Interlibrary Loan:
Frequently Asked Questions |
What is
Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary
Loan (ILL) is a service for University of Pittsburgh students, faculty,
and
staff to obtain materials not owned by Owen Library.
We can request items from other University of Pittsburgh
Libraries, as well as other libraries throughout the United States and
Canada.
Who can use ILL?
University
of Pittsburgh students, faculty, and staff who possess a valid Pitt ID
card.
What kinds of
materials can I borrow?
You
may request books and photocopies of articles.
Are there any
materials not available through ILL?
We
will order any material you request for your research, however most
libraries
won’t lend video and audio tapes, dissertations, reserve items, and
reference
materials.
If a book I need
is checked out, lost, or on Reserve can I borrow it through ILL?
You
can request a book that is listed as checked out or lost, but items on
Reserve
may not be ordered through ILL, as they are still available in Owen
Library.
How do I place an
ILL request?
ILL
request forms are available at the Circulation Desk.
For book requests complete the white form and for article
requests complete the yellow form. If
you have any questions, ask the Circulation Desk staff for assistance.
Can I request ILL
materials from my dorm room or from home?
Yes, you can submit electronic requests. Go to the Owen Library homepage at http://www.pitt.edu/~libref/ and click on either <Article Request Form> or <Book Request Form.> Complete the electronic form and click on <Send Request> to submit.
How long does it
take until the request comes in?
Usually
5 to10 business days. Start your
research early for best results.
How much does it
cost?
Most
items are obtained free of charge, however, if there is a cost involved
you
will be notified before the library requests the item.
How will I be
notified when my request comes in?
We will notify you by e-mail, regular mail, or by telephone.
Where
can I pick up my requested material when it arrives?
You
can pick up your material when it arrives at the Owen Library
Circulation Desk.
Will I be
notified if the library is unable to get my request?
Yes,
we will notify you by email, telephone, or regular mail if we are
unable to get
a requested item.
Whom do I contact
if I need assistance with ILL?
You
may speak with ILL staff by making a request at the Circulation Desk or
calling
269-7292. The ILL Office is staffed
from 8:00-4:00 Monday through Friday.
How long can I
keep ILL materials?
Each
library that lends requested materials through ILL determines its own
loan
period, but usually you may keep a book for 28 days.
How much are
fines if a book is returned late?
Each
lending library determines its own fines, but often the cost is about
25 cents
for per day a book is overdue.
Can I renew ILL
materials?
Unless
otherwise noted, most items can be renewed. You may renew books
borrowed from
other Pitt libraries. Just bring the item to the Owen Library
Circulation Desk, or if a book is not already overdue you may log into
“My
Library Record” at http://pittcat.pitt.edu
to renew. Books from outside the University of Pittsburgh Library
system must
be renewed through the ILL Office located on the first floor of Owen
Library.
Do I have to
return copies of articles?
No,
they are yours to keep.
Where do I return
ILL materials?
They
should be returned to the Circulation Desk or placed in one of the Owen
Library
book drops.
8-04