Access to a wide variety of resources
Students enrolled in online courses at Mason have easy access to a wide variety of library resources and services. With a Mason login, students have 24/7 access to licensed full text databases that allow you to search for articles from thousands of scholarly journals, newspapers, reference materials, and popular magazines.
Other services include the Virtual Computer Lab to access academic software, film and music databases, writing and citing guides, thousands of e-books, and instant message to chat directly with a librarian.
Library Services
Library FAQs for Online Learners
How can I do library research online?
University Libraries provide online remote access to electronic journals and e-books. Also, librarians can assist you over instant message, phone, email, or face to face. Visit the Library website for more information on resources.
Use the Ask a Librarian chat on the right side of this page for brief answers and quick research tips. You can also call a reference desk, email, or contact your Subject Librarian.
Can I get help with my research when I need it?
Visit the Ask a Librarian webpage for research help. Library staff are available over instant message, phone, email, or face to face to answer your research questions.
See the Infoguides, or subject-specific webpages, to help you get started on your research. For more advanced research, Advanced Topic Guides are available in some disciplines.
How do I use library resources online?
Visit the Tutorials webpage for online videos that cover a range of research skills.
Visit the Workshops Calendar to take online workshops.
How do I find articles published in scholarly journals?
University Libraries subscribes to thousands of online scholarly journals. Research databases are available to search by subject or topic, or you can find individual journals using MasonSearch. You will need your Mason email and password for access to these resources.
What if Mason doesn't subscribe to the journal I need?
You can request an article through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Log-in to the ILL request system using your Mason email and password. You will set up a profile the first time you log-in. Requested articles will post directly to your ILL account.
My professor put readings on e-reserve. How do I access them?
Course readings are available via reading lists embedded in your Blackboard Course or through a direct link your instructor provides. Please ask your instructor for specifics.
I need a library book, but I am not local. How can I get it?
Most books in the libraries’ circulating collections can be shipped to you for free through Document Delivery Service. If University Libraries do not own a book you need, they may be able to borrow it from another library through Interlibrary Loan and ship it to you.
Mason Online