The library is happy to announce that we are open once again to researchers. We are taking precautions to help keep you safe and healthy during your time with us. At this time, we require that appointments be made three days in advance. To schedule your visit, please call 217-524-6358.
If you have not already done so, please create a researcher account in Aeon. With Aeon you can:
- Submit requests automatically via links in our online catalog or finding aids
- Submit requests in advance of a visit to the library
- Submit orders for digital scans of library materials
- Track the status of each request
- Access detailed information about your past requests
Staff will work with you to help you order your items so that they can be ready upon your arrival.
A wellness check will be performed. All guests must be screened for COVID-19 like symptoms, including a no-touch temperature check to ensure body temperature is below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If symptoms are present, guests will be asked to re-schedule their appointment after they are symptom-free for 72 hours. Face coverings must be worn during the duration of your time at the library. Restrooms are available and handwashing for at least 20 seconds is required before handling library material.
Please visit our Plan Your Visit page to review the reading room policies and further information. We look forward to your visit!
The first step is to create a researcher account by visiting https://alplm.aeon.atlas-sys.com/. The process is quick, easy, and will save valuable time during check-in at your next visit.
Once you’ve logged in, you notice helpful links on the left side of your screen which all serve to provide different access points to items in our collections. At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, you’ll find a vast selection of Published Materials, Newspapers on Microfilm, Manuscripts, and Audiovisual Materials. A great place to start is our Library Catalog which largely details Published Materials. To learn more about Manuscripts and Audiovisual materials, please try your search in ArchivesSpace. If Newspapers are more your speed, you can see every issue the library owns by visiting our holdings page. The “Request to View in the Reading Room” and “Request Copies” links are fillable forms which connect you directly with our collection managers who will respond to your requests personally. Our “Request Copies” feature is most commonly used by researchers who can’t visit the library in person.
Aeon works seamlessly with our Library Catalog by providing embedded links which will populate request forms on your behalf. That means no writing down titles, call numbers, or dates! Aeon takes care of all of that for you. To begin, make sure you are searching items in our building (“Library Catalog”) rather than the entire consortium of libraries (“All I-Share Libraries”).
After executing a keyword search, you can further refine your results by using the filters on the left side of the screen. You can narrow by subject, creation date, place of publication, and much more.
Once you have identified an item you wish to see, click the blue hyperlinked title to open the record. This view will display further information about the resource and also a link to submit your request to library staff. Look for the link which says “Aeon: Request Item for Use at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.”
Clicking that link will populate a request form. Feel free to write notes to staff in the “Special Requests” field. Hit “submit” and you have taken the first step to having materials ready and waiting for you during your research appointment.
Requests in ArchivesSpace work much in the same way. Look for the Aeon Request button in the top right section of your screen after you have identified which box or item you wish to view.
Need any help along the way? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our librarians. We are here to help you access the collections, request materials, and schedule your library appointments. Call the reference desk at 217-524-6358. We look forward to welcoming you back to the library!
Meghan Harmon
Reference Librarian