Who is eligible to request items?

All current faculty, staff, and students may request items through interlibrary loan.

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How can I request an item?

The quickest method is by using the electronic request form (WebZap). Printed forms are also available in the Interlibrary Loan office and on the reference desks.

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What type of items can I request?

• Books: Almost any book not available through MERLIN or MOBIUS can be requested. It is difficult for us to obtain textbooks, newly published books, and book/CD sets. Lending periods for books tend to run from two to four weeks. As a matter of policy, we do not order textbooks that have been assigned during the current semester.
• Articles: We will process requests for articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers. Articles longer than 30 pages are more difficult to obtain and may take additional time. We usually cannot obtain the original journal/magazine, only copies.
• Book Chapters: We can request copies of chapters, but it is up to the lending library to decide whether they will supply a copy of the requested chapter or the book itself. Copies are subject to the same limits on length as noted above.
• Theses: A thesis is a formal paper prepared as part of a masters or doctoral program. Typically, only the library at the school that granted the degree retains a copy. Some libraries will not lend theses. Theses are often supplied on microfilm. If we are unable to borrow a copy of a thesis, we will try to purchase a copy for you (at your expense, with your prior approval).
• Audiovisual and computer CD or software: Few libraries will lend these items. We will try our best to obtain them for you.

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What's the difference between MERLIN/MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan requests?

The MERLIN and MOBIUS catalogs allow you to borrow books from other libraries in the state of Missouri. Requests are immediately sent to the lending library and the books are delivered to the library of your choice within three working days

Interlibrary Loan procures copies of articles and book chapters. ILL borrows books, theses, and other materials that are not available via the MERLIN/MOBIUS consortiums.

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Is there a cost for Interlibrary Loan requests?

There is no charge for most requests. If we need to charge you for an item, we will contact you before we process your request.

Interlibrary loan requests are not free. However, the University currently absorbs this cost as a service to its faculty, staff, and students. Just as with other books you may borrow, you are responsible for any fines incurred for materials you do not return or damage.

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Why do you ask for so much information?

We need this information to verify the citation, accurately identify sources, notify you when the item arrives, and contact you with any questions we may have:

• Author: For books & theses, supply the author(s) or editor(s). May leave blank for articles
• Title: For books and theses, supply the title. For articles, supply the name of the journal in which the article is found
• Edition & Imprint: Supply any additional information such as a specific edition (if needed), publisher, and/or year published
• Article: Indicate the author and title of the article. Leave blank for books (unless you are requesting a copy of a chapter)
• Volume, Issue, Date & Pages: Please supply as much information as possible
• Name, ID Number, Department, Student/Faculty/Staff data: We need this information to track your request and verify that your eligibility for services
• Address: Campus and/or home address information depending on how you wish us to be contacted
• Phone: Campus, work or home number where we can reach you for questions or notifications
• Email: Ensure that we have a valid email address for questions or notifications
• Where found: Tell us where you found this citation, in case we need to review the references you used (e.g. PsycInfo, SocioFile, MLA International Bibliography, web site, etc.)
• Additional Information: Add a message here if there is other information that will help us find your material or if you wish to alert us to any special needs or circumstances
• Avoid abbreviations: books and journals often have very similar or even identical titles. Incomplete or erroneous information may cause delays in fulfilling a borrowing request

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What if I don't have all the information needed?

Please supply as much information as you have. It's often helpful for us to have a copy of your bibliography or other sources. Add a note if you are unsure of the citation.

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How does the ILL process work? How long will it take?

When we receive your request, we:

• Review the request to ensure we have adequate information
• Verify the item is not available at the UM-St. Louis Libraries
• Verify the item is not available in MERLIN and/or MOBIUS libraries
• Search libraries and other possible sources for the item
• Request the item. The request goes to a series of libraries until one confirms that they can supply it. Each library has up to four business days to make this determination
• Examine and check in the item
• Notify patron the item is ready for pick-up or mail the item

Shipping time varies. Article and book chapters usually take from two to ten days. Books and theses typically take longer, five to 14 days. Since this is a cooperative process between libraries, we cannot guarantee delivery times.

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How can I check on the status of an item?

Please call (314) 516-5066 or stop by the Interlibrary Loan office. ILL items will not show up when you view your record in the MERLIN catalog.

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How was the due date determined? Can I renew an item?

Due dates are set by the lending library. We abide by their terms and conditions.

Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library. If an item is marked "No Renewal" the lender has already indicated that they will not grant renewals. If a library recalls an item before the original due date, promptly return the material to us.

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What are my delivery options?

• Books and Theses need to be picked-up at the circulation desk. They cannot be shipped to you. Distance learners, with prior permission, may choose to have their books shipped
• Articles can be retrieved electronically, picked up at the circulation desk, and sent to a campus or home address. We encourage the use of electronic delivery for your convenience
• Library Use Only: If a lending library designates an item as "Library Use Only" it will be kept in the Interlibrary Loan office and must be signed out for each use. If you need one of these items when the office is closed, please request assistance from the supervisor at the circulation desk

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