Request a Book

Request an Article

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Check out books from other local libraries.

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See if local libraries own what you're looking for.

Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary loan is a service that allows students, faculty and staff of the college to request books, articles and other materials from other libraries. The materials are sent to McCain Library. After you have been notified of their arrival, ILL materials can be picked up at the Circulation desk.

NOTE: Because it is both a McCain Library expense and a privilege for us to borrow on your behalf from lending libraries, you may request the same title no more than twice in an academic year. Please make full use of the materials while you have them on loan. Thank you for your cooperation.

How to request

Complete a Request a Book or Request an Article form. Be sure to fill out the forms completely - missing information will lead to delays in the processing of your request.

Before filling out the request, be sure that McCain Library does not own the materials. Check SOPHIA for books; check to see if we have access to journal in print or microfilm, or in full-text online.

Limitations

Note for faculty members: items requested through interlibrary loan, such as books or videos, cannot be placed on reserve for courses. This violates copyright laws.

Material that ordinarily cannot be requested:

• books owned by McCain Library that are in use;
• periodical issues or volumes;
• audiovisual material;
• software;
• materials for class, reserve, or group use;
• fragile, rare or valuable materials or bulky items;
• reference books

Pickup

Material usually takes 1 week to 10 days to arrive, but may take longer. Status of requests can be seen by viewing your patron record. You will be notified by email or telephone when items arrive. They can then be picked up at the Circulation desk on the first floor. After 7 days, photocopies will be mailed to your campus address. Books will be sent back to the lending library if not picked up within 10 days.

Cost

Please note that there may be a charge of $1.00 if it is necessary that a journal article be delivered in print format, rather than sent electronically. Faculty and staff photocopies will automatically be charged to departments, unless other instructions are supplied. There is no charge for books.

Loan periods

ILL books are typically loaned for three weeks. Some loan periods may be shorter as determined by the lending library. Renewals may be requested by telephone (404-471-5342) or by email at least 3 days before the book is due. Renewal is at the discretion of the lending library. To process a renewal request it is necessary to supply both the title and the ILL number for each book.

Books borrowed through interlibrary loan are subject to recall by their owning institution at any time.