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Interlibrary Loan

FAQ

What is interlibrary loan (ILL) and who can use it?

ILL is a service to request materials not available at the UHD Library but important to support your research, study, or instructional needs. This service is available to all currently enrolled UHD students, faculty, and staff. Students, faculty, and staff at UHD distance sites may also ILL. If your affiliation is with another UH campus or area college or university, please use the interlibrary loan service at your home institution's library. Community users can consult with their local public library.

How long may I keep an ILL book?

Due dates are set by the lending library. A due date for each item will be listed in your ILL account and on the paper strap attached to the item. Please note all ILL items checked out to students are due at the end of each semester, regardless of any other due date listed.

ILL is a service to request materials not available at the UHD Library but important to support your research, study, or instructional needs. This service is available to all currently enrolled UHD students, faculty, and staff. Students, faculty, and staff at UHD distance sites may also ILL. If your affiliation is with another UH campus or area college or university, please use the interlibrary loan service at your home institution's library. Community users can consult with their local public library.When should I use ILL and are there any restrictions?

Use interlibrary loan when the UHD Library does not own the book or have access to the article you need. Note: If a book is available at another UH campus library, use the "Get It" button on the library catalog to request the item be brought to UHD Library for you to pick-up. A journal search from the library homepage will help you determine if an article is available from UHD Library. Submitting ILL requests without first checking availability through UHD Library can delay your access to the material.

  • Interlibrary Loan requests cannot be accepted by telephone or e-mail.
  • Borrowers who have overdue Interlibrary Loan materials are not eligible for the service until all materials are returned.
  • Students may request up to 15 items at a time. Faculty and staff do not have a request limit.
  • Required course texts may not be requested through ILL.
  • If you need to use a title longer, and renewal is not an option, you may request the title again. However, you must first return the copy of the title in your possession before we will send through the new request.

Use interlibrary loan when the UHD Library does not own the book or have access to the article you need. Note: If a book is available at another UH campus library, use the "Get It" button on the library catalog to request the item be brought to UHD Library for you to pick-up. A journal search from the library homepage will help you determine if an article is available from UHD Library. Submitting ILL requests without first checking availability through UHD Library can delay your access to the material.

How long does it take to receive requested materials?

The length of time it takes to receive materials depends upon the delivery method used by the lending library. Most libraries send articles electronically, and some may arrive within a day or two. Most physical items (books, DVDs, etc.) will take 1-2 weeks to arrive.

The length of time it takes to receive materials depends upon the delivery method used by the lending library. Most libraries send articles electronically, and some may arrive within a day or two. Most physical items (books, DVDs, etc.) will take 1-2 weeks to arrive.

How much does it cost?

Most ILL materials are free of cost to you. Our staff researches free lenders (lending libraries who do not charge a fee) whenever possible. If a free lender is not available, our staff will present you with options. Requests from faculty will be subsidized up to $20.00 per request. Patrons are responsible for any charges for lost or damaged items.

Most ILL materials are free of cost to you. Our staff researches free lenders (lending libraries who do not charge a fee) whenever possible. If a free lender is not available, our staff will present you with options. Requests from faculty will be subsidized up to $20.00 per request. Patrons are responsible for any charges for lost or damaged items.

Are there copyright restrictions on interlibrary loans?

Submission of an interlibrary loan request form indicates that the requester recognizes and agrees to comply with copyright laws and guidelines governing duplication of materials for interlibrary loan. The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." ILL items may not be placed on Reserve or posted in an online course. If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use" that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve a violation of copyright law.

Submission of an interlibrary loan request form indicates that the requester recognizes and agrees to comply with copyright laws and guidelines governing duplication of materials for interlibrary loan. The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use" that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve a violation of copyright law.

How many times can I renew something?

Items borrowed through interlibrary loan may be renewed at the lending institution's discretion. If you need a renewal for an ILL book, please make the renewal request at least three days before the due date. Renewal requests submitted after the due date may not be processed. See the Renew Requests tab for more details.

Items borrowed through interlibrary loan may be renewed at the lending institution's discretion. If you need a renewal for an ILL book, please make the renewal request at least three days before the due date. Renewal requests submitted after the due date may not be processed. See the Renew Requests tab for more details.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about Interlibary Loan?

System Problems or Interlibrary Loan Questions: Interlibrary Loan office at (713) 221-2760 or e-mail LibaryLoan@uhd.edu.

Contact Information

Email: libraryloan@uhd.edu

Phone: 713-221-2760

Requested items may be picked up at the Circulation Desk on the 5th floor of the Library during Library hours.

Interlibrary Loan Office Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm