FAQ's
What is in the Library's collection?
How do I search the Library Catalog?
How do I search WorldCat?
Is the Parmly Billings Public Library Catalog available online?
How do I renew books?
How do I renew Interlibrary Loan materials?
How do I find out if the Library owns a specific journal?
How do I tell if the journal I'm looking for is available online?
How do I find a law case?
Can I check out journals?
How do I find Electronic Reserves for my class?
For all Interlibrary Loan questions, Click Here
What is in the Library's collection?
The Library includes over 200,000 volumes in the book collection, over 700 current journal subscriptions, federal and state government documents, maps and many other information resources. Most Library materials are acquired to directly support the programs taught at the university, and the Library collection reflects this emphasis. Subject strengths of the collection include business, health sciences and education, especially reading, special education and rehabilitation.
How do I search the Library Catalog?
The "Library Catalog" link is in the upper left of every library webpage. You can search by Author, Title, Subject, Journal Title, or by general Words or Phrase. You can search items at MSU-Billings, or at eight other Montana academic libraries. If you find an item that is not available at MSU-Billings, click on "Interlibrary Loan" in the upper right to submit an online ILL request.
How do I search WorldCat?
WorldCat is a supercatalog of thousands of libraries around the world. For a direct link to WorldCat, Click Here. You will see "MSU-Billings Library" next to items that we own. If the item is not at MSU-Billings, you can click on "Request by Interlibrary Loan" to submit an Interlibrary Loan request.
Is the Parmly Billings Public Library Catalog available online?
To access the Parmly Billings Public Library Catalog online, Click Here.
How do I renew books?
For a tutorial on renewing books online, click here.
How do I renew Interlibrary Loan materials?
Log in to your ILLiad account to renew ILL materials online.
How do I find out if the Library owns a specific journal?
To see if the Library has a journal in electronic or print format, use the Full Text Finder.
You can also see if the Library owns the print version of a journal by checking the Library Catalog. Type the journal name and click "Journal Title." Most journals are available on the 3rd floor of the Library.
How do I tell if the journal I'm looking for is available online?
Use the Full Text Finder. You can search by Title or ISSN. The Full Text Finder will tell you if the Library has the resource in print, or if it is available online.
How do I find a law case?
Use LexisNexis. Click on "Legal Research." If you are looking for a specific case, select "Get a Case" and input the citation or the party names. To find law cases by subject, select "Area of Law by Topic." This allows you to search for cases within broad subject categories (Education Law, Health Law, Corporate Law, Labor Law, etc.).
Can I check out journals?
Yes! All journals may be checked out for one week.
How do I find Electronic Reserves for my class?
Go to the Library Catalog. Do the following:
1. In the upper middle, click "Reserve Desk"
2. Type your instructor's last name and click "Lookup Items on Reserve by Instructor."
3. Select your class
4. Click "Details" next to the item you need
5. Click the "Internet Access" link
Most eReserve readings are in PDF format, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a free download.
For all Interlibrary Loan questions, Click Here.
Last Updated January 28, 2007