Interlibrary Loan FAQ

See below for answers to the following questions:

• What types of materials can I request?
• What types of materials can’t I request?
• How many requests can I make?
• How long will it take to receive the item(s)?
• How will I receive the item(s) I request?
• How long can I keep the item(s) I receive?
• How do I renew the item(s) I receive?
• How do I return the item(s) I receive?
• When and where are the ILL items I borrowed actually checked back in?
• What happens if something is lost?
• Will I be charged for my ILL requests?

What types of materials can I request? Books, articles, conference papers, proceedings, musical scores, newspapers, dissertations, theses, materials in foreign languages and other media as available can be requested.

What types of materials can’t I request? Generally items in the Libraries that are temporarily in use or on reserve, including textbooks; recent newspapers; rare, valuable or fragile materials, and most periodical volumes cannot be supplied.

How many requests can I make? The ILL office does not place limits on the number of ILL requests you can make. To ensure the most efficient service, please do not request several items at one time.

How long will it take to receive the item(s)? Plan ahead. Depending on which library owns the item, it may take only 3-5 days for some journal articles, or 2 weeks to obtain the requested book. Average request time is only 1 - 2 weeks.

How will I receive the item(s)?
Print materials:
Materials you order through Interlibrary Loan that are only available in print but are not photocopies will be sent to you at the physical address you specify on the Interlibrary Loan Request Form. If the item is a photocopy, it is yours to keep. If the item is not a photocopy, it will be sent in an appropriate package and with a return address label. The return date will also be on the material.

Electronic materials:
Materials you order through Interlibrary Loan that are available in electronic format will be sent to the Interlibrary Loan site for a limited time period. Items can be accessed and printed from that site. Please be aware copyright laws still apply. Making multiple copies for wide distribution, and re-posting articles to another web site is not permissible without publisher permission and royalty payments.

How long can I keep the item(s) I receive? If you receive a photocopy or electronic copy of an article or other resource, it is yours to keep. If a book or other item is sent to you, the return date will be on the material.

How do I renew the item(s) I receive? If you need the ILL material past the due date printed on the band around each item, you may be able to renew. Please examine the band around each item to determine if renewal is allowed. Renewal privileges and limitations may vary per item.

To renew FSU ILL materials:

1. Go to http://www.pc.fsu.edu/arc.
2. Click on FSU Library Catalog (in the Search for Books section).
3. Click on renewals/library account at the top and then follow the renewal instructions.

To renew other ILL materials (from other institutions):

1. Go to http://www.illiad.lib.fsu.edu/logon.html.
2. Logon to ILLiad using the username and password you chose when you registered in ILLiad.
3. Scroll down and click on the “View/Renew Checked Out Items” button.
4. Double click on the material you wish to renew.
5. Click on the “renew” button in the upper right corner of the page.

The system will automatically assign a PROJECTED new due date. The FSU ILL office is required to contact the lending institution for permission to renew. You may keep the material until you receive an email from the FSU ILL office.

Note: ILLiad renewals must be placed at least three (3) days before the due date. Renewals requested after the due date cannot be granted.

How do I return the item(s) I receive? Print materials, other than photocopies, will have to be returned. You can return ILL items to the ARC Librarian as long as each item is delivered to the ARC at least five (5) business days before it is due in the FSU ILL office in Tallahassee.

If you cannot return the ILL material(s) to the ARC at least five (5) days before it is due in the FSU ILL office, you will have to mail the item to Tallahassee using First Class or Certified Mail. Use the attached mailing label and return the book in the original shipping bag or other protective packing material.

DO NOT return FSU ILL items directly to the GCCC Library.
DO NOT use the van mail for returning ILL materials to the ILL office in Tallahassee.

When and where are the ILL items I borrowed actually checked back in? The materials you borrowed will be checked in when they are received in the ILL office. Since the materials are checked out to you, you are financially responsible for the materials until they are received at the ILL office.

What happens if something is lost? If the materials are lost, you are responsible for the cost of replacing the material and all of your ILL relationships/privileges may be jeopardized.

Will I be charged for my ILL requests? In most cases, ILL costs are not charged to FSU users. However, if you lose or damage an item, you will be charged.