraries.
Sign up for ALI by contacting the Interlibrary Loan department at (765) 285-1323 or interlib@bsu.edu.
- ALI Reciprocal Borrowing ProgramBorrow books from an academic institution near you.
Google Books
Would you like to get a preview of the table of contents of a book, or sample pages of the book's content? Google Books provides an easy way to preview a book to see whether you may want to request it or not.
In addition, older books that are not under copyright may be available in full text.
Options for Distance & Online Learners
As a Distance/Online student, you have several options for receiving books:
If you do not live near Muncie:
- You may request books from the Ball State University Libraries through Interlibrary Loan, and these books will be shipped to you by the library for free. You will need to return the books at your own expense. For all the details, see the attached document below.
- If you live in or near the state of Indiana, you can take advantage of the ALI program (see details in the next box).
- You may access eBooks (available online through Ball State University Libraries' subscriptions) from home.
- See if your local public library offers its own Interlibrary Loan services.
If you live near Muncie:
- If it is convenient for you, you may come to the Ball State University Libraries to check out and return books and other materials.
- You may request books from other libraries through Ball State University Libraries' Interlibrary Loan services as long as you can pick up and return the books to Bracken Library.
ALI Reciprocal Borrowing Program
The ALI program allows you to check books out directly from a library near you. Many academic libraries in Indiana are part of this organization.
- Contact the Interlibrary Loan Dept. at interlib@bsu.edu or 765-285-1324 to sign up for your ALI card.
- Take your ALI card and a photo ID to an ALI Library near you.
- Participating libraries will each have their own policies and loan periods.
- For full details see the document below.
- ALI Reciprocal Borrowing ProgramBorrow books from an academic institution near you.
- List of ALI Member LibrariesSee an alphabetical list of ALI member libraries.
OneSearch
OneSearch is a tool that cross searches much of the content our databases and other online sources. You can search across many collections in one search box simplifying the resource discovery process.
OneSearch research tips:
- You will find OneSearch on the University Libraries' homepage
- Use the Advanced Search for more options
- Try alternate keywords if your first search does not come up with good results
- Select Library Catalog from Refine Your Search (left column) to limit your results to materials available from the University Libraries
- Select Book/eBook from Content Type (left column) to limit to Books and eBook
- When you find a book you like, click on Preview to view Subjects and find more items like it
- As a distance education student, you may request items you find in OneSearch via Interlibrary Loan if you would like them to be mailed to you
WorldCat
A third option for finding books is to use WorldCat. WorldCat lets you search for items in libraries throughout the United States and even internationally.
- You can use WorldCat to find books at academic libraries in your area. You will find WorldCat on the University Libraries homepage in the Research column under "Quick Links."
- You can also use WorldCat to place Interlibrary Loan requests for Ball State materials. Any item which Ball State owns will be indicated in the results list.
- Click on the title and look under "Get This Item" to find the link Request via interlibrary loan. After clicking on that link and logging in, you will be routed to an Interlibrary Loan request form which has been pre-filled with the necessary information. Simply fill in the "Preferred By:" date and click Submit.