The Document Delivery department obtains research materials not available in the IWU library by borrowing them from other libraries, or document vendors if necessary.
Examples of materials available via interlibrary loan (ILL) include books, periodical articles, and microfilm.
Request an Interlibrary loan item.
Check your I-Share account.
Check your ILLiad account.
Questions about ILL services?
For more information contact the Document Delivery Coordinator.
Coordinator: Tony Heaton
Email: interlib@titan.iwu.edu
Telephone: (309) 556-1040
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm
When you borrow an ILL item, there will be either a Blue or Yellow slip in the item.
- Blue slip = I-Share
- Yellow slip = ILLiad item
Due to IWU membership in the CARLI consortium you may:
- request books directly from I-Share
- obtain loan periods closely resembling those given on IWU-owned items
- request renewals directly via the "My Account" feature of I-Share
- visit, use, and borrow items directly from the member libraries.
Notification, Borrowing, and Returning Materials
Individuals will be notified via email when items are available for pick-up. Items to be borrowed may be checked out at the Circulation Desk.
Items with Blue Slips may be returned to the Circulation Desk at The Ames Library or at any of the ILCSO libraries.
Items with Yellow Slips must be returned to the Circulation Desk at The Ames Library.
It is important to plan ahead when requesting materials via Document Delivery.
The average turnaround time is 6 days and it is best to allow at least 2 weeks. The time required for an item to arrive once requested varies according to several factors:
- how many other libraries own the item
- the item's availability,
- and location of the lender - which affects transit time.
We may not be able to obtain all items you request because some libraries may not fill requests in a timely manner and some will not lend particular items such as:
- reference or rare books
- current year books
- video and audio materials
In the event that we are unable to borrow an item for you, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Materials generally not available through Interlibrary Loan
Each lending library determines what it will lend and conditions regarding the use of its materials. Materials generally not available through interlibrary loan include:
- reference books
- rare, old, fragile, or unique materials
- newly published books
- high-use materials
- audiovisual materials
- manuscripts
- some dissertations
- and whole volumes or issues of periodicals
Libraries can restrict the use of their materials to on-site use within the library only. Photocopying of materials may also be prohibited.
The loan period varies based on the lending library policies. In items which must be returned, there will be a Blue or Yellow slip with your name and the due date of the item written on the top. You may keep photocopies of requested articles.
Owning libraries may stipulate other conditions under which the item may be used once it arrives at The Ames Library. For example, microfilm will be restricted to in-library use only.
Renewal Requests and Recall Notices
- Library materials may be only renewed if the owning library allows.
- Requests for renewal should be placed prior to the item’s original due date.
Request renewal for I-Share (Blue Slip) items. Please note, response to renewal request is provided immediately by either extending the due date or by leaving it the original date.
Request renewal for ILLiad (Yellow Slip) items. Please note, a response to renewal request may take several days.
Recalls are issued when an item needs to be returned immediately to the lending library. When borrowing any item, the individual must agree to comply with any library requests to return the material. Failure to comply with such requests may result in suspension of library borrowing privileges.
Responsibilities for ILL items, including those damaged or lost
There is no charge for ILL items. However, it is your responsibility to comply with the owning libraries policies and requests for cooperation.
Please note that:
- Renewals are granted by the owning library at their discretion.
- Recalls (a request to return the book) must be abided by to ensure The Ames Library’s good standing within the consortium.
- The individual borrowing the item assumes full responsibility for the item while it is checked out.
- Individuals borrowing materials owned by other libraries are held financially responsible for the items.
- Policies for handling damaged, lost, or late materials are determined by the owning library.
In the unfortunate event that something happens to a borrowed item, The Ames Library staff will work with the individual to determine the appropriate steps to take.
| This service is maintained by The Ames Library. Please contact us with any problems or suggestions. |