How can my library borrow from the Montana State University Library’s collections? 

For legitimate libraries that do not use OCLC or DocLine, we only accept requests through ILLiad, our online interlibrary management system.  To set up an account, go to our ILLiad log on page, then click on the First Time Users button to create a Borrowing Library Account.  You may wish to bookmark it for future use.

Who can borrow from Montana State University?  

Montana State University lends materials to U.S. and international libraries on behalf of their patrons. If you are an individual who needs material from MSU, please consult a librarian at your local library.

What can libraries in the United States borrow from the Montana State University Library?  

Books, articles, newspapers on microform older than 5 years, music CD’s, DVD’s, VHS tapes, audio books, journal volumes/issues older than 5 years, and government documents.

What can international libraries borrow from the Montana State University Library?

Books, government documents, and articles.

What items from the Montana State University Library cannot be borrowed? 

Any item from Archives and Special Collections (scan up to 30 pages might be an option), All non-newspaper microfilm and current 5 years of newspapers on microfilm, Most recent 5 years periodicals, All language audio programs,         Reference (scan up to 30 pages can be provided), Reserves (scan up to 30 pages can be provided), Maps.

How long are the interlibrary loan times for Montana State University?   

16 weeks use for books, no renewal; 4 weeks use for newspaper microfilm and audio books, 1 renewal;              3 weeks use for VHS/DVDs, music CDs, and periodical volumes/issues, 1 renewal.                                    

What is the cost to borrow from Montana State University?  


No charge to LVIS members or those we have formal reciprocal agreements.  For non-reciprocal libraries in the United States:  Loans and Copies:  $15.00.  For non-reciprocal International libraries:  Loans: $25.00 and Copies: $15.00

Service may be suspended for failure to pay for ILL loans or articles.

What happens if an item is lost or damaged? 

Per interlibrary loan code, the borrowing library is responsible for borrowed materials from the time they leave the lending library until received back at the lending library.  An invoice will be sent for the damages/replacement cost plus a non-refundable $25.00 processing fee.

Service may be suspended for failure to return items or pay for lost/damaged materials.

What methods of payment are accepted?          

IFM, EFTS, Check, Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover), and IFLA vouchers.

How do I contact the Montana State University interlibrary loan services?   

Call us at 406-994-3161 or send an e-mail.