InterLibrary Loan

students studying in the library

Notice: Due to increased interlibrary loan demand, your requests for interlibrary loan materials may take longer than usual, or may incur fees not previously assessed to interlibrary loan users.

ILL Express Request

The library collections will not always be able to provide all of the materials needed by USF users. Interlibrary loan service ensures that users will be able to obtain additional information from a variety of external sources. Interlibrary loan service is not provided for alumni, reciprocal borrowers or guests.

This service uses automated systems to efficiently locate sources of free or low-cost information to fill interlibrary loan requests. Interlibrary loans that incur a cost will be provided to any USF employee without charge when the information is used in relation to projects, programs or other work required by the University of Saint Francis.

This service is also provided to all students of the University to support them in completing assignments required in their coursework. Each student is allowed a reasonable amount of free interlibrary loans. Online students and faculty may use interlibrary loan services with some limitations.
Interlibrary loan service is provided to the extent that library resources allow. USF Library Services reserves the right to further limit the number of interlibrary loan requests per user, depending upon the availability and cost of items and current budget constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the library doesn’t own the work I need?
While you are conducting research, you may come across references to a work that appears to be perfect for your project –except that your library doesn’t own a copy of it. Just fill out an ILL Express Request form. We have a new web-based interlibrary loan management system called ILL Express Request. This new system makes it easier for you to make requests for the library to fill them. The new system now allows you to follow up and track your loan requests.

How do I locate materials not owned by USF?
There is an online catalog of materials owned worldwide. This catalog is called WorldCat and can be accessed from the Vann Library's homepage.

Who may use ILL?
Current University of Saint Francis students, faculty and staff are eligible to use ILL services.

Can USF online students and faculty use Vann Library interlibrary loan services?
Yes, with some limitations. Online students, faculty, and staff may request articles, book chapters (one chapter per book), theses, and dissertations. Because of national Interlibrary Loan Policy restrictions and copyright laws, we are not able to order books for online students. Online users can use their local libraries for Interlibrary Loan Services or might be able to take advantage of our reciprocal borrowing agreements, dependent upon their location.

What is ILL Express Request?
ILL Express Request is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan. You will find it easier to submit your interlibrary loan requests. Now you will only have to enter your name, address and personal information into the system once, at the time of your first request.

How do I request and interlibrary loan?
New interlibrary loan service users will need to register for an ILL Express Request account. Registration requires you to provide some basic information and should only take a few minutes to complete. When searching for books, online students and faculty need to remember they are limited to one chapter per book; this is due to coypright laws. To register, click here. Once your requests are made,you can log in and track your requests.

Why do I need a username and password for ILL request?
Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.

Your username can be anything you like, such as your name, abbreviations, or an alphanumeric code. Your password also can be anything you like. You don’t have to use your USF login information. We recommend that you follow good security practice and choose a password that is different from those you use to access other systems. However, no one but you will know your password, not even the library staff. The password you set is stored in an encrypted file.

How long does it take?
You should plan ahead. For electronic requests, please allow 4 to 5 business days to receive your ILL Express Requests. Although electronic materials can come more quickly, you should not plan on having it sooner than this.

Book requests on average, take 10 to 12 business days. When the book arrives, you will need to pick it up at the Lee and Jim Vann Library. Please note the due date and return book requests in a timely manner.

How am I notified when my Interlibrary Loan material arrives?
You will be notified by e-mail when the material is ready. For electronic requests, you will need to log on to your ILL Express Request account and select 'Electronically Received Articles' found under the view section on the left side of the screen. Your received requests will show up in the middle of your screen. Book requests can be picked up at the circulation desk on the 2nd floor of the Lee and Jim Vann Library.

Can books borrowed from interlibrary loan be renewed?
Generally, yes. Check the due date on the book strap. If it does not indicate no renewals log into ILL Express Request and request the item be renewed. Please submit a renewal request at least 3 days before the item is due so we may contact the lending library for permission to renew. ILL will inform you of the new due date via email.

Why can’t I keep the ILL books as long as I need them?
For items borrowed from another library, the duration of the loan and any restrictions on using the item is determined by the lending library. They also determine if a renewal for an item will be allowed. The University of Saint Francis honors the rules established by the lenders. Borrowing materials from another institution is a privilege. You are expected to return books in a timely manner.

What kind of materials may not available from Interlibrary Loan?

Materials already owned by the Lee & Jim Vann Library

Rare or valuable materials

Entire issues of journals

Audiovisual materials

Computer Software

How much will it cost to use Interlibrary Loan materials?
Materials requested through interlibrary loan are usually available at no cost to the requester. If the requested item is a book, the requestor is responsible for any overdue charges or replacement charges for lost items.

How do I request materials if I am at the Crown Point Site?
If you are at the Crown Point Site taking Health Sciences classes, you can request your materials through Saint Anthony’s Medical Library located at 1201 South Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307-8483. If you have questions about the Interlibrary Loan Process, you can call them at 219-757-6345 or e-mail Monica Nowesnick at monica.nowesnick@ssfhs.org. If you are taking classes not in the Health Sciences field, you wil need to send your requests through your ILL Express Request account.

Who do I contact if I have Interlibrary Loan Questions?
If you have further questions, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Department by phone at 260-399-7700 x 6061 or by email at ill@sf.edu.

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