Requesting an item
There are two ways to fill out a request form:
- After running a search, clicking the “Get it!” button on any item will bring up a request form pre-populated with the item’s details. Look over the form to make sure all required fields have been entered before hitting Request. (You may also land on this pre-populated form if you requested an item through SFX.)
- If you want to make a request without searching, clicking the Blank Request Form link in the left-hand menu will take you to a blank request form.
In either case, make sure the form is as complete as possible. If you don’t enter sufficient information, local staff may need to contact you with questions before processing your request.
You can leave notes for the Interlibrary Loan staff in the Special Instructions box, for instance if you only want a particular diagram from an article, or only a specific edition. Note that entering anything in the special instructions box will slow down your request, as a staff member will have to manually authorize your request.
Delivery & Pickup
Loans
Loans are usually shipped from the lending library by mail or courier service.
You will receive an automated message when your loan arrives with instructions for pick-up. In most cases you will still need to wait at least an hour before your item is ready. It is recommended that you add your library’s RACER email address to the list of trusted senders in your email account. Otherwise, the pickup notices may end up in your spam or junk folder.
The loan period will vary depending on the institution the book is coming from and your status, but will be clearly indicated to you. Please return loans on time. Late returns may compromise your library’s relationship with other lending libraries and result in delays for future interlibrary loan requests.
Copies
Copies may be mailed to your ILL office or emailed to you directly, depending on the policies of both the lending institution and your own.
You will receive an automated message when your copy arrives with instructions for pick-up or download. If you need to pick up an item, wait at least an hour after receiving the email. It is recommended that you add your library’s RACER email address to the list of trusted senders in your email account. Otherwise, the pickup notices may end up in your spam or junk folder.
Copies do not need to be returned.