You can request items we don’t have, or items currently checked out, and we’ll borrow them from another library for you through interlibrary loan.

Interlibrary loan is available to anyone with a current ISU card or an active Library Visitor Card. If you attend another Iowa college or university, and qualify for a Visitor Card, you cannot use our interlibrary loan services.

How to place a request

There are three ways to place interlibrary loan requests:

  • Log in to your interlibrary loan account and fill out a request form.
  • Search for an item in Quick Search then select Request from Interlibrary Loan. Use this option when an item we own is checked out, unavailable, or you only need a specific article or chapter.
  • Use the GetIt@ISU link or button in library databases then select Request from Interlibrary Loan.

Costs

Interlibrary loans are generally free unless we need to borrow a physical item outside of North America. The loan request form will ask if you are willing to pay a $5.00 fee to help pay for shipping costs.

How items are delivered

You will receive an email when your requested item is ready.

Digital articles and book chapters, including scans of ISU items, are delivered to your interlibrary loan account for you to download.

Physical items, such as books, will be delivered to the pickup location or home delivery specified in your interlibrary loan account profile. If you choose home delivery then your items will be delivered by US Mail or FedEx, depending on address. You are responsible for items once they have left the library.

How long will it take

Digital items and scans are generally delivered within 24 hours.

Physical items are generally delivered within 3 to 10 business days. Delivery times vary based on the nature and availability of the item.

How long can I borrow

Borrowing periods for physical items are determined by the library we borrow from. We try to find the longest loans and flexible renewal options when filling requests. Loan times may be shorter if the library needs an item back earlier than anticipated.

Scans are deleted from ILLiad within 30 days, so download files as soon as possible.

Library Use Only

“Library Use Only” means you must use the item in the library building you checked it out from. You will need to return the item to the circulation desk after each use.

Renewals

Renewals are done through your interlibrary loan account. You can renew up to 5 days before and 5 days after the item’s due date. Some libraries do not allow renewals.

Returning items

You can return items to any library location or contact us for a pre-paid mailing label.

Office hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30

Location: 2nd floor, Room 204, Parks Library

Email: borrdesk@iastate.edu  

Phone: 515-294-8073