This page highlights 5 tips for your first semester --- how to get help from the library, how to meet with a librarian from your subject area, where to find databases and journals from your subject areas, how to get full text access, and how to access materials when you're off-campus. Scroll for more infomration!

Raynor librarians are happy to talk with you one on one, in person or virtually, to familiarize you with library services and resources and to give you specific assistance with your research. Request a consultation using the web form below. For immediate assistance, please visit the Library Services Desk on Raynor's first floor or use the chat available from the library homepage. 

Databases: The library subscribes to more than 500 online article, data, text and image databases, ranging from discipline-specific subjects, such as CINAHL (nursing), LION (literature), and PsycInfo (psychology) to multidisciplinary databases, such as WorldCat, Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, and ProQuest Research Library.

Journals: The libraries provide access to more than 34,000 journals and other serials in digital format, including large e-journal "families" such as JSTOR, Project MUSE, American Chemical Society, IEEE, and Institute of Physics. 

Getting to the full text of an article or an eBook from MARQCAT sometimes takes a simple click, and other times it takes a few steps. 

First, check for PDF, HTML, and ePUB links

If you see one of these three icon links, you can simply click on it to open a full-text copy of the resource to read online. You can download PDFs and EPUBs to read offline.

If none, check for the Findit@MU button 

If you don't see a PDF, HTML, or EPUB link, click on  . Another window / tab will open with two possible contents:

• Link(s) to one or more sources for full text of the article. Follow the links to reach the article. 

• Link(s) to search MARQCAT by the journal title or its ISSN number. The journal may be available in print or electronically through a source not searchable by Find it @MU.

The last resort: Interlibrary loan (ILL) 

If Marquette does have access to a particular item, you can request that item through interlibrary loan. This is a free service for students. See below for more information on the interlibrary loan portal, ILLIAD, where you can request items. 

To access library materials off-campus, you need to go through an "authentication process." This process lets our vendors know that you are affiliated with Marquette. See below for the two types of authentication - library login and VPN.

You can also sign in MARQCAT to view complete results, save search results and search terms, and view and renew items checked out to you. You may need to enter your Marquette email address and password. The Welcome to MARQCAT webpage provides instructions on how to get the most out of the catalog's features.

If you're having an issue finding or accessing online materials or need research support, just ask us! Raynor librarians will assist you whether you're on site or online. The "Ask a Librarian" link below directs you a page with a variety of ways to reach us.