What is Interlibrary Loan?
- Interlibrary Loan is a service which provides access to materials needed for academic research that are 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 copied and sent to you to keep.
- Chapters in books cannot be copied 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.
- While we can borrow theses, dissertations, government documents, and conference proceedings, keep in mind that these items can be very difficult to obtain . Make sure that you have other sources in case these can't be borrowed.
- Items that CANNOT be borrowed include audiovisual materials, such as CDs and DVDs.
- When you are finished, all items are to be returned at the circulation desk.
- Interlibrary Loan takes about 7 to 10 days, 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. Articles may arrive within a few days, but we cannot guarantee a time, since we rely on the lending library to send the item to us.
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?
- 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 at least 3 days 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 may lead to disciplinary action, and may be considered an Honor Code violation.
- 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.
- You may also place requests by selecting the FindIt button when searching our databases.
How can I check on the status of a request?
- By phone at 920-832-6758
- By email lucialib@lawrence.edu
- By visiting the ILL office
- With Meebo
How will I know when my request comes in?
- Journal articles usually are made available to you electronically. You will be notified of their arrival via email. If a journal article arrives as a photocopy, it will sent to your mailbox via campus mail, or can be picked up at the circulation desk. Copies of articles are yours to keep.
- 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 and be prepared to show your Lawrence ID card.
- 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 are 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, Monday through Thursday, and Saturday 10 to 4:30. Or call us at x6758 (920-832-6758 off-campus.) Send e-mail enquiries to lucialib@lawrence.edu.You may also contact the Interlibrary Loan office with Meebo (see above).
- The Reference Department can also answer many interlibrary loan questions. Contact them at x6752 (920-832-6752), or stop in to the library. Reference hours are Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 10 PM, Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Sunday 1 PM to 10 PM.
