FAQs
Submit your questions, contact publications@imf.org.
Q: Why do I see a "sign in" link if I already have access to the eLibrary?
A: If you register and create a personal account within the eLibrary then you will be able to save content, save searches, and create alerts. These options will be accessible under "My eLibrary."
Q: How do I change my password for the personalized account?
A: Once you have signed in, click on My eLibrary and then My Account. Enter the new password, confirm, and save.
Q: If I access content and perform searches before signing in to My eLibrary, will these be viewable once I am signed in?
A: Yes. These will show up under the My content or My searches, recently viewed. If you try to save content or searches before signing in, you will be prompted to sign in.
Q: Are MARC records available?
A: Yes, MARC records are available on the For Librarians page.
Q: How often is the eLibrary updated with new content?
A: Content is currently being added daily as we work on migrating to the new eLibrary platform.
Q: What does the lock icon mean?
A: A lock next to a content item indicates that your current subscription does not include that particular item. Contact your librarian to request access.
Q: What is the difference between search and browse?
A: When you search for a publication, the results are returned at the chapter or article level. When you browse for a publication, the results are returned at the title level--the complete book or journal, not its separate parts.
Q: What if I cannot find a publication?
A: Please contact publications@imf.org if you are unable to find a specific publication.
Q: Can I select content in languages other than English for a custom book?
A: No. Currently, only English text is available for this feature.
Q: Can you upload and add your own content to a custom book?
A: No. Only content from the IMF eLibrary can be saved and added to a custom PDF.
A: Yes. Click on My eLibrary, then click on My Content. Select the items you would like to add to the custom book. Click, Add to custom book, and then select the already created custom book. You will then be able to reorder, save, and create the revised book.
Q: Do I have to enable cookies in order for the IMF eLibrary to recognize my IP authentication?
A: Yes, to ensure that your access to the IMF eLibrary Web site through IP authentication is functional, please allow cookies from the eLibrary site. For Internet Explorer (IE) users, the privacy settings at the highest levels may prevent the IP authentication from functioning. For all browsers, private browsing that refuses cookies could interfere with your IP-based access. For further assistance, please contact us.
Q: What is the "Jump to" box for?
A: The "jump to" box is found on the browse by title page and can be used to enter a word to "jump to" within the search results, without reducing the number of results returned.
Q: How can I create an alert for a search I've created?
A: After completing your search, hit Save. You will be prompted to save the search with a title, notes, and the option of being alerted by e-mail if there are any updates to the search results. You must be logged into your personal account in order to save and create alerts.
Q: What are the various IMF publications available?
A: Following are descriptions of the main publications.
Books: IMF economists work closely with member countries on a variety of issues. Their unique perspective on country experiences and best practices on global macroeconomic issues are often shared in the form of books on diverse topics such as cross-country comparisons, capacity building, macroeconomic policy, financial integration, and globalization.
Finance & Development: This quarterly publication provides the latest thinking about the international financial system, monetary policy, economic development, poverty reduction, and other critical issues. Articles are written for lay readers who want to enrich their understanding of the workings of the global economy, and the policies and activities of the IMF.
Global and Regional Economic Analyses: This series contains periodic studies covering monetary and financial issues of importance to the world economy. The core elements in the series are the semiannual World Economic Outlook report, the Global Financial Stability Report, the Regional Economic Outlook reports, and the Annual Report on Exchange Arrangements and Exchange Restrictions. Other studies cover topics such as developments in international trade policies, export credit polices, exchange and payment systems, and international capital markets.
IMF Research Bulletin: The IMF Research Bulletin, a quarterly publication, selectively summarizes research and analytical work done by various departments at the IMF, and also provides a listing of research documents and other research-related activities, including conferences and seminars. The Bulletin is intended to serve as a summary guide to research done at the IMF on various topics, and to provide a better perspective on the analytical underpinnings of the IMF's operational work.
IMF Staff Country Reports: In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country. The report may contain several sections, such as: Article IV Report, Selected Issues Papers, Financial Sector Stability Assessments, Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes, among others.
IMF Survey: With its keen focus on the IMF's work and top macroeconomic and international financial issues, the IMF Survey provides analyses of country, regional, and global developments; insights into Fund operations, policies, reforms, and technical assistance; world class research findings; key data that is frequently not available elsewhere; and reports on economic and financial debates inside and outside the Fund.
IMF Working Papers: The IMF Working Papers series is designed to make IMF staff research available to a wide audience. About 240 papers are released each year, covering a wide range of theoretical and analytical topics, including balance of payments, monetary and fiscal issues, global liquidity, and national and international economic developments.
Manuals and Guides: This series contains practical "how-to" information for economists and includes topics such as tax policy, balance of payments statistics, external debt statistics, foreign exchange reserve management, and financial sector assessment. Most publications in this series are available in languages other than English.
Occasional Papers: The Occasional Papers series features in-depth analysis by IMF staff on issues central to the Fund's work on surveillance, financial assistance, and technical assistance. The papers are intended to provide a wide audience with access to current IMF economic and financial research, as well as covering topics that are relevant to the Fund's ongoing activities.