Although you can access millions of full-text articles through the library databases, you may occasionally find articles that are only available as abstracts. When this happens, you can request the full-text article through the library's interlibrary loan service.
What is interlibrary loan? Interlibrary loan allows you to request articles, books, and other materials that are not available in our collection. We obtain these materials from other libraries and deliver them to you at no cost.
Watch the short video below to learn how to submit an interlibrary loan request.
For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below the video.
Note: The library website has been updated since this video was recorded. The request process is the same, but the website will look slightly different.
In this short video you will learn how to request materials from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan, also known as ILL.
Although Sacred Heart University Library provides access to many print and electronic materials to the Sacred Heart community, you may come across a book or journal article that we do not have in our collection. Fortunately, the ILL system allows you to request materials from libraries around the world.
To start a request, click on the “Interlibrary Loan (ILL)” link in the “Research Support” dropdown menu on the homepage.
On the ILL page, click on the “ILL Account Login” link to access your ILL account.
Sign in using your SHU username and password.
Click on the “Create Request” button to submit an ILL request.
On the request form, you can request an Article, Book or Book Chapter. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
Once you have filled out all the necessary fields in the form, click the “Submit Request” button at the bottom of the form.
Your request will then go to our ILL staff, who will attempt to locate a library that can provide you with an electronic or physical copy of the item you have requested.
If you are searching the library’s databases and the full-text article is not available, there will be a “Request this Item” link.
Once you click this link and log into your ILL account, the fields will automatically be filled in with the citation information of the article.
In order to stay informed about your ILL requests, check your communication preferences in your ILL account by clicking “View Profile”. Make sure your email address is correct and check the box to receive updates by email. Doublecheck your Junk Email Folder for email notifications from notices@e.worldcat.org.
Please note: if our library already has access to the material requested, the ILL request will be canceled, so be sure to check our resources first. Additionally, be advised that ILL requests can take from three business days to two weeks to be processed and filled, so plan your research accordingly.
For further assistance with ILL or with any other questions, feel free to contact us at the library!
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