Interlibrary Loan FAQ

Who may use UWA interlibrary loan services?
Currently enrolled UWA students, faculty, and staff may request materials through our ILL services.

How do I make an ILL request?
Before making ILL requests check the Library and make sure the material is not available either on our shelves or in electronic format through a database. If material is missing or checked out please indicate this on your ILL request.

Requests can be made at the Library circulation desk. Request are available during all building hours. Print clearly all the requested information on the ILL form. 

Requests for books will need an author name and full title. Other information, such as the publisher and date of publication, can eliminate processing delays. 

Requests for articles require an author name, journal title, title of article, page numbers, volume, issue, and date of the periodical.

Please include the most information possible in your requests.

Do I have to pay for ILL materials?
Through reciprocal and resource sharing agreements, there is no charge for books or photocopies requested from member institutions of the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL), or other institutions with which we hold reciprocal agreements. If the material you request can not be obtained through a reciprocal lender, there may be a charge.

Charges for books and photocopies are usually at least $10.00. Borrowers are responsible for all charges by the lending library, regardless of when the item becomes available, even if the item is not picked up from the Library. If you do not want to pay for an item, please enter -0- in the appropriate space on the request form.

When will the materials arrive?
LL materials take an average of five days, if they are processed by our reciprocal Alabama lenders. When materials must come from out of state the process is longer and may take up to a month. Please speak with the ILL department if you need materials quickly. We can not guarantee dates of arrival, therefore it is prudent to place your request early.

Receiving and returning ILL materials
Students are responsible for checking for arrival of ILL materials. Photocopies are mailed to campus addresses for faculty and staff only. ILL photocopies may be kept by the patron. Books must be returned by the date indicated on the yellow band.

Can ILL materials be renewed?
Renewals are granted by the lending institution. Requests for renewals must be made at least three days prior to the due date.  

Renewal requests are only accepted via the ILL Online Renewal Request Form on the Library web site.  Please see the Interlibrary Loan Renewal Policyfor more information.

Are there fines for ILL materials? 
ILL borrowers have a seven day grace period to return ILL material. After the seventh day a fine of $1.00 per day for EVERY day past the due date will be assessed.