Reference Department

Through our membership in the Texas State Library System, Ector County library patrons may request books that are not in our collection from other cooperating lending libraries worldwide.

Most books or magazine articles, including research material, pleasure reading, children’s books, audio/visual materials including books on tape, video tapes and DVDs, older than 6 months, may be requested.

Items less than 6 months from their publication or release date may not be requested.

Yes, you must have a library card and be in “good standing” with the library; i.e., no late fees etc.

To request an interlibrary loan, complete a form at the ILL desk in the reference department on the first floor or e-mail webmaster@ector.lib.tx.us. Type ILL in the subject line. Information to include for a book request is title and author of book.  If requesting a magazine or newspaper article provide name of magazine or newspaper, article name, date of publication, volume number,  author, and page numbers. Include your name, library card number, address and phone number or e-mail address on all email correspondences.

Times vary greatly due to factors such as the location of the lending library and availability of the requested item. Times may be as little as one week or as much as four to six weeks.

The usual time is about three weeks for books; however, some libraries request their materials back before that time period. The usual time for videos and DVDs is one week. It is imperative that all interlibrary loans be returned on time!

Patrons may have up to 5 items on request. No reading lists or personal bibliographies will be maintained by the ILL clerk.

Interlibrary loan materials must be returned inside to the Ector County Library – Reference Department.

DO NOT RETURN INTERLIBRARY LOAN ITEMS IN THE OUTSIDE BOOK DROP.

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The TexShare Database Program provides a wealth of electronic database resources to over 700 public, academic, and libraries of clinical medicine throughout the state These electronic databases are powerful research tools available 24 hours a day in the homes or offices of registered patrons of Ector County Library. They provide full-text articles from journals, newspapers, magazines, and many other sources. Entire books can be read online. Database topics include homework help for students, health information, business information, biography and genealogy, as well as literature and archival information

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission allows users to easily discover and retrieve information from their catalog, databases, and other knowledge collections.

Whatever your goal, LearningExpress Library’s resources will help you succeed. Each of the Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks and information you need to achieve the results you want – at school, at work, or in life. Practice test for Academic (ACT, SAT, TASP, etc), Civil Service (Police Officer, Border Patrol, etc), EMS, Firefighter, GED, Law Enforcement, Military (ASVAB), and GED are just a few offered. Check out their site to see more of what they have to offer.

Chilton’s Database
Access database with your Ector County Library Card number.

Choice Magazine Listening
A free audio magazine for adults with impaired vision or other disability.

NADA Guide
Free pricing and information for cars, boats, RV’s, manufactured homes, motorcycles and aircrafts.

Understood for Learning & Attention issues
Website for help understanding learning and attention issues for all ages.

American Rhetoric
Database of and index to 5000+ full text, audio and video versions of public speeches, sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, debates, interviews, other recorded media events,

Ector County Genealogy Website
Tons of info on Ector County including the birth, death and other records online and searchable.

Students.gov
Access America for Students

The Electronic Library
(Find an Author, Find a book)

MyFoodapedia.gov
Quick access to helpful Food Information.

Bartlett’s Quotations
(Not the whole book, but many good quotes)

Wiretap Electronic Text
(Wiretap is a free public service to provide electronic text.)

Dead People Server
(Ever wonder if a famous actor or actress is dead or alive?)

Encyberpedia
(Online encyclopedia)

Freeality Internet Search
(Reference and Research tools)

Craigs List
(Popular Classifieds site)

How Stuff Works
(Experts at How stuff works)

Merriam Webster Online
(Online Dictionary)

Wikipedia
(Online resource for global knowledge)

Rehab Programs
(Resource for Rehab programs)