The eLearner's Guide to the ODU Library

Library Services | Electronic Resources | Obtaining Articles | Obtaining Books & Videos | Additional Links | Printable Version of this Guide

Welcome to ODU Library’s web page for eLearners! We are committed to supporting the quest for knowledge and, in accordance with the ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services, to provide our eLearners with services and resources equivalent to what is offered to students and faculty on ODU’s main Sunbury Road campus. Please use this page as a starting point and quick guide for understanding the many ways the library can meet your needs.

Electronic Resources Available to eLearners through ODU Library

ODU Library Catalog	Search for books, videos, journals, and more! Search for items in the ODU Library collection and online.
OhioLINK Library Catalog	Search for books, videos, and other items you can request online from Ohio's consortium of over 80 academic libraries.
Electronic Books	View and check out books electronically through several ebook resources.
Research Databases	Access journal & newspaper articles, business & statistical data, and more in over 160 research databases.
Electronic Journals	Access the complete text of articles from a host of online journals.
Online Videos, Images, etc	Access OhioLINK Digital Media Center Databases (see also Audiovisuals for additional media and Internet Search for visual search engines).
Course Reserves	Access articles or text that your professors may place on electronic reserve for course readings.
Quick Reference	Find online resources (Internet sites & ODU Library databases) for fast facts, general information, statistics, e-texts, and more.
Internet Search	Start your search of the Internet with a choice of several standard and speciality search engines, along with guides on how to effectively use these tools.
Research Help	View online guides and a tutorial to using library catalogs and databases, citing sources, and more. Also links to contact information to obtain personal assistance from a librarian.

To gain access to most of ODU's electronic resources, make sure you have a valid Ohio Domincan University student ID. A valid name and ID number will give you access to our electronic resources.

How do I get articles that I cannot access in full text from a library database?

Submit an interlibrary loan request via ILLiad. For more information about interlibrary loan, visit the interlibrary loan page.

Points to consider:
eLearners may place interlibrary loan requests for articles held by ODU as well as by other libraries (contrary to traditional local students, who are not eligible to request articles held at the ODU Library)
The article will be copied and posted electronically on the ILLiad server for you as quickly as possible, whether the article is available in ODU Library's stacks or in another library In the rare event that an article is not conducive to scanning, it will be sent via UPS
There is typically no charge for regular interlibrary loan services; however, there will be a $15 charge if the article requires document delivery services. No charge will be placed on your account without your approval to pursue the item

How do I get books and videos?

If you are an Online Learner located in Franklin County Ohio, you are entitled to the same library services as traditional campus patrons. If ODU does not have what you need, try the OhioLINK Library Catalog. If OhioLINK does not have what you need, please submit an interlibrary loan request via ILLiad. Both OhioLINK and interlibrary loan items will be available to be picked up from the ODU Library Circulation Services counter.

If you are an Online Learner located in Ohio but outside of Franklin County, try the OhioLINK Library Catalog first. The Pickup Anywhere (PUA) service will allow you to request a book or video from any OhioLINK library to be delivered to any other OhioLINK library in a matter of a few days. Instead of selecting Ohio Dominican as your pickup location, choose a library at a university nearer you.

If you are an Online Learner in Ohio, outside Franklin County, and you are unable to locate or request the item you need in OhioLINK, please submit an interlibrary loan request via ILLiad. The interlibrary loan staff will address the situation, either "un-blocking" an item in the OhioLINK catalog allowing you to successfully request the item via OhioLINK, or the item will be pulled from the shelf or obtained through interlibrary loan channels, ultimately to be mailed to you via UPS. A paid return shipping label will be provided by the ODU library. Please make sure the item is received by the ODU Library by the due date, not just postmarked by the due date.

If you are outside of Ohio, please simply submit an Interlibrary Loan request via ILLiad. The item will be either pulled from our shelves and sent to you via UPS, or it will be obtained through Interlibrary Loan and then mailed to you. Please allow at least two weeks for delivery in the event that the item will need to be obtained from another library first. Library will pay all shipping costs. It is the responsibility of the eLearning patron to make sure the item is returned to the ODU Library by the date due.