The InterLibrary Loan (ILL) service, like OhioLink, supplements the resources of Bierce Library and the Science & Technology Library. Through ILL you can borrow books not available through OhioLink or obtain photocopies of periodical articles from other libraries. The conditions for ILL services are determined by the National Interlibrary Loan Code of the American Library Association, the regulations of the individual lending libraries, and the copyright law.

What Can Be Borrowed?

Through ILL you can borrow circulating books and microforms from most research libraries in the United States. You can obtain photocopies of articles from most periodicals, including a large number of foreign publications.

Typically, the library cannot borrow bound volumes of periodicals, rare books, genealogical materials, newly-published titles, audio-visual materials, computer software, dissertations, or materials that is already owned.

Who Can Use InterLibrary Loan?

Students currently enrolled at the University of Akron and University faculty staff are entitled to interlibrary loan privileges.

How Long Does It Take?

Some materials borrowed through InterLibrary Loan will arrive within a week, but the typical request requires about two weeks. It is best to place a request as early as possible to allow for potential delays.

How Much Does It Cost?

The library absorbs the cost of InterLibrary Loan services. There is no charge unless the request is urgent and must be faxed--a $3.00 fee is charged for faxed material.

How is an InterLibrary Loan Requested?

InterLibrary Loan request forms are available on the library's website under Submit a Request as well as at the Bierce Library Reference Desk and at the Science & Technology Library in Auburn Hall.

1) Fill in the form as completely as possible, using full titles rather than abbreviations.

2) The reference source of a citation must be furnished with a request.

3) Please TYPE or PRINT NEATLY all information.

4) Remember, the more complete the information provided on a request, the faster the request will be processed and the sooner the material will be obtained.

Where is an InterLibrary Loan Picked Up?

InterLibrary Loan books are held at the Circulation Desk at the Bierce Library. Materials requested by Science Majors can be picked up at the Science & Technology Library.   Note: Photocopies of journal articles are usually sent to your home or campus address.

How Can an Individual Borrow Directly from Other Libraries?

Books from Ohio libraries that are found on OhioLink may be ordered directly through OhioLink and will be delivered to the library you specify during the request. An I.D. card with a current validation sticker is necessary to check materials out. Materials from another library follows the policies of that library and can be checked out only for the specified loan period. Most books can be checked out for a two week period and can be renewed one time.

Back to Using Resources Outside the University of Akron Libraries