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Michigan State University

Human Development & Family Studies Library Resources: Books

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Finding Books

We have lots of books about Human Development & Family Studies and related topics in the Main Library!  Most of the collection is located in the Library of Congress Call Number range in the H's and primarily within HM-HV.  These books are housed in the Basement of the Main Library. 

The best way to search for books in by using the search on the homepage.  Once you find one or two books that match your topic, you can browse in that call number area for additional relevant titles.

Getting Books for Off-Campus Students

Accessing Books for Distance Learners

*You must not be taking any classes at the East Lansing campus and be registered as a distance learner with the library in order to be eligible for book delivery services

As a distance learner, you are eligible for book delivery through our InterLibrary Services department.  You will need to register for an account with InterLibrary Services through the ILLiad system.

  1. Go to the ILLiad website.
  2. Select the First Time Users link.
  3. Complete form.
    • For Status: select Distance Program (>50 miles)
    • For Department: select the correct Department affiliation
    • For Delivery Location: select the option closest to you, either a facility or delivery (>50 miles)

Once you have registered an account with ILLiad, use it to request books.

  1. Log on to ILLiad.
  2. Select either articles or books under Request MSU Owned Material.
  3. Complete the request form.
  4. When the item is received...
    • You will be notified by e-mail to access articles.
    • Books will be sent to your selected delivery location.

Please note: Print MSU dissertations will not be available through this service.

How does book delivery through ILLiad work?

The book will be delivered to you by an overnight FedEx shipment.  Your signature will be required for the delivery.  You are responsible for paying the cost of shipping the book back to the library by the due date. 

Books are loaned to graduate students for 180 days (approximately 6 months).  However, books may be recalled by another student or professor and then must be returned within 2 weeks.  Renewals are available online through Your Library Account.

Questions about book delivery for distance learners should be directed to InterLibrary Services (Phone: 517-884-6398 Email: ill@mail.lib.msu.edu).

Another option for getting your hands on books is to use the MeLCat system:

If you live in Michigan and your local library participates in the Michigan eLibrary service, you can use MeLCat as another option for convenient book delivery.  MeLCat is a consortium effort reciprocal borrowing program that many Michigan libraries participate in, including MSU.  The MeLCat button is available in all MSU library catalog records.  Once you have registered for a library card at your local library, you can use it to request books through MeLCat and have them sent to your home branch library for pick-up.

MeLCat books generally are loaned out for 3 weeks, with only one option for renewal.

Please visit the Off Campus Users page for a review of this information, as well as steps for requesting non-MSU material.  An important thing to know is that we can get books for you even if we don't own them here at MSU by using either the MeLCat system or a national inter-library loan system.

E-Books

Use the Library Catalog to search for e-books in our collection.
Use the Advanced Search options to limit to our electronic resources.  Here's how:

  • Start at the Library Catalog Advanced Search screen.
  • Note the Limited to options underneath the search boxes. 
  • In the Material Type box, highlight Electronic Resource. 
  • Now you are ready to conduct your search.

What kind of electronic resources will I find in the library catalog?
You will find many e-books from a variety of publishers, online government documents, online journals (let's you know that we subscribe to a journal, but does not list individual articles), and a few other types of documents as well.

What if my book is not there?

What if my book isn't there?

If the item you are looking for is checked out or the MSU Libraries do not own the item, you may request it from another library (at no charge).

If your book is checked out: Select the "Request Through InterLibrary Loan" link under Status on the record.  

If your book is not at the MSU Libraries: Submit an InterLibrary Loan Request through our ILLiad service. 

For more information about requesting books visit the Get it @MSU webpage.