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Academic Inquiry Seminar (AIQS)

This guide serves as an introduction to KSL resources that may be helpful for your AIQS assignments.

Reminder: Online Access

  • Library resources require going through CWRU Single Sign-On.
  • The best method is to follow links from the library website.
  • When logged in and a browser window is not closed, access should continue from resource to resource.
  • Remember to close your browser when done.

Requesting Sources Outside of CWRU

If you find yourself coming up short when searching in any of our resources don't worry! Although we do our best to provide a well-rounded and full collection of resources no library can hold every source that a person would need. Luckily, you have options outside of our campus.

If you're looking for a physical book that's not available through our catalog you can search the OhioLink catalog and gain access to the collections of other institutions throughout the state of Ohio. 

If that book isn't available through CWRU or OhioLink, you can request a copy through Interlibrary Loan. Interlibrary Loan also allows you to request digital materials such as articles and other scans. This request goes out to institutions around the world!

Using OhioLink

OhioLink is the state-wide consortium of libraries in Ohio, and Case Western Reserve University is one of the founding members.  There are now 88 member institutions.

Together, OhioLINK and its member libraries provide access to:

  • 48 million books and other library materials
  • Millions of electronic articles
  • 12,000 electronic journals
  • 140 electronic research databases
  • 55,000 e-books
  • Thousands of images, videos and sounds
  • 19,500 theses and dissertations from Ohio students
As a student at CWRU, you have access to all of the above!  This page focuses primarily on borrowing books using OhioLink.
When do you need to use OhioLink?
 
Any time a book is not available at your home library (the libraries here at CWRU), you may request a copy of that book through OhioLink. When might this occur?
  • We may not own a copy of the book
  • We own the book, but it is currently checked out
In either of these cases, you can simply click on the button link in the catalog that says "Search OhioLink" to enter the OhioLink Central Catalog.
Now follow the "Request this Item" link to request the book! For more detailed instructions on requesting items using OhioLink, please see their FAQ and other resources. 
 

Using Interlibrary Loan

Sometimes a book/article isn't available through any of CWRU's libraries or OhioLink. In that case, you can request the item from other institutions through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). 

Before initiating any interlibrary loan transaction, please check all of KSL's resources to ensure that the wanted item is not available.