Interlibrary Loan Policies

What can be borrowed?

We can attempt to borrow most items that you may need. However, whole issues of journals are rarely lent. Genealogical materials, dissertations, and videos may be difficult to obtain, as well. Due to copyright restrictions, articles may be borrowed once only. Books and other materials needed more than once will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. We do not borrow textbooks for classes.

GIL Express is a service provided by the libraries of the University System of Georgia. Using this service, patrons can request books from other libraries in the system and have them delivered to their home library. Read more about the service at About GIL Express.

Patrons should check the Universal Catalog (a link is available through the Library's catalog) before they place interlibrary loan requests and request available books through GIL Express. Interlibrary loan will be reserved for books not owned by USG libraries, journal articles, and other items unavailable for loan through GIL Express.

Requestor Responsibilities

Complete and accurate citations will prevent delays in processing. Email is our preferred form of communication, and you will be required to provide an email address when registering in ILLiad.

Turnaround Time & Delivery

The average turnaround time is 8 working days; however, articles often take less time. Please allow us enough time to process your request and receive the item. You will be notified by email when your items arrive. Books are held at the Circulation Desk.

Articles may be held at the Circulation Desk, mailed, or delivered electronically when possible. You can access electronic articles through your ILLiad account. You will need Internet access, Adobe Acrobat reader software or a similar product, and a web browser.

Charges

The Library will absorb most of the charges involved with interlibrary loans. However, lost books, exceptional postage charges, and charges in any academic year exceeding $50 for students and $100 for faculty are billed back to the user. Although we charge a standard $70 replacement charge for most lost items, we reserve the right to pass on any additional charges from the lender.

Returning Loans

Loans should be returned to the Circulation Desk. Please be sure to return the label or bookstrap that was attached to your loan. This will help us identify the item. Articles do not need to be returned. In order for us to maintain our relationship with other interlibrary loan offices, all materials need to be turned in on time.

Renewing Loans

Requests for renewals must be submitted through your ILLiad account on or before the due date on the ILL label. Renewals can be granted by the lending library only. You may keep the book until we hear from the lending library, at which time we will provide you with the new due date or will request that you return the item if the renewal is denied. Although items are checked out to your Voyager (library) account, all renewals must be requested through ILLiad.

Overdue Charges

Items are checked out to your Voyager (library) account at the time of pickup. Items will accrue overdue fines of $1.00 a day beginning the first day after the due date. The maximum fine is $25.00. Items that are declared lost will accrue a $70 replacement charge (we reserve the right to charge more based on the lending library's charges).