Interlibrary Loan Borrowing FAQs
- If the library does not have what I need, can I request materials via interlibrary loan?
- Who can use ILL services?
- What can I request through ILL?
- May I request an item owned by MSU?
- How much will my ILL item cost?
- How long will it take to get an item that I requested through ILL?
- How will I be notified when an ILL item that I requested is available?
- Where do I pick up an ILL item?
- How long will I have to use an ILL item?
- May I renew an ILL book?
- How do I return an ILL item?
- How can I find out more about the electronic delivery of ILL items?
- When I check the status of an ILL request in ILLiad, what does each status mean?
- If the library does not have what I need, can I request materials via interlibrary loan?
- Requests must be made electronically from a computer by using the Renne Library Home Page and selecting Interlibrary Loan Services under the My Accounts section, which will take you to the Interlibrary Loan Request Forms/Logon page.
- It is essential that the item requested be cited completely and accurately. The author and title are required for book orders. To ensure the correct edition is ordered, please provide publisher, date and edition. Citations for periodical articles should include the author and title of the article, full title of the journal (if known—please don't guess at the abbreviation, though), volume, date and inclusive pages. It is helpful if you can provide the source of your information.
- Each article or book needs to have a separate request.
- Once registered in ILLiad, please keep your personal information current in the Banner system (phone number, e-mail address, mailing address, etc.)
- Who can use ILL services?
Interlibrary loan requests are accepted from current MSU faculty, staff, and students (including distance education), and others with written departmental approval. Courtesy card patrons need to use their local public library.
- What can I request through ILL?
Most books, journal articles, video recordings, and audio recordings may be requested, although many libraries do not loan AudioVisual (AV) materials. (You may want to check local resources such as the Bozeman Public Library, Hastings, Blockbuster, etc.). If you have any questions, please see a reference librarian or ILL staff member. Many libraries lending to MSU will refuse interlibrary loan requests for the following: materials that are difficult to ship (print newspapers, LP records, maps, etc.); reference books; recently published books; materials on reserve or in demand at the lending library; rare items or volumes from special collections. If you are requesting a periodical, most libraries will supply a photocopy of the desired article rather than an entire issue or volume.
Course Textbooks and ILL
The library does not borrow required class textbooks via interlibrary loan since:
- Most of our partner libraries do not lend textbooks.
- Most libraries do not purchase textbooks.
- The very few libraries that do have textbook collections reserve them for their campus use only.
- Interlibrary loans typically circulate for two to three weeks, not an entire term.
- Failure to return items when due will result in fines, suspension of borrowing privileges, blocked registration, and may jeopardize future borrowing by MSU Libraries from that lending library for any MSU student.
Your textbooks are designed to give you the basic framework for your classes—the library's collections and services provide supplementary materials to augment your textbook. MSU Libraries provide in-depth research assistance and information for your class, lab, studio, and field work. If you have more questions about this ILL policy, please contact Mary Guthmiller.
- May I request an item owned by MSU?
MSU patrons may request items owned by MSU's Renne Library through their ILL account (ILLiad):
- Distance patrons will continue to receive all requested materials if available.
- Local patrons, within a sixty mile radius, may only request articles owned in print format to be delivered electronically (journals, book chapters, microform, government documents).
- Copyright compliance will be in effect:
- a maximum of 30-40 pages
- no whole books
- no whole journal issues
- How much will my ILL item cost?
There is no fee for interlibrary loan services. However, if a lending library charges MSU more than $25 for a loan or photocopy, the user will be asked if she/he is willing to pay the excess of $25. If not, the item will not be borrowed. If a book is overdue, there is a fine of $1.00 per day/per book.
- How long will it take to get an item that I requested through ILL?
The average time required to obtain material from another sources is ten days to 2 weeks. When several sources must be contacted before an available copy is located, the process may take longer. Requests that must be sent internationally usually take considerably longer than this average.
- How will I be notified when an ILL item that I requested is available?
You will receive notification based on the choice you made on your ILLiad registration.
- Where do I pick up an ILL item?
All books requested through Interlibrary Loan Services can be picked up at the Renne Library Circulation Desk on the first floor. A requestor's (or authorized user's) ID is required to pick up ILL materials. Articles may be downloaded via the web through your ILLiad account when the library receives the item electronically. If a photocopy of an article was received, and you have a campus mailbox, it will be sent through campus mail. Otherwise, they should be picked up at the Renne Library Circulation desk. If you are a distance patron, books and photocopies will be mailed to you.
- How long will I have to use an ILL item?
The length of time that you will be able to use an interlibrary loan item will vary depending on the due date set by the lending library: typically the book loan period is 2 to 4 weeks. The due date is indicated on the pink bookstrap. You may also check your ILLiad account for the due date. Photocopies do not need to be returned.
- May I renew an ILL book?
One renewal may be granted by the lending library. Please check the pink bookstrap for renewal status. Not all items can be renewed. You may request a renewal online via your ILLiad account or by contacting the ILL office BEFORE the due date. After a renewal is requested, you may hold onto the item until notified by ILL staff of the new due date. Interlibrary loan books are subject to recall by the lending library.
- How do I return an ILL item?
Loans must be returned to the Renne Library Circulation desk, book return or ILL office by the date indicated on the book’s pink bookstrap. Please leave this strap on the book. If a book is overdue, email notifications will be sent out. If necessary, phone calls, written notifications and/or replacement costs may be used. There is a fine of $1.00 per day/per book. You, the borrower, are financially responsible for any damage to or loss of interlibrary loan materials, from the time you pick them up until you return them to the library. You are also responsible for damage caused by photocopying, even if no specific photocopy restrictions are noted on the material. Should any damage occur, report it to Interlibary Loan Services. Do not attempt to repair it yourself.
- How can I find out more about the electronic delivery of ILL items?
Take a look at the Electronic Delivery information page.
- When I check the status of an ILL request in ILLiad, what does each status mean?
Please take a look at the Status Chart page.