Submit an Interlibrary Loan Request

Who can submit an Interlibrary Loan request?
Anyone with a valid Buzz card is permitted to submit requests.

How many Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests can be submitted?
Students are permitted to have 10 requests in the system at a time, while faculty members are permitted 50 requests. Local community users may submit 4 requests.

How are requests submitted?
Requests can be submitted in several ways. When searching the statewide library catalog, a request can be placed while viewing a record simply by clicking on the blue “Submit ILL request” button at the bottom of the screen. Requests can also be submitted on the web using a request form that can be found at the SDLN Patron Information page or at the library’s Interlibrary Loan page. Lastly, paper request forms are available at the Information and Circulation desks in the library.

How long does it take to receive material through Interlibrary Loan?
The time can vary considerably depending on which libraries own the items being requested, but a good rule of thumb is to allow at least one week for material to arrive. Occasionally, material will arrive more quickly, and if only out-of-state libraries are determined to own the item, the process can take in upwards of two weeks.

Is there any notification given when material arrives?
The library network automatically generates an e-mail notification to patrons the morning after their material arrives in the library. For this reason, it is very important for everyone to keep their e-mail address current with the Circulation area.

Where is material picked-up that has arrived through Interlibrary Loan?
All material is available at the Circulation desk in the library.

What types of material are available through Interlibrary Loan?
Books and periodical articles are the most common items requested from other libraries, although requests can be submitted for any type of material. Because of high demand at their residing library, new books, best-sellers and audio-visual material are not often available for loan.

Are there any charges for this service?
The BHSU library does not assess a charge for Interlibrary Loan, with the exception of late fees if material is kept beyond its due date. While most libraries do not charge a fee, some libraries do assess charges, which are then passed on to the borrower. These charges may include loan fees, postage or copying charges. Royalty fees instituted by periodical publishers may also apply to requests that do not comply with the Federal Copyright Law. Patrons are notified about any charges that may be incurred, and must give their approval before items will be ordered.

How does the Federal Copyright Law affect Interlibrary Loan?
Provisions of this law allow libraries to request material from magazines and journals within what it defines to be “fair use.” These provisions allow patrons to request one article per issue of a periodical at a time. A request of a second article appearing the same issue of a magazine or journal would be subject to a royalty charge set by the publishers. The law also allows the library as a whole to request five articles, newer than five-years-old, per journal without paying royalty fees. Any article requested by the library beyond the fifth is subjected to this same royalty fee. Patrons are notified about any charges that may be incurred, and must give their approval before items will be ordered.

For additional assistance, please visit the Library or call Kim Jones at (605) 642-6357.

Submit an Interlibrary Loan Request