Library Privileges & Hours

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to host researchers in-person this summer. The in-person Summer Research Laboratory (SRL) has been deferred to 2021. We invite you to participate in our Virtual Summer Research Laboratory (VSRL) this year: June 15 – August 9.

The 2020 Virtual Summer Research Laboratory Orientation Guide is available at https://guides.library.illinois.edu/OrientationtoSRL *

Library Information:

SRL Associates receive full library privileges to conduct research in the University Library. The privileges include free access to the stacks, use of a carrel, and the right to check out books and bound periodicals.

INTERNATIONAL & AREA STUDIES LIBRARY HOURS

  • Address: 321 Main Library, (217) 333-1501
  • Hours correspond to the Main Library hours of operation. These hours are determined shortly before the start of each session. SRL dates correspond with the University’s Summer Session 2. Please check the Library website at the beginning of June for a full schedule. When planning your trip to SRL, please be aware that the library will be closed on July 4th and is open for limited hours on weekends.

Any changes to library hours will be posted here in late spring and on the Slavic Reference Service website.

SLAVIC, EAST EUROPEAN & EURASIAN COLLECTIONS AND SERVICES

SLAVIC REFERENCE SERVICE

The International & Area Studies Library contains work stations for readers, a collection of basic reference works, and current issues of over 1,000 periodicals and 110 newspapers in Western and area languages. The librarians of Russian and Slavic studies and the Slavic Reference Service are readily available to provide reference and bibliographic service to researchers. This combination of resources and personnel creates a setting that many users have called the most efficient place in the world in which to do research in this field. Visit the Slavic, East European and Eurasian collections and services page or Slavic Reference Service web page for additional information.

SRS Individualized Research Practicum:

Applicants may also apply for a consultation with a Slavic Reference Service librarian for a personalized bibliographic session. SRS staff will develop a personalized, project-based program for each participant covering electronic tools and software, print and electronic bibliographic resources and databases, archival sources, vernacular-language search techniques, vernacular keyboard options, vernacular full-text resources, and as needed, online consultations with information specialists located in Eurasia and Eastern Europe.

If participating in a practicum, we encourage you to contact the SRS before the practicum date and make them aware of the research you have already accomplished, the sources with which you are familiar, plans to travel to your research country, and other other information regarding the progress of your research project.