What is interlibrary loan? 

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a cooperative service that libraries have developed in order to share their collections. It's an easy way for you to obtain a book or journal article you need that is not available at Memorial Library. 

What kinds of material are/are not available through ILL? 

You may request items such as books, book chapters, and individual journal articles.

We also accept requests for other kinds of materials such as conference proceedings, dissertations, and audiovisual items, but the number of libraries willing to lend these materials is smaller; therefore, our chances of successfully borrowing these materials for you quickly are lower.

In general, we do not accept ILL requests for textbooks. 

How do I request an item using the ILL system?   

Submit your request using ILLiad, the ILL software in place at Berry. A one-time, free registration process is required.    

You do not have to know what library or libraries have the item you need. We’ll take care of that.

It is your responsibility, however, to check the online catalogue (for books) or the Journal Locator (for articles) to see if the item is available here before you submit an ILL request.

If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to contact the ILL office (ext. 4056) for a demo or quick tutorial. View Illiad's FAQs here. 

How long does it take for items to arrive? 

You should request the items you need at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

We cannot promise items by a specific date, since many factors are out of our control (mail services, response time, etc.).

How will I know when my item arrives?     

You will be notified by e-mail or phone (a preference you will select when you register with ILLiad).

Where do I pick up my items? 

If you choose "Hold for pick up" when you register with ILLiad, you will pick up all physical items at the Circulation Desk.

Documents arriving in an electronic-only format will be available on your virtual desktop. Electronic articles can be viewed or downloaded within 30 days after the article is posted by logging in to your ILLiad account.

How long can I keep an ILL item? 

For all "returnables," such as books and DVDs, loan periods will vary according to the policies of the lending library. The Due date will be visible on the front of the item.

Photocopies or facsimiles of journal articles are yours to keep.

Can I renew an ILL item? 

You may request one renewal for an ILL item, unless the item's label specifies "no renewal."

A renewal request can be submitted from 10 days before the due date, to 5 days after the due date. The lending library will decide whether or not to allow a renewal.

How to Renew

1. Log into your ILLiad account and click on the "View/Renew Checked Out Items" on the left side navigation bar
2. Click on the "Transaction Number" of the item you want to renew and a full record of the item will be displayed
3. Click on the “Renew Request” button and a renewal request will be submitted
4. You will receive an e-mail from ill@berry.edu about the decision and the new due date once the lending library answers the renewal request.
5. When renewal is granted, please mark the new due date on the item label to keep track of your item

Please contact the ILL office at extension 4056 or ill@berry.edu if you have any questions.

How much does ILL cost? 

ILL is a service for the Berry community (current students, faculty and staff) only, and there is no charge. Although library funds cover the costs involved with providing this service, these costs may be substantial.

Therefore, we encourage you to use this system as often as you need it, but only for items that are truly essential for your research or course work at Berry.