What is an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and how do I request this service?
Libraries cooperate to advance scholarship by lending library materials such as Articles, Books, DVDs, etc. to each other. Requests can be made by filling out an interlibrary loan form. Fill out the form as completely as you can to avoid any delays in our processing of your request. We will find out if the item is available in another library and request it.
Forms should be filled with the following information:
Books and DVDs:
Articles:
How long does it usually take?
It can take two to three weeks to receive a printed book. Articles can take anywhere from a day to a week to be sent to the Library digitally. Since we depend upon other libraries to supply these items, there are no guarantees that an ILL request will be filled. Therefore, every effort should be made to use our library's resources first before requesting from another library. Always ask for help if you cannot find something for an assignment, if time is limited, and begin your research EARLY enough to allow for ILL requests.
Who may use LSC-O's ILL service?
LSC-O students, faculty, and staff may use this service.
What materials can I request through ILL?
What materials can NOT be requested through ILL?
How much does it cost?
Many libraries in the state and region have ILL borrowing agreements, and there are no fees or photocopy charges. If the requested material is only available from a library that charges a fee, ILL staff will notify you.
How will I know when my ILL arrives?
When the material arrives, you will be notified by e-mail or telephone. Material may be picked up at the circulation desk on the first floor.
How long may I keep my ILL?
Loan periods for books are set by the lending libraries. Any other restrictions are also set by the lending library, not the Ron E. Lewis Library, and must be strictly enforced. Please make every effort to return borrowed items before their due dates. You may keep photocopied articles.
Can I renew my ILL materials?
If more time is needed, contact the ILL office at 409-882-3065 a week before the due date. Renewals are under the discretion of the lending library.
Where do I return my materials?
Always return ILL materials to the circulation desk on the first floor.
WorldCat-Search WorldCat to see what books and other items are located in the other libraries, many of which will allow us to borrow books. WorldCat is freely available on the Web for anyone to search. Libraries use this same catalog resource to make interlibrary loan requests.
Google Books-Google has created the world's largest collection of eBooks. Many major libraries around the world are cooperating with the project by supplying out-of-copyright books. Books that are not under copyright are allowed to be fully available along with older copies of magazines. When a book is not legally available, the table of contents and small sections of the book may be available for viewing. Called a "preview," this information is supplied by the book publishers to promote sales of their books.
Orange Public Library Catalog-LSC-O students and staff may borrow books from our local city library by presenting current LSCO ID cards. The public library is located on 5th Street one block away from our campus.