Overview of Services
UNI offers graduate and undergraduate degrees via distance learning, primarily to Iowa students. Some programs may require on-campus attendance; some are offered entirely at a distance. Many programs utilize the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) and online instruction. Delivery of ICN programs is limited to the state of Iowa.
Rod Library is committed to giving UNI distance learners access to the Library's print and electronic collections in a timely manner so that students can successfully complete course assignments and university degrees without having to travel to campus.
Library services for distance learners include a variety of extra document delivery services. Rod Library staff can locate, check out, and send in-house books. Rod Library staff can also locate, photocopy, scan, and e-mail in-house articles and will attempt to interlibrary loan articles not owned by Rod Library. All enrolled students have remote access to Rod Library's licensed databases many of which contain some full text information (e.g., full text of articles, full text statistical information, or photographs). UNI distance learners also can receive help with getting started in their research. Students may schedule a library consultation on specific research topics.
To qualify for Rod Library's distance library services you have to be currently enrolled and taking at least one class (web-based, off-campus, or Iowa Communications Network - ICN) through the Division of Continuing Education and Special Programs. You also can be classified as a Guided Independent Study (GIS) student through the Continuing Education office to receive these services.
- Access to licensed Rod Library databases (electronic resources)
- Research assistance
- Extra document delivery services
Access to licensed Rod Library databases (electronic resources):
All enrolled UNI students have access to Rod Library's licensed databases and electronic resources. Many of the library's databases contain full text information.
In order to access web-accessible
databases from your off-campus location, you need to go to the Rod Library
web pages. There is a combination of free and restricted information
located on the library's web pages. In order to access the licensed
UNI databases and electronic resources, you must be a currently
enrolled UNI student. You will be prompted for authentication
information when you attempt to enter a licensed electronic
resource. Most library databases are located under the Databases A-Z or by Field of Study links found under the
Journal and Magazine Articles (Panther Prowler) heading on the library home page. Students can also use the 
button found
in UNISTAR and many library databases to determine if Rod Library
has the full text of an article.
See the section on How to Access Electronic Resources From Off-Campus for additional information.
Research assistance:
Rod Library can provide help to UNI distance learners when students are working on assignments and research. This assistance can range from verifying a bibliographic citation to answering factual questions to suggesting strategies you can use to do research for a paper or project.
Toll Free Rod Library number for UNI
distance learners = (866) 207-9410.
Phone Number = (319) 273-2838.
See the section on How to Request Reference Help for additional information.
See the section on Research Tips for numerous links to online guides and tutorials related to research and specific Rod Library resources.
Extra document delivery services:
Rod Library provides extra document delivery services to UNI distance learners. Library staff can locate, check out, and send books to students. In addition, Rod Library can attempt to obtain articles requested by a distance learner. If the Rod Library owns the article, staff will locate, photocopy, scan, and e-mail the article. If the Rod Library does not own the article, staff will attempt to interlibrary loan the article from another library. Rod Library complies with U.S. copyright law when attempting to obtain both in-house and articles through interlibrary loan.
Rod Library recommends that distance learners use their local public library to interlibrary loan books not owned by Rod Library. Books which are obtained through interlibrary loan have to be returned to the lending library. Therefore students will receive these books quicker and have them for a longer period if they use their local library rather than using Rod Library.
See the sections on Find & Request Books, Find & Request Articles, and Photocopy and FAX Services for additional information.
