How do I . . .? | Library Home | DA Home | Moodle | NoodleBib | Contact Us

How do I get a book or article from another library?

Materials that are not available at this library can often be obtained from other libraries. This service is called Interlibrary Loan or ILL.

1) If you start with a citation for a book or article from an index, bibliography, reference list, or other source, make sure that the item is not available in this library before making an ILL request.

For books, DVDs, and videos:
Search the Online Catalog to determine whether the library owns the item. The catalog is an index to all the materials owned by this library.

For articles:
Check the Periodical List to determine whether the library owns the article in paper.
Check the title lists of appropriate research databases to determine whether the full text of the article is available.

2) Once you have determined that the library does not have the item, locate a citation or database record for the item and print it.

For books and other materials:
Use any large library catalog to locate information about a title. The Library of Congress is our national library. Its catalog includes a record for every book copyrighted in the United States.

For articles:
Chances are you already have a citation from a research database or bibliography.
If you do not know how to locate a record or citation, a librarian can assist you.

3) Review the record or citation with a reference librarian at the Reference Desk to consider the appropriateness of the request (content, format, availability, your deadline). No appointment is necessary, but call 774-1509 to ensure that a librarian is available.

4) Once your request has been approved, the librarian will provide an Interlibrary Loan Request Form. Fill out the form completely and attach your original record or citation when possible. Return your completed request form to the librarian.

Electronic ILL forms are available and can be completed prior to your visit to the Reference Desk:
Title Request | Periodical Request | Subject Request

Requests are generally filled in about two weeks. When the item you requested has arrived, you will be notified by phone.

If you have questions about your request prior to receiving the materials, contact Grant Gigee at (413) 774-1496.