Public Libraries
| Pro | Con |
| Free- funded by tax dollars | Not academically oriented |
| Will often have databases / digital resources | Not as rich and deep as you are used to |
| May be able to check out books | Their ILL partners may only be other publics |
| Reference librarians love to help | No drawbacks here! |
Colleges / Universities
| Pro | Con |
| May have a Friend of the Library program | There may be an annual fee |
| May have onsite database access | May be onsite only with limited print options |
| May be able to check out books | May not be able to use ILL |
| Reference librarians love to help | No drawbacks here! |