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Interlibrary Loan


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.

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.

Who may use ILL?

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

 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. 

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.

What happens if I forget my password?

In the event that you forget your password, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office at (260) 399-7700 ext. 6061.  We can reset your password allowing you access to ILL Express Request.  Please change your password once you logon to ILL Express Reqeust.

How long does it take?

You should plan ahead and allow two to three weeks of obtaining material you request through Interlibrary Loan.  Although we often get materials more quickly, you should not plan on having it sooner than this.

We process requests Monday – Friday and usually send requests to lenders minutes after the request is first submitted by patrons.  We also check in the material 1 day (rarely two days) after it arrives excepting weekends.  Upwards of 85% of the time it takes to fill your request results from processing that occurs outside the University of Saint Francis.  This processing includes the time required for the request to be passed by the OCLC interlibrary loan system through a succession of possible lending libraries that have been identified.  Once the library agrees to provide a loan or photocopy, then that library retrieves the item from its collection, produces a photocopy when necessary, and ships the item. Time in transit depends on the method chosen for shipping by the lending library.  About 95% of the articles are sent to us electronically.  Books are either shipped by Wheels Courier System (Indiana libraries) or the U. S. Postal Service.

How am I notified when my Interlibrary Loan material arrives?

You will be notified by telephone or e-mail when the material is ready for pick up. Items can be picked up at 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?

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, 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. 

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.