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How Do I Find Books Not Available at Concordia?

When attempting to find library books, there are three places to look:

  • MnPALS, Concordia's online library catalog.
  • MnPALS Union Catalog, a shared online catalog of several academic and state libraries within the State of Minnesota.
  • WorldCat, an online catalog of thousands of libraries throughout the world.

The basic strategy is to start by searching Concordia's catalog and then begin searching in the larger catalogs until you find what you need.

Search MnPALS, Concordia's online library catalog

The first step is to verify that Concordia does not own the books you need. Instructions are available for finding books with specific titles or authors and for finding books by subject. 

Search the MnPALS Union Catalog

If the books you need aren't available at Concordia, the next step is to search the MnPALS Union Catalog, a shared online catalog of several academic and state libraries within the State of Minnesota.

1. Access the MnPALS Union Catalog by visiting http://www.mnpals.net/ or from within the Concordia library catalog by selecting "All MnPALS Libraries" from the Libraries and Collections dropdown menu near the top of the screen.

 MnPALS catalog

2. After entering the catalog, you will need to log in to request books from other MnPALS libraries. Click on the My Account link at the top of the screen. Your User ID/Barcode is the 14-digit Library # on your Concordia ID, and your password is your last name.

3. Search the MnPALS Union Catalog to locate books you wish to request. The procedures for searching the MnPALS Union catalog are the same as for searching Concordia's catalog (see above).

3. Once you've located a book you need, you're ready to place your request. 

  • First, click on the book's title.
  • Then click on the "ILL Request" link.

    ILL
     
  • A request form will open. Review the information, and enter a date in the "Not Needed After" field. This is the last possible date the item could be useful to you.
  • Check the copyright acknowledgement box and click Go.

Most books requested through the MnPALS Union Catalog will be available at the Library's Circulation Desk within a week after placing the request. You will receive either an e-mail or paper notice when your items are available for pick-up.

This service is free to Concordia students, faculty, and staff.

Search WorldCat

Occasionally you won't be able to find a book in Concordia's online catalog or the MnPALS Union Catalog. In this case, you can request the book either through the book request form (via the library homepage) or by searching WorldCat, a shared catalog of thousands of libraries across the world.

If you are searching WorldCat, locate the book you need and click on the Find It button:

WorldCat 

Click on the the Concordia Interlibrary Loan link in the popup window:

Find It

A request form will open. Your User ID/Barcode is the 14-digit Library # on your Concordia ID, and your password is your last name. Review the rest of the information, and enter a date in the "Not Needed After" field. This is the last possible date the item could be useful to you. Check the copyright acknowledgement box and click Go.

  • Most books requested through WorldCat will be available at the Library's Circulation Desk within 2-3 weeks after placing the request.
  • You will receive either an e-mail or paper notice when your items are available for pick-up.
  • You cannot use this service to obtain course textbooks.
  • This service is free.

Need help?

If you need any help, ask a librarian.