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ILL: Interlibrary Loan

Use these forms to request materials through interlibrary loan.

Need a BOOK that the Clark Family Library doesn't own:

Need an ARTICLE or Book Chapter from a journal or book that W&J doesn't own?

ILL FAQs

 

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan is the borrowing and lending of material between libraries on behalf of library users. It provides students, faculty, and staff of Washington & Jefferson College with access to material not available in our Library's collection. Interlibrary Loan is a service provided by user services.

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Who can use Interlibrary Loan?
Clark Family Library provides Interlibrary Loan services year-round to current students, faculty, and staff of Washington & Jefferson College.

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What may be borrowed?
Books, journal or magazine articles, theses, dissertations, books on microfilm, and audiovisual materials may be requested. 

Since few libraries lend audiovisual materials (videocassettes, DVDs, compact discs, etc.), these items may take longer to arrive and may not be possible to obtain through Interlibrary Loan.

When necessary, the Library will use the services of a commercial, fee-based document supplier to obtain material.

We are unable to borrow text books required for class.

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How many items may be requested?
There is no limit to the number of items that may be requested by an individual. The library assumes all of the costs of standard interlibrary loan services, including shipping, and will charge patrons, with their approval, a nominal fee of $10 in the event that a lending institution charges an IFM. The library is willing to pay fees above those paid by the patron and not exceeding $25 for an interlibrary loan item. For items that exceed this amount, the library will contact the requester to verify that she or he still needs the item considering the additional cost.

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How long does it take for items to arrive?
The normal turnaround time for an Interlibrary Loan request is 5 to 10 business days, but may take more or less time depending on the method of transmission used by the lending library (U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or electronic transmission).

Rush requests will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

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How will I know if my items have arrived?
Students:

  • articles are sent to your email or campus mailbox
  • books are held at the Circulation Desk and students are notified by email or telephone that materials have arrived. Pick up items during the Library's open hours.

Faculty and other College employees:

  • articles are sent to your email or campus mailbox
  • books are sent to your campus mailbox.

For microfilm and other in-library use only items:

  • requester will be notified by telephone or email that the item has arrived and that it must be used in the Library.

Patrons will be notified by email when items cannot be obtained.

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When are items due?
The lending library sets the due date and use conditions (e.g. in library use only or no photocopying) for the items they lend.

The Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States defines the due date as the date the material should be checked in at the lending library. Please have items returned in time for them to be shipped to the lending library.

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I requested an article, do I get to keep the copy?
Yes, copies of articles are yours to keep.

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Can I renew my Interlibrary Loan material?
Renewal may be requested before the due date, except for items designated no renewal.

If a renewal is granted, the Library will notify you of the new due date via email, telephone, or campus mail. If a renewal is not granted, the Library will notify you via email, telephone, or campus mail and request that the item is returned by the due date.

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What if my interlibrary loan book is recalled?
If the lending library recalls an item, the patron will be notified by email, telephone, or mail with a request to return the item immediately.

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What are my responsibilities in regard to Interlibrary Loan materials?

  • To comply with any special use conditions (e.g., in library use only, no renewals, no photocopying, etc.) set by the lending library.
  • To return Interlibrary Loan materials on or before the due date or request a renewal before the due date.
  • To pay for any overdue charges levied by the lending library.
  • To pay for any damage incurred while the item is in your possession.
  • To return immediately any item recalled by the lending library.

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The Clark Family Library complies with the

The Library maintains the confidentiality of all Interlibrary Loan transactions.

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We're here to help

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Rachael Bolden
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Contact:
User Services Supervisor (Day) & ILL Manager
Washington & Jefferson College
Clark Family Library
60 S. Lincoln Ave.
Washington, PA 15301
724-223-6071
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