Reference Services

The Reference Collection

The Reference Collection contains encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, atlases, select biblical commentaries, and finding tools, such as indexes for periodicals.

Research Assistance

The reference librarians are eager to assist patrons in locating materials and to answer any questions from patrons about library resources and use. The reference librarians also are available to discuss any research question or problem you might have. Contact a reference librarian at libref@tiu.edu or (847) 317-4001. 

Microform Readers and Printer

There are readers/printers/scanners available in the Media Room for microfilm and microfiche. Printouts are 10¢ per page. A bypass key is available if patrons prefer to pay for all copies at once.

InfoPass

An InfoPass or “Information Passport” is a single-purpose, one-time pass that permits Trinity students to enter Illinois libraries normally closed to the general public. A Reference Librarian must fill out the pass, stating a specific subject to be researched and the date the visit is to take place. An InfoPass does not give checkout privileges; it only conveys the need that a student needs to view a certain library collection.

ACTS & LIBRAS

TEDS students have borrowing privileges at Chicago area theological schools through the ACTS consortium. A special ACTS library card must be obtained from the Reference Desk before going to another ACTS library. See the ACTS Member Seminaries for a list of schools. College students may use their Trinity ID to borrow books directly from other Chicago area college libraries who are members of LIBRAS.

ACTS books may be returned via a courier by dropping the books in the Interlibrary Loan Book Bin. Books may take as long as one week to get back to their original library. They are not counted as returned until they reach that library. Students are responsible for any fines accrued during this shipping time.