Skip to Main Content

Library Resources for Remote Research & Instruction: Home

This guide will point you to resources that will help you do research and teach remotely.

We're Here to Help

Welcome to the Mansfield Library and Payne Family Library's Remote Research & Instruction Guide. Our goal is to provide equitable library services for students and faculty off campus. As a student, staff, or faculty member at UM, you are entitled to useful and easy-to-use library services and resources for research or instructional purposes no matter where you are studying or working. Explore the services and instructions throughout the guide, and please contact us with questions!

This guide provides timely information that assists UM students and faculty remote learning and teaching. Although the library is open to in-person entry, remote access to resources, services, and expertise continues for those who prefer or are unable to physically visit the library.

How do I connect to my library account from off campus?

Log into your library account with your NetID (if you're a UM student or employee) or your Montana Borrower account (alumni, retirees, or the general public) to get the most complete search results:*

  • From the library home page, click the on “My Library Accounts” in the upper right-hand corner.
  • Click on “My Library Account (OneSearch)" and log in using your NetID or Montana Borrower account.

*NOTE: If you are connecting to wifi on campus using your personal laptop, be sure to connect to the eduroam network (instead of grizzlyguest) for the best experience. Many library resources are inaccessible using the grizzlyguest network. Learn more about how to connect to eduroam.

What assistance is available?

Research Assistance

  • Consult the online research guides for subject-specific guidance as well as information on citation formatting, copyright, and open educational resources, among other topics.
  • Ask questions via "Chat with a Librarian" from the library homepage from 10am-6pm Monday-Friday. Submit questions using the "Email a Librarian" link from the library homepage outside of those hours.  You can also use these links to schedule a Zoom meeting with a librarian for more in-depth research assistance.  
  • View online videos and tutorials covering information literacy and critical thinking, as well as related topics and skills.

*NOTE: Zoom meetings are not recorded. In alignment with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, the Mansfield Library advocates for, educates about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.


Citation Assistance

How do I access course reserve materials not available online?

Physical materials placed on Reserve check out for varying periods from 2 hours to 1 week. The instructor chooses the checkout time and indicates whether the material is to be used in the library only or can be taken out. Please inquire at the checkout desk for checkout times.

How do I access books and journal articles?

All users (students, faculty, staff, Montana Borrowers, alumni, and retirees) can request books and media by placing holds in OneSearch. You will receive an email from library.circ@umontana.edu, or a text, when the items are available. Items can be picked up in the building or delivered to a campus office. View the following video tutorial on how to place a hold for an item:

Interlibrary Loans supplies articles and physical items to current faculty, staff and students. Please submit requests through Interlibrary Loan. You will receive an email from library.ill@umontana.edu with a link to the article when it is available. Visit OneSearch Tips for more information on how to navigate our search engine.

When are my items due? How can I renew materials?

You can renew general items online from the library website by logging into your My Library Account. Please visit our Check Out Policies page for more details and contact the Circulation Department (243-4071 or library.circ@umontana.edu) if you have any check out-related questions or concerns. While University of Montana students, faculty and staff no longer receive overdue fines on general items, failure to renew or return an item after it is 40 days overdue will result in the item being billed to you as lost.