Interlibrary Loan FAQs

WHAT IS INTERLIBRARY LOAN (ILL)?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the process by which library materials are made available by one library to another.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A REQUEST?

Please check the catalog first to see if the item is owned by McGrath Library. We cannot fill requests for materials that we own, even if the item is checked out. Come into the Library and fill out a form at the Information Desk or submit the form electronically from the Library Services/Interlibrary Loan section of our website. The direct URL for the form is:
http://www.hilbert.edu/LibraryRequestForm.asp

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO USE ILL?

Current faculty, staff and students of Hilbert College and St. Bonaventure University.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN BE REQUESTED?

Books and copies of journal articles may be requested through ILL. Audio-visual and multimedia materials and textbooks are typically not available for loan, but they may be available. We cannot request entire issues of journals or computer software due to copyright law restrictions.

IS THERE A CHARGE?

Most of the time, we are able to obtain the materials you need free of charge. When we are not able to do so, you will be asked if you are willing to pay for the material before we order it. St. Bonaventure students are bound by any charges, policies and procedures that St. Bonaventure applies to its affiliates.

HOW LONG DOES ILL TAKE?

We are committed to processing ILL requests in a timely manner. Typically, articles arrive within a few days, while books can take approximately seven days to arrive, although there are exceptions. Ultimately, delivery time depends on processing, mail and delivery method of the lending institution. Note also that there may be times when we are unable to successfully borrow the material you want, so start your research early.

HOW WILL MY MATERIAL BE DELIVERED?

Whenever  possible, requested articles may be delivered via email; please see the ILL form or Kate Ross, ILL Librarian, for more information. In all other cases, you may pick up your material at the information desk any time that the Library is open. Items for faculty can be delivered to a campus mailbox. You will be contacted by telephone and/or email when your material is available.

HOW LONG CAN I KEEP ILL MATERIAL?

Photocopies of articles are yours to keep.  Books borrowed through ILL may be checked out, with the due date depending on the lending library?s policy. Books must be returned to the Information Desk on or before the due date. The fine for late books is $1.00 per day. If you need a renewal, please ask before the due date. Some libraries may not allow renewals, so plan your research accordingly.