ILL FAQ


Can I request my textbooks through ILL?

While the ILL department will attempt to fill your request, There is no guarantee that it will be filled. Points to consider before requesting: Few libraries purchase textbooks and even fewer have the most recent editions. When libraries do purchase textbooks, they usually reserve them for campus-use only and do not lend them to other libraries. Moreover, the high demand for textbooks means that the few library copies that can be borrowed are likely to be checked out. If we are able to borrow a copy, it usually comes from out-of-state libraries and may take 1-2 weeks to arrive. You will not be able to keep the book for the whole semester. Due dates are set by the lending library, not by ONU. Loan periods are usually between three and six weeks. ILL books are subject to immediate recall, so you could have to give the book back at any time. We recommend buying or renting your textbooks when possible. You can also ask your instructor to place a copy in course reserves.


Can I request the same book more than once?

Yes.


Can my research assistant check out ILL materials on my behalf?

Faculty may request a library iproxy account so that research assistants can request and check out interlibrary loan materials on their behalf. Faculty maintain responsibility for these materials.


Can you mail books to my home address?

Students who live more than 30 miles from campus and are enrolled in online courses may request delivery of ILL books to their home by using the drop-down option in the IShare request, and selecting the “Mail: Online Students Only” option. Students will be responsible for the cost of returning the book to ONU.


Does it cost anything to borrow a book from interlibrary loan?

ONU ILL services are free to all current Olivet students. Faculty and staff.


How can I check the status of my request?

Log into your library account and look under Pending Requests.. You are welcome to contact the interlibrary loan office for more information.


How do I get my articles?

Articles pdfs will be sent to your ONU email. We do not send to personal emails.


How do I place a request?

For articles: If working in a database, use the check for full text links first to make sure the article fulltext is not available. If not, click on the “Request this item (ILL)” link to request. For books: You can place requests from the WorldCat catalog


How long it is the borrowing period? Can I renew an ILL book?

The loan period is determined by the lending library and is usually between three and six weeks. One renewal for two additional weeks may be requested before the due date subject to the lending library’s approval. Instructions to renew are printed an every slip placed in the item upon checkout.


How long will it take?

Factors that affect delivery time include the number of libraries that own the item, the demand for the material, and the distance of the supplying library from ONU. Articles arrive in an average of 1-3 calendar days and books arrive in an average of 8 calendar days, but your request may take more or less time. We cannot guarantee the arrival date of any item and suggest that you place your requests well ahead of any deadlines.


How much are the overdue fines?

Books not renewed in 29 days from due date will incur a replacement fee from the lender.


How will I know it is in? Where do I pick it up?

We will send you an email when your item arrives. Articles and book chapters are usually delivered as pdfs. Books should be picked up promptly at the ONU library circulation desk in order to make use of the entire loan period.


What is Document Delivery?

Document Delivery is a service that allows you to request scanned copies of articles and book chapters from ONU’s print collections. If the material is not otherwise available online, the library staff will send you pdfs of articles and book chapters within the limitations of copyright law.


What is ILL?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) obtains research materials such as books, articles, and microfilm that are not available from the Loyola libraries.


What is available through ILL?

Books, theses, periodical articles and some materials reproduced in microform, such as newspapers, may be borrowed in accordance with the US copyright law. Books owned by ONU that are currently checked out or are designated missing or lost in the library catalog. may also be requested. If you are unable to find an item that our catalog indicates is available, please request the item in library catalog. We will conduct a search and notify you of the results. If the item is confirmed missing, you may request a copy through ILL.


What is not available through ILL?

The following types of materials may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan: books available at a ONU library including non-circulating materials in the reference collection and on reserve; entire issues or volumes of periodicals; materials for reserve, group, or extended use; and archival materials. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research". If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.


Who may use ILL?

Current ONU undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff may use this service. Alumni and community patrons are not eligible for interlibrary loan services. We encourage these patrons to use the interlibrary loan services of their local public library.