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About Interlibrary Loan
Ready to request an ILL? Visit our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interlibrary Loan (often abbreviated as ILL) is a service provided by most libraries in the U.S. whereby your home library borrows an item (book or article) from another library for you.
How is ILL different than MOBIUS?
MOBIUS is a statewide network of academic libraries in Missouri that utilizes a streamlined system to provide faster and easier access to books in the collections of other MOBIUS member libraries. ILL, although slower, gives you access to a broader selection of items since it can be used to request items from libraries across the nation. In addition, ILL is frequently used to request journal articles.
Covenant Seminary's library offers ILL service for all current students, faculty, and staff. Most libraries in the U.S., including almost all public libraries, also offer this service. Inquire about the service at any local library for which you have a library card.
Covenant does not charge for ILL service. Many other libraries also will not charge for most requests, but each library has its own policies. Ask your library before requesting anything.
ILL can get most books or articles that are held by a library in the U.S. The more obscure an item, the more likely that you may be charged a fee (or the more likely an item will not be available). Also note that videos, tapes, CDs, etc. are usually not loaned through ILL (or any other program).
This will vary depending on where the requested item is being sent from. You should probably plan for up to two weeks, though some items may take longer. Articles often arrive faster (even within a few days) since they can be sent electronically.
How do I get something through ILL?
Most of Covenant's databases provide a built-in electronic form for requesting items through ILL. You can also use our generic electronic form or the paper form available on the handout tables next to the Library front desk.
If you are using another library, ask about their procedures. Most libraries have a form like ours that they ask you to fill out with your information (name, library card number, etc.) and the information about the item (title, author, etc.). See Tips&Suggestions for Using ILL at a Public Library below.
This is decided by the library that owns the item you are borrowing. Your library receives the item with a due date already set by the owning library. These dates vary widely, though they tend to be about one month from the date that the owning library ships the item.
Tips & Suggestions for Using ILL at a Public Library
- Ask about ILL at your library's reference desk, not at the circulation desk (the place where you check out your books). The reference librarians are typically the ones who handle ILL requests for the library.
- If your local library is part of a library system (e.g., a county-wide public library with several branches), take your requests to the Headquarters or Main Branch. The headquarters is usually the hub through which your ILL items will travel, and it can sometimes take as long for an item to make its way between the headquarters and your branch as it does for the item to get to the headquarters from the lending library. The staff at the headquarters may also be more knowledgeable about the various services that are available to you.
- Introduce yourself to the librarian that handles ILL at your library. Explain who you are and what you are doing and ask what would make it easier for them. Even this small attempt to get to know them will put a face with your name and often will bring better service from your library.