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Interlibrary Loan: Home

Using Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

When the Blume Library cannot supply an item, it may be available through an Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Students, faculty, and staff may request to borrow items (i.e., books, journal articles, government documents) if the Blume Library does not already own them. Students, faculty, and staff of the Law School must contact the Law Library for Interlibrary Loan services. 

Search WorldCat to find books at other libraries. 

For ebooks, take a look at the Blume Library's eBooks or search the Open Library.

Before making a request for a journal article, check Journals List for a list of online journals. 

Limitations:

  1. ILL services are restricted to currently enrolled St. Mary's students, faculty, and staff.
  2. Interlibrary loan requests for items that we already own will not be filled. Note: We will request print books if we own only the eBook.
  3. You are responsible for any charges incurred for an ILL request.
  4. Law school students and faculty must file ILL requests with the Law Library.

Procedure:

  1. Verify that we do not already own the item being requested by checking Journals List (journals, magazines, and newspapers) or the Library Catalog (books).
  2. Submit request using the appropriate request form for articles or books.
  3. Allow at least 10 days for the item to arrive. Books often take longer. You will receive an email when your item arrives.
  4. Arrival
    • Articles: You will receive articles by email.
    • Books: You will retrieve books from the Circulation Counter. You will return books to Circulation by the date stamped on them.

Copyright Restrictions

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Libraries are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction under certain conditions. One of these conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." The user is liable for copyright infringement if the reproduction is later used in violation of the "fair use" provision of the law.

The library reserves the right to refuse to accept an interlibrary request if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

Pay ILL Charges

Charges relating to Interlibrary Loan (ILL) can be paid at the Blume Library Circulation Counter during regular library hours.

Or, you may pay online with a credit card.