Guide to the Basics

No, you do not need a library card, but non-students must register with the library to have full lending privileges. Students' library accounts are created automatically. You can register in person (5th floor, Armour Academic Center) or online, via the link below. Once you have registered, your RUSH ID will function as a library card.

RUSH uses two systems to borrow from other libraries. This page will provide a quick summary of each and provide a link to the sign-up forms. For a more detailed explanation there is a separate guide on borrowing (see below).  

Copyright and subscriptions limit our access to materials not purchased by RUSH.  We cannot provide electronic access to all items but are often able to procure a physical item (for example, a book) or email a pdf of an article to you.

Textbooks are available, but successfully borrowing one depends on several factors:  if the book is in the system, how many copies there are, lending policies and borrowing period.  Overdue rates are set by the lending library, not RUSH.

Students:  Your barcode needs to be input as one word, no spaces, starting with RUSH and including the three zeros.

I-Share

• I-Share includes over 80 other Illinois college and university libraries from which RUSH users can borrow materials
• Use I-Share when the Library of RUSH University Medical Center does not own, or has already loaned, a book or a media item you require
• physical items only; must be picked up at an I-Share library

ILLiad

• ILLiad is a network of libraries that share a system for borrowing
• Use ILLiad if materials are NOT available at RUSH or via I-Share.
• physical items must be picked up at RUSH's library.  PDF's of journal articles and book chapters will be delivered to your email account. You will receive an e-mail when you are able to access your item.

What if I'm a distance education student?

• ILLiad (emailed pdf's or physical items): Electronic journal articles and book chapters will be delivered to your email account. You will receive an e-mail when you are able to access your item.  Print materials and media must be picked up at and returned to the Library of RUSH University Medical Center.
• I-Share (physical items): Distance education students may borrow from any I-Share member library.  Students may have materials sent to another I-Share library for pick up or may visit any I-Share library with their RUSH ID. Here is a list of I-Share libraries: https://www.carli.illinois.edu/membership/i-share_part

To access I-Share and ILLiad, and create accounts in each, click the Log In button at the top of our website.

RefWorks is a citation management system. The Library provides free access to all RUSH students, faculty, and staff. To use RefWorks, create a free account using your RUSH email address. You can access our RefWorks user guide through the link below.  

To access RefWorks and create a new account, click the Log In button at the top of our website.

Since RUSH is a member of I-Share, that means that registered users of the RUSH library have on-site borrowing privileges at all member libraries!  There are 80+ libraries in this system, including UIC, including the Health Sciences library adjacent to RUSH's campus. This affiliation allows users from one library to go to another's physical location and borrow items;  it does not allow online access. For a full list, click the link below.

The Chicago Public Library (CPL) system is not part of I-Share, but CPL offers various ways to obtain borrowing privileges.