Questions and Answers about Interlibrary Loan
What are Interlibrary Loans?
Interlibrary loans (commonly referred to as "ILL's") are transactions by which materials not owned by Colorado Tech are obtained from other sources; some from other libraries, and some electronically.
When is it appropriate to borrow materials by means of Interlibrary Loan?
If the resources needed for a substantial research project (such as an Independent Study or a major term paper) are not available in the CTU Library collection, ILL may be appropriate. Both faculty and students are expected to make a thorough check of our own book and periodical holdings before requesting an item on interlibrary loan. ILL is not to be used as a substitute for purchase of frequently needed books or periodicals which ought to be added to our collection, but rather serves as a supplement to meet special needs. ILL books cannot be placed on Reserve.
What kinds of library materials can be borrowed on Interlibrary Loan?
The CTU Library attempts to borrow almost any item that is requested, although frequently we have difficulty borrowing the following:
- Reference books
- Rare books or manuscripts
- Microfilm/microfiche
- Books published within the last year (which may be in high demand at the lending library)
- Videocassettes
What about copyright restrictions on Interlibrary Loan?
Copyright restrictions on ILL have their basis in the concept of "Fair Use." There are different guidelines to what constitutes fair use of monographs and of periodicals. For monographs, one-time borrowing does not usually violate fair use. However, frequent borrowing of a needed book is a violation of fair use and should serve as an indication that the book needs to be purchased for the library. For periodicals, we are able to request up to five articles published within the last five years (one article PER issue) from a single periodical title without violating fair use. The CTU Library keeps statistics on ILL use, and may find it necessary to refuse an ILL request due to possible copyright violations. If you have any questions regarding this, please see our Librarian.
How long does it take for materials to arrive on Interlibrary Loan?
On average, an item is processed and received within 6-14 working days (not including weekends or holidays). Difficult items to verify or locate may take longer. You can help us speed up the process by providing as much citation information about your item as possible, so please ask our Librarian if you need help completing your request!
When / Where will the item be due?
Please return books to the Colorado Tech Library desk. Photocopies of periodical articles are yours to keep.
Each lending library sets its own due dates. The paperwork provided with the item will note the patron's name and the due date. Please return all paperwork with the item!
Can I renew ILL materials?
Renewals are granted at the discretion of the lending library and are not guaranteed. The length of a renewal is also set by the lending library.
Renewals should be requested at least 2-3 days in advance of the due date. You may request a renewal:
No renewal requests will be accepted after the due date has passed.
You will be notified by EMAIL regarding the status of your renewal.
You will be assigned an extension period while we process your renewal request. You may use your materials while your request is pending. If your request is denied, or no answer received from the lending library, your material will be due on the last day of your extension period. If your request is approved, you will be provided with a new due date.
Are there any charges / fines?
Interlibrary Loan service is provided free of charge to all Colorado Tech students, faculty and staff if you have not been otherwise advised.
Failure to return materials on time jeopardizes our ability to provide this service, therefore overdue ILL materials may result in a loss of your borrowing privileges.
How do I make a request?
Email the library. Include your name, student ID number and how you would prefer to be notified (phone, email, etc.) when your material has arrived. Also note the full bibliographic
information relating to the item(s) you need.
Typically this will be:
- For books: author, title (ISBN if available), publisher, date & place of publication. You may also include a specific chapter or range of pages needed.
- For articles: author of article, title of article, publisher, title of periodical (ISSN if available), date of issue, volume & number of issue, and pages needed.
You will be notified when your request is processed.
Pick up photocopied materials or charge out books obtained by ILL when notified of their arrival in the CTU Library. ILL materials will be held behind the desk until picked up. As the borrower, you are financially responsible for any loss or damage to ILL materials while they are in your possession. Be sure to note the date on which materials are due and return them on time. ILL materials should be returned directly to the staff person on duty at the CTU Library desk. ILL materials are not considered to be returned until they are in the hands of a library staff member. Please do not leave your materials at the desk or in the bookdrop!.
What if I have other questions?
If you have any questions about finding, requesting, or using your ILL material, or about the Interlibrary Loan process, please contact the Library