I-Share FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about I-Share

What is I-Share?
Who can use I-Share?
What can I request through I-Share?
How do I request an item through I-Share?
How do I log into my I-Share account?
What if I forget my password?
What is my Library Borrower ID?
How long does it take for materials to arrive?
How do I know when the item has arrived?
What does it cost?
When will an item be due?
Can I renew materials I borrowed via I-Share?
I can't make a request for a book in I-Share, why am I blocked from using I-Share?
What if I don't find what I am looking for in the Knox Library Catalog or the I-Share catalog?
Can I put items obtained via interlibrary loan or I-Share on reserve?
Who do I contact if I have problems with, or questions about, I-Share?

What is I-Share?

I-Share is an integrated library system that serves as the online catalog for 76 member libraries and contains over nine million unique bibliographic records. Knox College faculty, staff and students have the ability to borrow materials (remotely or onsite) from other member libraries using a valid Knox ID card.

Who can use I-Share?

Faculty, staff and students of Knox College with a valid Knox College ID may borrow via I-Share. Patrons with library circulation blocks may be prevented from borrowing I-Share materials and should contact the Circulation Desk (309-341-7246) for more information.

What can I request through I-Share?

I-Share can be used to request books owned by other I-Share libraries. Journal articles and non-print materials should be requested via ILLiad.

How do I request an item through I-Share?

Items are requested through the I-Share library catalog.

1. Search for the item in the Knox College Library catalog first. If Knox does not own the item you will need to search the I-Share catalog for the item.
2. Before searching the I-Share catalog, it is useful to log into I-Share first so that you are ready to request the item. View this Quicktime movie (1:21) or this pdf file  (134 kb) to find out how to create an account if you don't already have an I-Share account.
3. Once you find the item, and have the full record in view, make sure there is a copy with the "available" status.
4. Click on the link to "Request this item."
5. Click on the "Choose Pick-up location" button. If you will be picking up the item at Knox, you do not have to select a different pick-up location. If you wish to pick up the item at another library, then choose that library from the drop-down list.
6. Click on the "Request" button.  Your request has been placed.
7. Logout of the I-Share catalog when finished.

How do I log into my I-Share account?

You do not have a separate I-Share account. The materials you requested and the materials you have borrowed are listed in your Knox library account.

View this Quicktime movie (1:21) or this pdf file  (134 kb) to find out how to create a library account if you do not already have one.

If you already have a library account go to the library catalog and click the login button at the top. Login using the account credentials you created when you first created your account.

What if I forget my password?

On the I-Share login page there is a password reset link "Forgot Your Password?" Click this link and provide the email address you used to create your library account. The system will send you an email containing a link that will log you on to your account with a temporary password and take you to the page on which you can reset your password to something you will remember. (To be reminded what your username is you can click on the User Account tab on the right side of the page.)

What is my Library Borrower ID?

The back of your Knox College ID card has a barcode number. Use this number, excluding the first and last letters.

How long does it take for materials to arrive?

I-Share requests arrive, on average, in three days, transported via a state-wide delivery system Monday - Friday.

How do I know when the item has arrived?

An email message is generated in the early morning hours on the day after the item has been processed and is sent to the email address you used when you registered for your library account. You may check the status of your library account, and any requests you have made, by logging into your account through the Knox College Library catalog (see directions here).

What does it cost?

The I-Share resource sharing service is free!

When will an item be due?

I-Share items circulate for 28 days. Faculty and staff are allowed six renewals. Students are allowed three renewals. When you check out I-Share materials at the circulation desk, take note the due date written on the band around the material. You may check the status of your library account and view due dates in your library account (see instructions above).

Can I renew materials I borrowed via I-Share?

Yes! To renew I-Share items, log into your library account (see instructions above and here). Select the items to renew, click Renew Selected Items button, and the due date will either immediately update or you will immediately be notified that the item cannot be renewed. Faculty and staff are allowed six renewals. Students are allowed three renewals.

I can't make a request for a book in I-Share, why am I blocked from using I-Share?

If you try to place a request in I-Share you may be prevented from doing so if your account has been blocked. A block is placed on your account when you have reached one or more limits in your borrowing privileges. Read more about suspension of library privileges and library account blocks.

What if I don’t find what I am looking for in the Knox Library Catalog or the I-Share catalog?

If you have a complete citation, you may request the item via ILLiad, and the library will request it from a much larger pool of libraries. If you need assistance in identifying research materials, please contact the Seymour Library Reference Desk (309-341-7228) or contact a reference librarian for assistance.

Can I put items obtained via interlibrary loan or I-Share on reserve?

No, actual items borrowed from other libraries, such as books or films, cannot be placed on reserve. Faculty may put personal copies of items on reserve, or they can contact a reference librarian about purchasing the item for the collection. Rush ordering and processing is available for most items if needed.

Who do I contact if I have problems with, or questions about, I-Share?

You may contact the Reference Desk 309-341-7228 or Anne Giffey. After 10 pm you may contact the Circulation Desk 309-341-7246.