Services

UDC librarians provide reference and research support at both the Van Ness and 801 North Capitol street library locations. 

Ask us about:

• Finding and using books and other library materials
• Identifying a research topic/question
• Searching for information/sources for research
• Using library databases
• Evaluating information
• Citing sources
• Any other questions you have about the library!

Here's how you can get help from UDC librarians: 

• Drop-in visit: Librarians are available for drop-in visits during reference desk hours.  
• Chat: Librarians are available via live chat (slide out Ask Us box to the right) during reference desk hours.
• Schedule an appointment: You can schedule an in-person or virtual (Zoom) appointment with a librarian 
• Email: You can contact an individual librarian or email all of us at ask@udc.libanswers.com. 
• Call: 202-274-5104

The Circulation Desk is open and staffed whenever the library is open. Currently, it is located in the Van Ness library in Building 71, 3rd Floor.

Circulation technicians are able to assist you with borrowing and returning books and DVDs. It is also the pickup location for items requested via CLS or ILL, and for items that professors have placed on Reserve.

Since the UDC Library is a member of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), UDC students, faculty, and staff can borrow materials from libraries the other WRLC member schools. You may request that items be delivered to the UDC Library for you to pick up at the Circulation Desk. You may not request materials that UDC owns unless the UDC copy is checked out, lost, or missing.

CLS is ONLY for print books. Articles are not available through CLS.

Step-by-Step Instructions for CLS Requests: 

• Search for the item in UDC Search.
• If it is listed as available at UDC, you may request the item for pickup by clicking "Request UDC Copy." (Books are currently stored off-site.) The item will be available for pickup the following day.
• If it is not available at UDC but is listed as available at another WRLC library, it can be requested through CLS. Click on the “CLS Request (2-3 Day Delivery)” link. 
• You will then see a form showing the requested title and your delivery location. Complete the form and click “Submit Request.”
• In a couple of days, the item will arrive at the UDC Library. You will receive notification by email when your materials are ready. Items must be picked up from the circulation desk on the 3rd floor of Building 71 (4250 Connecticut Ave. NW) within 10 days.

These items may be renewed online through My Library Account. You will need to choose the item’s home library from the dropdown at the top. When you are finished with materials they may be returned to any WRLC library. 

Interlibrary Loan is for items, books or articles, not available at UDC or via Consortium Loan Service (CLS).

To request a book or article using Interlibrary Loan (ILL):

1. Click on “My Library Account” on the right side of the red navigation bar at the top of the screen. 
2. Log in using your UDC information (UDC email and password, same as for MyUDC).
3. Once logged in, click on "ILL Request."
4. The first time you access ILLiad, you will verify your personal information. Often missing is a phone number. Once you enter all required information and verify, you will be taken to the ILLiad home page. Your ILLiad account SHOULD be linked to your library account, and automatically take you into the page the verify your personal information. If it prompts you to login, contact a librarian for assistance.
5. Once in ILLiad, click on "Book" or “Article Copy” under “New” on the left hand side of the page.
6. Then, you can fill in the form with the necessary information, all available in the citation.

Note: There is no time guarantee for ILL requests. While they can be pretty fast, we can't make any promises, so plan ahead and request early.

Log into your My Library Account using your UDC email and password to:

• Renew books or check on due dates
• Check the status of consortium loan items
• Save links to frequently-used databases and electronic journals
• See your saved searches
• Sign up for text and e-mail alerts
• Access and submit Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests

UDC students, faculty, and staff should log in as "External Users."

The library's lost and found is located at the Circulation Desk, Building 71, 3rd Floor.