Interlibrary Loan FAQ
What is Interlibrary Loan?
- Interlibrary Loan is a service providing access to materials needed for
academic research NOT owned by the Seeley G. Mudd Library.
- Most of the items borrowed are either books, which are generally lent for
2 to 4 weeks, and journal articles, which are photocopied and sent to you to
keep.
- Chapters in books cannot be photocopied for you, due to copyright
restrictions. Make sure that you don't request them as journal articles or
the request may be returned to you to correct.
- Additional items that can be borrowed include theses, dissertations,
government documents, and conference proceedings. However, these items can be
very difficult to borrow. Keep that in mind, and make sure that you have
other sources in case these can't be borrowed.
- Items that CANNOT be borrowed include audiovisual materials, such as CD's,
albums and videos.
- When you are finished, all items are returned at the circulation desk.
- Interlibrary Loan takes about 2 weeks, on average. If you need your item
in less time, discuss it with the Interlibrary Loan department personally.
Drop in, call, or send an e-mail.
How much does it cost?
- Interlibrary Loan is free to the students, faculty and staff of Lawrence
University. There is definitely a cost, but the Library doesn't pass it on to
members of the Lawrence community. Keep that in mind when placing orders.
Please use items owned by the Mudd instead of Interlibrary Loan whenever
possible.
How long can I keep my Interlibrary Loan?
- Journal articles usually come as photocopies, and are yours to keep.
Books are generally loaned out for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. The due date is
set by the lending library, and they are free to recall their materials at any
time. So it's a very good idea to use the items as soon as possible.
Generally, it's NOT possible to keep items for an entire term.
- If you want to keep a book past its due date, make sure you request a
renewal BEFORE it is due. Renewal requests after the due date will NOT be
granted. Once you have requested a renewal, you may keep the book until you hear from the Interlibrary Loan
office. If the renewal is denied, you will be notified and the book must be returned to the library
immediately. Generally, second renewals are not granted by the lending
library. Failure to return an interlibrary loan book is a violation of the
Lawrence Honor Code.
- Books must be returned by the due date. If they are not, you may lose
your library privileges, and be billed for the cost of the book, plus handling
charges. In addition, you may be jeopardizing the library's ability to
continue to borrow from that institution. Books that are recalled by the
lending library must also be returned to the library immediately.
How do I put in a request?
- There are two options - paper forms and the WWW.
Whichever form you use, make sure that you fill everything out correctly. If
you're using the paper forms, make sure that we can read your handwriting!
Also remember, only one request per form.
- Paper forms are located at the Circulation Desk. Fill them out completely
and turn them in at the ILL office or the Circulation Desk.
- Click here
for the online ILL forms. You'll need to put in your Lawrence ID number.
How will I know when my request comes in?
- Photocopies of journal articles will be mailed to you via intercampus
mail. The only exception to this are photocopies received on Friday
afternoons. Since campus mail is not delivered on the weekends, you will be
notified via phone or e-mail, and the articles will be left at the circulation
desk for you. If you don't pick them up, on Monday morning, they will be put
into campus mail.
- You will be notified via phone or e-mail when books and other returnable
items arrive. They will be placed at the circulation desk for you to check
out. Please let the person working at the desk know that you are picking up an Interlibrary Loan.
- Occasionally, an item is sent as "In Library Use Only." This means that
the lending library has sent them with the condition that these items not be
taken from the library. Removing them from the library is a violation of the
Lawrence Honor Code and may result in termination of library privileges, and
other penalties.
Help! I have a question and it isn't answered here.
- Feel free to contact the Interlibrary Loan office with ANY questions. The
office is located on the first floor of the library, to the right of the
circulation desk. Office hours are from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Or call us at x6758
(832-6758 off-campus.) Send e-mail enquiries to
lucialib@lawrence.edu.
- The Reference Department can also answer many interlibrary loan
questions. Contact them at x6752, or stop in to the library. Reference hours
are Monday thru Thursday 8 AM to 10 PM, Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Sunday 1 PM to
10 PM.
