Interlibrary Loan FAQs
Interlibrary
Loan FAQs
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Are there any restrictions on using
Interlibrary Loan?
How do I use this service?
How long does it take an Interlibrary
Loan item to arrive?
How do I fill out the request form?
How long may I use the materials?
How much does Interlibrary Loan cost?
How will I be notified when my Interlibrary Loan items
arrive?
What is the best way to get materials more quickly?
What can't be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?
Where do I pick-up and return the Interlibrary Loan materials?
Why do Libraries lend to each other?
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the library service that links you to the vast array of materials housed in libraries around the region, state, and country. Library users may use interlibrary loan when comparable information cannot be located within Brenner Library's printed and electronic resources or obtained through ILCSO Universal Borrowing. Brenner Library’s interlibrary loan service adheres to the National Interlibrary Loan Code; Illinois Interlibrary Loan Code; and the U.S. Copyright Law, Title 17, U.S. Code. back to top
Are there any restrictions on using Interlibrary Loan?
This service is available to undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and QU staff. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to limit the number of requests.
Brenner Library must adhere to Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law, which means that sometimes requests for specific journal articles are not eligible for Interlibrary Loan. Additionally, requests cannot be accepted for materials owned by Brenner Library. back to top
How do I use this service?
You may obtain interlibrary loan request forms from the librarians. You may also use the Interlibrary Loan Forms on this webpage. Please read the information provided under the next question first. back to top
How long does it take an Interlibrary Loan item to arrive?
Usually materials arrive within three weeks. Some may take as long as a month. The length of time depends on its availability and the location of the library willing to send the item. 95% of requests received are filled. back to top
How do I fill out the request form?
Whether filling out the paper or electronic request form, the more complete information that you can provide, the better our chances of obtaining the material for you. Use the Book Request Form for books, videos, audiocassettes, and microforms; use the Journal Article Request Form for photocopies of journal or newspaper articles or chapters in books.
Please remember to include your name and email address, and status (student, faculty, other [explain]). If you are a student, include the course and instructor.
The standard turnaround time is two weeks. If you need material more quickly, please consult a librarian. When preparing a research paper, it is important to begin the process early, to allow adequate time for obtaining necessary materials. back to top
How long may I use the materials?
Photocopies requested through interlibrary loan may be kept forever. The length of time that books, videocassettes, and microforms may be used varies according to the policies of the lending library. The library sending the item establishes the due date. If you need to renew, it is important to let us know a day or two ahead of the date due, which is listed on the strip of paper attached to the interlibrary loan material. Interlibrary loan materials cannot be automatically renewed in the “My Account” feature of the online catalog. back to top
How much does Interlibrary Loan cost?
Most material is obtained for free - Brenner Library always attempts to borrow materials at no cost. Brenner Library is connected with a consortium of over 1,000 libraries, which freely lends and borrows materials. Even so, occasionally the only libraries owning a requested item are those that charge. Charges typically run from $10 to $15. Brenner Library will always ask you whether or not you are willing to pay, prior to sending the request to a charging library. If you are not willing to pay but need additional material on your topic, the interlibrary loan and reference librarians are here to help you locate additional sources that will not incur charges. back to top
How will I be notified when my Interlibrary Loan items arrive?
Brenner Library staff will notify you by email when your interlibrary loan item is received. Please specify your email address when requesting ILL. If you've not heard from us within two weeks, contact the ILL office to find out the status of your request. back to top
What is the best way to get materials more quickly?
Provide complete information - a photocopy of your source if it’s from a bibliography may help to expedite. Don’t guess at abbreviations! Finally, be selective. Request only what will be truly useful. Each request takes time to process, and the more requests you submit, the slower it is for everyone using the service. back to top
What can't be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?
Non-circulating items my not be borrowed. These include reference materials, rare, special collections items, archival materials, bound & single journals, newspapers, and extremely valuable materials. Videocassettes, audiocassettes, dissertations, theses, and new books may be difficult to obtain. back to top
Where do I pick-up and return the Interlibrary Loan materials?
The Circulation Desk. Please bring your QU ID with you when picking up the ILL materials. back to top
Why do libraries lend to each other?
It is impossible to purchase everything that library users need. To supplement their own resources, libraries have entered into cooperative arrangements, whereby they avail their collections to each other. It is important to understand that interlibrary loan exists as a courtesy - libraries are not required by law or accreditation to do this. Libraries are also governed by various national, state, and regional interlibrary loan codes and the U. S. Copyright law.
To ensure the continuing goodwill of other libraries, we must send requests containing complete information, and must return borrowed materials promptly. We must also refrain from sending an inordinate number of requests to any one library. back to top
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