How do I use the library when I am not in Chicago

Most of our patrons don’t spend much time in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the Wiggin Library. We have extensive electronic resources that are available anywhere in the world, including tens of thousands of eBooks and access to extensive online collections of journals and periodicals.

What types of books can I check out by mail?

You can check out anything in our circulating collection by mail, except books published prior to 1870. This includes all of our circulating books listed with the location “MAIN” in the catalog, as well as course reserves listed with the location “Temporarily shelved at RESERVES.” We cannot mail you periodicals, but if you need a copy of a single article from a journal or magazine, contact the library about getting a copy or PDF of it. We have a small reference section, and you can also get copies/PDFs of sections of our reference books if you need them.

I-Share books can also be checked out by mail. When making your request from the I-Share catalog, select “Meadville Lombard Theological School” as the pick-up library and “USPS delivery (MTLS only)” as the pick-up location. When a book arrives at the Wiggin Library a librarian will mail it to you at the address listed in your library account and email you a tracking number.

Do I need to tell you when I return a book?

Yes, please do. Call or email the library to let us know that a book is on its way. We don’t need a tracking number, but it gives us peace of mind. By telling us when you return books by mail, we know to keep a lookout for them. It also means that if your books don’t make it back to the library in a timely fashion, we know you put them in the mail on time and the mail was slow.

Do I need to return books using certified mail?

No. You can send books back using whatever method is easiest. We do not require that books be sent with tracking numbers, signature on delivery, or any other up-sells at the post office. However, if you feel more comfortable mailing books this way, please do. We just want the books to be returned and for you to have peace of mind.

Can you mail the books somewhere other than my home address?

Sure! When you call or email to request book(s), include the address where you’d like them to be sent. They can be mailed anywhere. If you make your request through I-Share, please let the library know ASAP that you would like your book(s) sent to a different address than the one listed in your library account.

What service do you use to send books? Do I have to pay for it?

All books are sent using the US Postal Service, and are usually sent using library rate or media mail. We don’t charge you to ship a book. You do, however, have to pay shipping costs when you mail books back to the library.

Can you mail my books using UPS or FedEx?

We are happy to mail books using whatever service you want, but the cost of using a non-USPS carrier is not built in. If you need materials to be sent using a carrier other than the US Postal Service, we may have to charge you.

I’m visiting Chicago and flying home. Do I need to squeeze my books into my luggage?

If you check out books in person while you’re in town, but won’t have space to bring them home with you, talk to a librarian. We are usually able to mail your books to you after you leave.

Using the Library From Home