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Milner Library
Two library patrons stand at a library desk while a staff member provides assistance.

Check Out, Borrow, or Request Materials

The Service Desk assists library users with the location and circulation of library materials and is part of the Patron Services Department. The Service Desk is located on the north side of the main lobby as you enter the building, and is open during all library hours.

All members of the Illinois State University community are able to borrow eligible materials. The Redbird Cards serve as library cards for current Illinois State students, faculty, and staff. Alumni and community members may apply for a Courtesy Card. Loan periods vary based on material type, location, and borrower status.

How to Borrow Materials

  1. Come to the Service Desk with the materials found in Milner Library you wish to check out. If you requested an item online, the Circulation Staff will retrieve it for you. Course Reserves may be found at the Service Desk or online.
  2. Be sure to bring your Redbird Card to our staff or follow the instructions on the Self Checkout Machine.
  3. You're Done!

Borrowing Privileges

Other Resources

Borrow Materials Policies and Guidelines

Returning Library Materials

Borrowers may return Milner Library and I-Share library materials in three locations.

  • The Service Desk, where receipts for returned materials are available upon request.
  • The book drop in the west wall of the Library (on the plaza).
  • The book drop on the east side of the Library (accessed from the School St. parking lot).

Library materials cannot be returned through campus mail. You may also return materials to any other I-Share institution.

Please return Interlibrary Loan materials directly to the Service Desk.

Library materials from Milner Library and from other I-Share Libraries can be renewed by several methods:

  • ONLINE: Milner Library materials can be renewed using the online catalog if the borrower's account is in good standing. Account problems that may prevent an online renewal include:
    • 1 overdue recalled item on your record;
    • reaching the maximum number of renewals for a particular item;
    • unpaid fines or other library charges;
    • a block initiated by another I-Share library because of an unpaid bill;
    • an expired borrower record (this can occur if you are no longer employed at the University or enrolled here as a student);
    • more than 10 lost items on your record
  • BY TELEPHONE: Call the Service Desk at (309) 438-3451
  • IN PERSON: Visit the Service Desk at Milner Library.

The following items CANNOT be renewed:

  • Items that have been recalled by the Library. These items should be returned immediately.
  • Items that are normally non-circulating, but were loaned to you as an exception.
  • Course Reserve items.
  • Media items, such as DVDs, CDs, VHS, etc.
  • Overdue items borrowed from other I-Share libraries, depending upon the policy of the individual library.
  • Non-I-Share items borrowed via Interlibrary Loan.

Additional Links