Frequently Asked ILL Questions
What is interlibrary loan?
When materials are needed
which are not held by the Miami University Libraries or by OhioLINK member
institutions, then staff at King Library will request the needed material
from other sources. These sources may include other universities, public
libraries, commercial libraries, and international libraries.
Interlibrary Loan is not the same thing as OhioLINK.
Where is interlibrary loan located?
Interlibrary loan on the
Oxford Campus is located in room 101 of King Library, in the rear
of the circulation area. At the Hamilton and Middletown
Campuses, you can contact the Reference Desk for interlibrary loan questions.
How can I make a request?
You may contact a reference
librarian at any of the university libraries, as well as use the
Online Request Form. The Online Request Form may be accessed
from the
MiamiLINK main web page; look under "Services
& Information". Interlibrary loan does not take requests over the phone.
Who can make an interlibrary loan request?
Any current Miami University faculty, staff, or student can make a request.
Is there a cost?
At this point, there is no charge for use
of interlibrary loan services at Miami. However,
there are costs associated with the process of receiving materials from
other institutions, such as labor, photoduplication, copyright
compliance, and postage and handling.
How can I track my ILL requests?
To see all requests you have made via ILL simply log in to the ILL service the same way you do when you are placing a new ILL request. Once you are logged in, you will see the option "See your ILL requests." Click on this link, and you will be taken to a list of everything you have requested via ILL. For books that have been received, there will be an option to request a renewal.
What can be obtained through interlibrary loan?
Currently,
we accept requests for books, monographs, patents, theses, and
dissertations, as well as requests for journal articles and certain
newspapers (both articles and whole reels). Entire journals may not be
borrowed.
Can I borrow a video or DVD?
No, most libraries do not lend any of their audio-visual materials, so our success at obtaining these is quite low.
How long will it take for my request to be processed?
In
most cases, your request will be filled within 8 or 10 days of when you
turn it in. This may vary, however. Some photocopy requests
from journals held by OhioLINK schools may be filled within 4 days.
Requests for rare or foreign material may take a month or longer, however.
Photocopy requests generally arrive faster than book requests, since
books tend to be shipped fourth class (library rate).
What if I need an article/book very quickly?
Rush service
is only available on a case-by-case basis.
If you need RUSH service
you must speak to an Interlibrary Loan staff member in person or by
phone.
How will I know when my requested material arrives?
Our procedure is to notify you at your university email address,
as specified through Miami's central directory. If you do not use email, then we can send a paper notice
to notify you when your book or thesis arrives. If you occupy a study
carrel in King Library, then we can place your materials in the carrel
as soon as they arrive if you provide that as your address. You may
also request a phone call notification if there is an urgent need.
Photocopies of articles are usually sent directly to your notification
address (via US Mail or Campus Mail) as soon as they arrive, unless you ask
to pick it up at a Circulation Desk.
Can I ask to renew materials once my due date comes up?
Yes, however the lending library is the sole authority on renewals,
and it is responsible for setting due dates. Some libraries will not
allow renewals of interlibrary loan materials, while others are more
than happy to grant renewals.
All renewal requests must be made before the due date or
they will not be processed. If the bookband indicates no renewals, we
cannot request a renewal. If you still need to use the item, please
speak to an ILL staff member, or you can make a renewal request by logging
into the Interlibrary Loan page and using the "See Your ILL Items" link.
Is there a grace period on overdue books and micro
materials?
No, due dates are set by the lending library, not Miami. If
you fail to observe the due date, then you may be
responsible for jeopardizing our relationship with the lending library.
Also, you may be subject to
fines and will be subject
to
suspension of all library privileges.
What happens if I lose the book?
In
case of loss of materials, you, the patron, will be fully responsible
for any replacement costs. Likewise, any charges for damage to materials
will be passed on to you.
Do I use Interlibrary Loan for requesting materials from Oxford,
Hamilton, Middletown, or the SW Ohio Regional Depository?
No,
these are circulation functions. To request books from the branch
campuses or the depository, stop by the Circulation Desk at any of the
libraries, or use the "Request This Item" feature from within our catalog.
Is Interlibrary Loan affiliated with OhioLINK?
Interlibrary Loan operates hand-in-hand with the loan
departments at other OhioLINK schools, but it is not the same as
placing a request for an OhioLINK item from MiamiLINK. Patron
initiated requests for OhioLINK items, using the OhioLINK
Central Catalog, are handled by the Circulation Department. Photocopy
requests for periodicals held by OhioLINK institutions are handled by
Interlibrary Loan.
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