Studying Away

While you are away from campus, you have access to many Williams Libraries resources and services:

• Research Assistance

  You can get help with research through our Ask a Librarian service.

• Library Catalog

  You can access the library catalog from anywhere you have an Internet connection. When you're off campus, signing in to the catalog expands your options for searching and managing your results.  Learn more.

• Indexes and Databases

  Many of the resources on the Indexes & Databases page are accessible anywhere you have an Internet connection. You'll be asked to enter your Williams username and password when you click on the link.

  Other ways to connect.

• E-Books and Full-Text Articles

  All e-books and full-text journal and newspaper articles listed in the library catalog are available from anywhere you have an Internet connection.

  1. Click on "online access" or "full text available" to get to the "View It" section of the catalog record.
  2. Click on the link(s) provided to access the item.
  3. You'll be asked to enter your Williams username and password when you click on the link.
  4. If you're unable to access an e-book or article directly from the catalog after signing in, try connecting through the proxy server.

  See "Researching Off Campus" for more information.

• Print Materials at Williams

  We are unable scan books and articles that are part of the Williams print collection during the COVID-19 Emergency.

  For books, try the following:

  • Search HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service
  • Search VitalSource and Red Shelf
  • Use the "Book chapter" request form to get a PDF of selected chapters through  interlibrary loan 

  For articles, try the following:

  • Search Unpaywall
  • Use the "Article" request form to get a PDF copy through interlibrary loan

  For further assistance, please use our Ask a Librarian service.

• Items not owned by Williams

  Articles:

  • Search Unpaywall
  • Use the "Article" request form to get a PDF copy through interlibrary loan.

  Books:
  We are unable to borrow physical items at this time. Try the following:

  • Search VitalSource and Red Shelf
  • Use the "Book chapter" request form to get a PDF of selected chapters through  interlibrary loan

  Audiovisual materials:
  We are unable to borrow physical items at this time. Try the following:

  • Search JustWatch

  Other options:

  • Check for online access at a library near you
  • Use the purchase request form to request an electronic copy

  For further assistance, please use our Ask a Librarian service.