English Resources

Credo: A collection of encyclopedias with background information on works, authors, characters, time periods, historical figures, and so much more!

Gale Literature Criticism Online: The Topic Finder can help you get a sense of what words, phrases, works, other topics, or subtopics are related to your topic.

WISE: You don't have to check out or read every book or article you find in WISE, but it will help you to get an idea of how much (or how little) is available on a topic.

MLA International Bibliography: The top database for literature, language and linguistics, folklore, film, literary theory & criticism, dramatic arts, and the history of printing. Compiled by the Modern Languages Association, this database includes over 2.5 million citations.

Humanities Source: Articles, abstracts, and/or citations of over a thousand journals across the humanities.

JSTOR: Large, multi-disciplinary repository with thousands of scholarly articles and primary sources.

Project MUSE: Great humanities and social science database with a focus on the interdisciplinary.

What is ILL?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service where libraries borrow and lend books, microfilm, DVDs,  journals, magazines, and newspaper articles to other libraries.  Librarians want everyone to be able to access information, so they work together to get the information to the people who need it!  

If you need something that isn't owned by McGill Library, we may be able to borrow it from another library. 

If you have questions about Interlibrary Loan, or have any trouble using the request form or setting up your ILLiad account, please contact John Garrison

Please note that ILL service is not available when the library is closed for Winter Break.  

Let us know what you need!!  Please read the step-by-step instructions below and contact the library if you have any questions or concerns.

1. Search WISE to see if we have the item you are looking for.
2. If you don't see what you need in the first few results, change the result sorting to "Best Match". (see screenshot below)
3. Click "Request via Interlibrary Loan" on the item in WISE. (see screenshot below)
4. Fill out the form; please provide your name, Westminster email, and any questions or special requests about your ILL.
   1. Article/book chapter:
      • Look for an email from mcgillill@westminster.edu with instructions to download your article/book chapter when it is ready (usually 1-2 days).
   2. Book/DVD/physical item:
      • Look for an email from mcgillill@westminster.edu when it is ready to be picked up at the library front desk.
5. Can't find the item you need in WISE? Fill out this form with information about what you need (title, author, etc.) and we'll still get it!