Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service that lets you borrow items from other libraries FOR FREE.  Articles, books, media or other loans are generally requested when a database (Academic Search Premier, ScienceDirect) does not contain the full text or our copy of the item is checked out.

Interlibrary loan is quicker than you may think, but there are several factors to consider:

• Format
  (Can we send the document electronically or does it have to go through the mail?)

• Availability
  (How many other libraries have the article or loan you're requesting?)

• People
  (Is someone available at each campus to process your item?)

Given these factors, the goal return time for an article is a few days (but can sometimes take longer) and books is within two weeks.

I requested a dissertation but all I got was an article about the dissertation. What happened?

Dissertation abstracts are indexed in several databases.  When you use the Find Full Text button to request these items, the request you are submitting is for the abstract.  Due to the advanced and specific nature of a dissertation, they are generally not preferred for undergraduate level research.  If you cannot find another suitable article, please ask us for help.

Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?

From time to time we purge older records from ILLiad. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years in order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.  ILLiad requests stay indefinitely on the hosted site. Since ILLiad started Fall 2004, you won't see any requests you've placed with the ILL office prior to Fall 2004.

What is the best way to request an item we already own that is checked out?

If you need to request an item we already have because it's checked out to a patron, please use to WorldCat find the item.

Enter your netid and password to log in to Interlibrary loan (ILLiad):

If you forgot your password please call (585) 395-2727 and we can reset it for you.

Report an ILLiad problem