Interlibrary Loan Policy

1. What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the sharing of resources (borrowing and lending of materials) between libraries that allows individuals to draw upon the resources of distant libraries without the necessity of travel.

At Michigan Technological University the J. Robert Van Pelt Library provides interlibrary loan services to assist MTU community members in meeting their academic objectives.  

2. Who may use Interlibrary Loan?

• Interlibrary loan service is available to all current faculty, staff, students and emeriti of Michigan Technological University. 
• Courtesy Card holders may use MeLCat or request ILL services though their local public library. 
• JRVP Library ILL services to members of the general public are available for Government Documents only.  Contact ill@mtu.edu for assistance.
  

3. When should I use Interlibrary Loan?

Use Interlibrary Loan service to request a book or article that is not available from the JRVP Library's collections. (Only members of the MTU community who are considered "Distance Users" may request materials held by the Library.   Please check the JRVP Online Catalog and the Library's E-Resources page before submitting an ILL request.

4. What materials can be obtained?

• Items not available in the JRVP Library collections or library items listed as missing, lost or at bindery.
• Most books, both U.S. and international.
• Copies of journal articles, newspaper articles, and papers from conference proceedings.
• Some dissertations and theses.
  

5.What cannot be borrowed?

• Entire issues of journals.
• Most reference and genealogical materials.
• Rare, unique or very old items.
• Textbooks for courses.
• Patents, standards and some NTIS publications.
  

6.How much does it cost?

Interlibrary loan is not a free service, but most requests are filled free of charge to you.  The Library absorbs many of the costs that can include lender fees and copyright permissions. These costs vary widely and are defined by the lending institution and publisher of the material requested. 

In cases where the total per item charge exceeds $30.00 you (or your department) will be asked to pay any amount exceeding the $30.00 limit. The ILL/DD office will contact you for your approval before proceeding with such orders.

7. How much may I order? Why's

Patrons are asked to be judicious in their use of Interlibrary Loan.  In order to expediently assist as many patrons as possible without charging for its services, the Interlibrary Loan department will process a daily maximum of 10 (ten) item requests per patron.  

Please plan your research accordingly and utilize the Reference services available at the JRVP Library for possible alternative resources.

8.How do I make an interlibrary loan request?

Requests are made through ILLiad, the personalized online ILL account system.  After your initial registration is complete, use ILLiad to request books and articles.   ILLiad also allows you to track the status of your requests and cancel requests.  Click here to learn more about ILLiad.

ILL requests may also be made directly through most research databases such as WorldCat, CSA Metadex, and Compendex.  Follow the HuskyFetch menu options and select "Get Item from another Library via ILLiad."  Please be sure to check the JRVP Library holdings before submitting a request directly from a database.

9.How long does it take?

Requests are processed within 24 hours of receipt in the Interlibrary Loan office.  Generally, articles are delivered electronically within three (3) to ten (10) working days after processing.   For articles in paper format and for books and other loaned material, please allow ten (10) working days to two (2) weeks for delivery.  Ultimately, factors such as availability of materials, quantity and location of potential suppliers, processing time at the lending institution and shipping can all affect fill times.  Patrons can monitor their requests via their ILLiad accounts.  Patrons are also encouraged to contact the ILL office with any questions or concerns regarding the status of their requests.

10.How do I know when my material has arrived?

You will be notified by e-mail.  Most journal articles are delivered electronically to your desktop. Books may be picked up at the Circulation Desk located on the first floor next to the main Library entrance.

11.How long may I keep the borrowed material?

The average loan period is two or three weeks, but the lending library sets the due date and other restrictions on all borrowed material therefore loan periods vary.  Renewals may be possible, again depending on the policy of the lending library.  Please request renewals on borrowed materials at least five (5) days in advance of the due date.  Return materials to the Circulation Desk within the stipulated loan period to avoid overdue fines and possible suspension of borrowing privileges. Do not place ILL materials in the campus bookdrops.

12. What about rush service?

The Interlibrary loan staff processes all requests in as expedient manner as possible. Contact the Interlibrary Loan department or the Head of Access Services at ill@mtu.edu with any questions or special requests.

13. Who can I contact?

The Interlibrary Loan office is located on the first floor of the Library in Room 106.  The office is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.  Exceptions to normal hours may be made during holidays, breaks and summer semester.  Phone 487-3207 or email ill@mtu.edu.

14. Questions about MeLCat?

See MeL FAQ page.