| Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service through which materials not owned by a particular RTS campus may be borrowed from other RTS campuses or other library collections by RTS eligible patrons. |
(See also our LibGuide on Open Access Resources.) |
Interlibrary Loan is used to:
Who may use ILL?
All current Faculty, Staff, and Students are eligible for Interlibrary Loan Services. However, persons with blocks due to fines, overdue books and other circumstances may be blocked from Interlibrary Loan services until all library accounts are cleared (if you have questions about your account, check with your campus' library staff).
Who do I contact for books, articles, and other research assistance?
In order to receive library services, you need to contact your campus library. Even if you are taking courses online through Distance Ed. but are not a Global/Distance Ed. student, you must contact your campus library for assistance.
Your campus library is the same as the campus where you processed your admission and will earn your degree.
I am enrolled at an RTS campus, but I am taking all my classes online this semester. Am I considered a Distance Ed. student?
No. You are still a student at the campus where you are enrolled and will earn your degree.
What kinds of materials may I request through ILL?
ILL requests may be submitted for books, photocopies of journal articles, and other materials (subject to approval by the campus librarian). Please realize that rare books, audiovisual, microform, genealogical and Reference materials, and most dissertations are not generally available for loan.
What about copyright laws?
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code), governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research". If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order, if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.
How much does it cost?
RTS Libraries reserve the right to limit the number of ILL requests made by any patron during each semester. If material is available only by purchase, the material must be obtained through normal acquisition procedures.
How do I request materials?
ILL materials are requested by using Loan Request Forms in your campus' Library. Before submitting a request, check the Library's catalog and the appropriate electronic databases to be sure it is not already available on campus. If the material you need is not available in any of these sources, you may request the item(s) using the appropriate form(s).
Is there a limit on how many requests I can order?
Each campus reserves the right to limit the number of request filled for each patron. Check with staff for details.
How long does ILL take and how will I know when materials arrive?
Allow two-four weeks for delivery of materials.
Pickup notices for books are either placed in your campus mailbox or e-mailed to you.
Where do I pick up/return ILL material?
Loan materials may be picked up and returned at the Library Circulation Desk. Photocopies may be mailed to you upon pre-approval of Library staff. You may be charged for postage costs if this is done.
How long can I keep ILL materials?
The loan period for books is set by the lending library and is generally one month. Due dates are written on the book band.
Photocopied articles are yours to keep once paid for.
May I renew ILL materials?
Interlibrary Loan Material normally cannot be renewed. Inquire of your campus' Library staff if you have questions about your loans.
Are there overdue fines?
Fines are levied for overdue interlibrary loan material from other RTS campuses at normal overdue rates for that campus.
Fines are levied for overdue interlibrary loan material from non-RTS libraries at the rate of $1.00 per day for each request, with no maximum fine.
For any questions regarding inter-library loans, please contact you campus library staff.