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NU 602 Library Research Module

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Video Tutorial

In this short video you will learn how to request materials from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan, also known as ILL.

Transcripts

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

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.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Link

On the ILL page, click on the “ILL Account Login” link to access your ILL account.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Account Button

Sign in using your SHU username and password.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Login Page

Click on the “Create Request” button to submit an ILL request.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Create Request Button

On the request form, you can request an Article, Book or Book Chapter. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Create Request Form

Once you have filled out all the necessary fields in the form, click the “Submit Request” button at the bottom of the form.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Submit Request Button

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.
Full Text Finder Request This Item Page

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.
Prepopulated ILL Form

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.
ILL View Profile Page

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!

PDF Transcript

Interlibrary Loan FAQs

You do not need to sign up for your interlibrary loan account. As a student, you will automatically receive a personal account that you can start using whenever you'd like by logging into it on the library website using your SHU username and password.
Yes, all articles that are requested through interlibrary loan are delivered in electronic format. Depending on the library that we receive them from, they will either be deposited and made accessible through your ILL account or emailed directly to you.
On average it takes about 2-3 business days. However, it could easily take less or more time depending on what article you need. Plan accordingly and be sure to start your research early so you won't be troubled by waiting periods.
Articles delivered into your interlibrary loan account will have a time limit of 30 days before they expire and disappear from your account and a limit of 5 downloads. As long as you remember where you have saved one of those downloads, then you will have the article for as long as you need.
Accessibility