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How do I register for Montana State University’s interlibrary loan services? 

Your account is automatically created for you through the Banner system (MyInfo). As with most MSU Library services and access to collections, you will need to use your NetID and password. 

How do I request items through interlibrary loan?     

For items at other TRAILS (Treasure State Academic Information & Library Services) institutions, you can request them on the item's catalog page when logged in with your NetID.

For items outside of TRAILS, log into your ILLiad account using your NetID and fill in as much information as possible. Then click Submit.

What can I request though interlibrary loan?    

Physical items include books (no current semester's required texts), videos, audio recordings, government documents, theses/dissertations, conference proceedings, patents, and microfilm. 

Electronic items include book chapters, journal articles, newpaper articles, some government documents, and patents. Complete electronic books are extremely difficult to borrow and not always as expected. In most cases, requests for entire electronic books will be changed to a physical books request.

If we can find a source, we will try to get it.

Why can’t I request a current semester textbook?

Required texts are designed to give you the basic framework for your classes. The library's collections and services provide supplementary materials to augment your textbook. The MSU Library provides in-depth research assistance and information for your class, lab, studio, and field work. More iformation can be found on the ILL policy page or the library's policy page on textbooks.

May I request an item owned by the Montana State University Library through Interlibrary Loan?   

Journal Articles & Book Chapters:

If the MSU Library has electronic access, your request will be cancelled and you will be directed to search and download it through CatSearch using your NetID.

If the MSU Library owns the article in print, you may place a request for it to be scanned and delivered electronically through ILLiad. You will be notified via email when the file is available for download. You have 30 days to access and download the file.

Books:

If MSU Library owns the physical book or electronic book, your request will be cancelled and you will be directed to place holds through CatSearch or access the electrnic book through CatSearch. If we own the electronic book and you prefer a physical book, please indicate this in the ILLiad note field.  

How long does it take for my request to be processed? 

We try to process all requests within 2 business days. However, there are certain times of the semester when requests may take up to 5 business days.

If your request includes abbreviations, typos, misspellings, asks for the incorrect document type, or citation information is put in the incorrect field, your request will take even longer.  Please take your time and be careful when filling out requests.

If you submit multiple requests for the same item, your requests may be canceled or take longer than expected.

How long does it take for an ILL item to arrive?

Once your request is processed, most articles are delivered electronically within 3-4 business days.

Once your request is processed, most physical loan requests (books, videos, ets.) take 7-10 business days to  arrive.  You can check the status of your requests within your ILLiad account (see “Requests on Order” or “All Requests”) or stop by our office in the MSU Library, e-mail us, or call our office at 1(406)994-3161.

How will I be notified my item is available?                                                                   

You will receive notification via e-mail. (Please keep your contact information up-to-date in your MyInfo account.

My ILL loan came in. Where do I get it?

Loans must be picked up at the Library’s Service Desk.  Distance patrons will have their items mailed directly to them. A postage-paid return mailing label is provided for the item's return to MSU Library.

How long may I use requested items?   

Electronic articles will be available on our server for 30 days after notification.  It is strongly recommended that you download this item as soon as possible. 

For physical items, times will vary – please check the due date printed on the paper strap which is attached to the item. It is important that you do not remove the strap from the item, as it helps us credit your account for its return, in a timely manner. Your MSU Library account will be  charged $2.00 per item returned without the paper strap.

May I renew an interlibrary loan item?     

Sometimes.  If the lending library permits renewals you can find that information on the paper strap, attached to the item. This ability is null if your item is more than 3 days overdue. Lending libraries have the final say on whether or not your item will be renewed. 

All items acquired through CatSearch from other TRAILS libraries are NOT available for renewal.

It is important that you do not remove the strap from the item, as it helps us credit your account for its return, in a timely manner. Your MSU Library account will be  charged $2.00 per item returned without the paper strap.

How do I renew an interlibrary loan item?       

You may request a renewal starting (7 days before it's due) through your ILLiad account. Go to the "Loans Received" table, click Renew.  You may also contact ILL staff in person, by phone 1(406)994-3161, or e-mail.

If your item is less than 3 days overdue, you may contact the MSU Library ILL office and we will reach out to the lending library on your behalf. 

If your item is more than 3 days overdue, you need to return the item. If you need more time with this item, you may place another request for it.

Where do I return my interlibrary loan item?  

Please return items to the Library’s Service Desk, interlibrary loan office, or in the book return.  Distance patrons may mail items back (a postage-paid mailing label will be provided).

How do I access my articles?    

Most articles will be delivered electronically.  Log into your ILLiad account and on the left side, click on “Electronically Received Articles”.  In the table, click on the blue “View” link next to the article you want to view. 

My electronically delivered article is no longer available.  What happened?

Your article is only available for 30 days after it’s initially delivered.  You might have accidentally clicked on the “Delete” button; if that's the case contact the ILL office.

How do I contact the Montana State University Interlibrary Loan office?

You can stop by our office in the MSU Library, e-mail us, or call our office at 1(406)994-3161.