• What is Interlibrary Loan?
• Who may use Interlibrary Loan?
• How long does it take?
• How do I make an ILL request?
• What about Penn?
• What about using other libraries?
• What is E-ZBorrow?
• What is ILLiad?
• How much does ILL cost?
• How will I receive my ILL request?
• What about returning ILLs?

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a cooperative program that allows us to obtain materials that we do not have in our own collection. ILL vastly increases our access to the world's published literature. Normally, libraries lend each other books or other materials while providing photocopies of journal articles.

Who may use Interlibrary Loan?

Undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff at USP may use ILL to request materials relevant to their USP responsibilities.

How long does it take?

It can take up to two weeks. Please plan accordingly. Special rush services are available on periodical material in some circumstances and may include a charge. Ask a librarian or ILL staff person for more information.

How do I make an ILL request?

Check the library's online catalog, or (if a journal) the library's journal list to determine whether our library already has the desired item. If not, inquire at the Information Desk to see if the book or journal may be available at a neighboring library, where you would have more timely access to the material.

What about Penn?

Penn does not allow non-Penn users to access their electronic resources. However, you can get a copy of an article from their print journal storage if you fill out an online form. You'll get an email when it's been delivered to the library you indicate.

The University of Pennsylvania has numerous libraries, including Van Pelt Library (social sciences and humanities), the Biomedical Library, and the Chemistry Library. Most libraries will allow outside users on weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm. See Penn's website for the hours, location, and access policies for individual libraries.

What about using other libraries?

USP students, faculty, and staff have access to numerous library collections throughout the Delaware Valley. For additional information, check out our webpage detailing access to these libraries.

What is E-ZBorrow?

E-ZBorrow is a service that enables you to borrow a book directly from any library participating in PALCI, the Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium, Inc. Simply log on using your 14-digit library ID (found on your USP ID card), locate the book or other material you need, and request it. The book will be sent from the lending library, and will be available for pick-up at the Circulation Desk The book will be checked out to you for 28 days from pick-up date.

Can't find the book you need through E-ZBorrow? Then simply send your request in through ILLiad.

(Note: Distance education graduate students, click here for more specific information on requesting books.)

What is ILLiad?

You may request journal articles (or books that are unavailable through E-ZBorrow) through ILLiad, the Library's Interlibrary Loan system. If you are using ILLiad for the first time, you will have to initially set up your account. Once the account is created, simply log in to place and monitor your ILL requests.

How much does ILL cost?

While each transaction costs the library money, we generally do not pass along the costs to the patrons. On those few occasions when we must pass on charges, we will notify you in advance of proceeding with the order. You will not be charged for any loans unless you approve the charge in advance.

How will I receive my ILL request?

Most articles are delivered via the web in pdf format, with notification of availability sent to valid USP email addresses. In cases where an article cannot be transmitted electronically, a photocopy will either be mailed (generally through campus mail), or placed on file behind the Circulation Desk. Patrons are notified by phone or e-mail when books arrive for them. The books are available for pick-up at the Circulation Desk.

What about returning ILLs?

The due date will be stated on the form on the front of the book. Return books to the Circulation Desk leaving the form in place--please do not return them directly to the lending library. Photocopies of articles are yours to keep.

Articles not picked up after 60 days will be discarded. Books not picked up will be returned at their due date.

Questions? See our Faculty/Staff list for contact information.