Who may use interlibrary loan? (And is it free?)
Interlibrary loan (a.k.a. ILL) is a service available to current Clark students, faculty, and staff to request items from other libraries free of charge. (Yes, it's free!)
How do I make a request?
Clark uses the program ILLiad for making requests, which you can access by clicking here and logging in. Be sure to check out the ILLiad tab at the top of this page.
What can I request?
Books, articles (but not entire journal issues), musical scores, dissertations, book chapters, documentaries, microfilm, etc. not already available at Clark University. ILL will make all reasonable efforts to obtain your desired library material. Please be aware that rare or highly popular items (such as bestsellers or textbooks), though, may not be possible to obtain or may take longer to arrive. Additionally, any physical items must be picked up at the Goddard Library.
How long will it take to receive my item?
Article requests are usually filled within two business days and book requests are filled within five to ten business days. It could take an extra day or so around midterms or finals to receive your desired materials.
Remember: Feel free to request loans if you are starting projects early. If you need materials within a few days, though, request articles. If you need resources right now!, seek a friendly reference librarian at Goddard Library.
How can I check the status of my request?
The home screen of your ILLiad account will show outstanding requests. Clicking on an item's associated "Transaction Number" will show its tracking history.
How will I know when my item arrives? Where can I pick it up?
You will receive an automated e-mail message stating that your item is available for pickup at the Circulation Desk at Goddard Library. If you requested an article, you will receive an automated message stating it is available via your ILLiad account (see "Electronically Received Articles" in the ILLiad navigation menu).
How many requests can I make?
There is no cap but we will process up to five requests per patron on any given day.
Keep in mind that if you request numerous loans at one time that they will often arrive within days of each other, so please plan accordingly.
Articles are a bit different because there is copyright / fair use to consider. We will scour the information sea to find your desired resource, but please be aware that we will not knowingly request more than one article from the same journal issue of any given title due to copyright restrictions.
What does "In Library Use Only" mean?
This is a restriction imposed by the lending library, and unfortunately it means that your ILL item cannot be checked out and/or removed from Goddard Library. ILL staff will contact you via e-mail prior to agreeing to these terms whenever possible.
Where do I return my item?
Return all ILL materials (including any paperwork found inside the front covers) at the Circulation Desk of Goddard Library.
How do I renew my item?
Most libraries allow for one renewal. You can renew your item through your ILLiad account prior to the day the item is due. Log into ILLiad > click on "Checked Out Items" from the navigation menu > click the "Transaction Number" of the item you wish to renew > click on "Renew Item" link in red toward the top of the page. Voilà!
Is your item currently overdue? E-mail illoan@clarku.edu and we will submit a renewal request to the lending library on your behalf.
What happens if I'm late returning my item or lose it?
ILL staff cry a little on the inside. Don't make us cry. Please return your ILL materials on time.
Interlibrary loan is not a textbook replacement system and relies on timely returns in order to be effective. We will send three overdue e-mail notifications for a late item prior to suspending your ILL borrowing privileges. You are responsible for any resulting fines/invoices from the lending library. Returning the item/paying for the lost item will restore borrowing privileges.
Who can I contact with additional questions/comments?
Send ILL staff an e-mail at illoan@clarku.edu, call (508) 793-7163, or ask your question in person from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.