What is interlibrary loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary loan, often referred to as ILL, is a service that allows one library to borrow materials that are owned by another library. It is intended to provide materials for scholarly research and to supplement classroom learning.

What's the difference between I-Share and WorldCat / Interlibrary Loan?

I-Share is a group of academic libraries in the state of Illinois, of which IIT is a member. All members of I-Share use the same online catalog system, so requesting materials from I-Share is fast and direct. You can place your request in the I-Share online catalog without assistance from library staff.

Materials requested through WorldCat (a national system of more than 8000 libraries), or interlibrary loan, are processed through MyILL.

How should I submit my interlibrary loan requests?

Remember to always start your search for books or other circulating items in the IIT Library Catalog or the I-Share catalog. Titles not found there can be searched and requested using WorldCat. Use the Finding Books in WorldCat guide for assistance.

Looking for journal articles? Galvin Library may already have access to the journal you need, either in print or online. Before submitting an ILL request, search for journal articles using Article Finder to see if Galvin Library has access to the journal you want. Your ILL request will be denied if you are able to access the journal article electronically or in print through Galvin Library.

Who can use interlibrary loan? Are there charges for interlibrary loan?

Interlibrary loan services are available free to faculty, students, and staff of the Illinois Institute of Technology. IIT alumni, with their annual subscription, also have access to interlibrary loan services. There are no charges for items returned on time and in good condition. However, there are charges applied for overdue or damaged items. Damage includes highlighting, writing, food/beverage stains, torn pages or broken spines. Read more in Galvin Library’s Interlibrary Loan Policy.

What can I request through interlibrary loan?

You may request most materials, except textbooks. Textbooks cannot be borrowed through interlibrary loan. Please keep in mind that while you may request materials, some items are difficult to obtain. This includes, but is not limited to: software, audio/visual materials, books published prior to 1900, dissertations, maps, reference books, standardized tests and manuals.

How long will it take to receive my interlibrary loan materials?

Books requested through interlibrary loan can take 5-14 days to arrive, depending on availability and delivery methods. Articles requested through ILL can arrive in 3-10 days, depending on whether the file is received in an electronic format or photocopied and mailed.

How will I know if my interlibrary loan items have arrived?

You will receive an email when the items are available for pickup. You can also track the status of an item using MyILL. If you have not already created an account in MyILL, click here.

How long may I keep interlibrary loan materials?

Interlibrary loan items circulate according to the policy of the owning library. Most loan periods are 3 weeks, and at the discretion of the owning library, may be renewed one time. Interlibrary loan materials are rarely circulated for an entire semester.

Where should I return interlibrary loan items?

All interlibrary loan items should be returned to the Galvin Library Circulation Desk.

How can I renew items or check due dates?

To check the status of interlibrary loan requests, log into MyILL and click on the “Items Checked Out” option from the Main Menu. If you have not already created an account in MyILL, click here. Remember to also check My Account in I-Share when monitoring due dates of IIT or I-Share items.

I have borrowed an interlibrary loan item and I am getting emails asking me to return the item. I still need it, what should I do?

The owning library can recall an item at any time. When you receive an email notifying you of a recall, the notification email will have a specific date that you can return the item by without penalty. If you do not return the item promptly, you can be subject to replacement and processing fees determined by the lending institution, your library borrowing privileges will be blocked, and in some cases a hold will be placed on your IIT Student account. A hold placed against your account will prevent registration and can prevent the release of your diploma or transcripts. Return the item promptly upon recall and place a new ILL request. For more information, please refer to Galvin Library's Interlibrary Loan Policy.

What is MyILL?

MyILL is an online interface that allows you to access information about your Interlibrary Loan requests. You are able to review your current requests, view request history, retrieve the documents you have requested, see what books you have checked out through Interlibrary Loan, and more.

Why do I need a username and password to use MyILL?

Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.

Your username is the same as your IIT email account. Do not include "@iit.edu". If you don't know your email username, you can look it up here. Your password is the same as your IIT email account password. If you don't know your email password, you should contact the OTS Support Desk.

What if I forgot my password?

Click on the “Forgot your Password?” link on the MyILL login page.

Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?

Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your interlibrary loan requests, you can take the following steps:

• Access MyILL only from your personal computer or an otherwise secure workstation.
• Access MyILL from a public workstation in the Interlibrary Loan office in the library. These computers are supervised by the library staff.
• When using a public access workstation:
  1. Delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
  2. Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.

Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?

From time to time we purge older records from MyILL. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about MyILL?

The Reference Desk can help you if you are unable to create an account. Stop by the reference desk on the upper level of Galvin Library, or go to the Ask a Librarian page. If you have a question about a request you have already placed, or a problem with your account, contact the ILL department directly at 312.567.6846 or iitmyillms@iit.edu.

Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use MyILL without any problems.