Frequently Asked Questions about Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

What is interlibrary loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service that allows VMI faculty, staff and cadets to borrow books, chapters, articles and other materials that are not available at Preston Library.

Who is eligible for ILL services?

All VMI faculty, staff, cadets and emeritus faculty

How much does ILL cost?

Preston Library absorbs the fees charged for providing ILL services so there is no cost to the user. Any expenses incurred for overdue fees, damage fees and replacement of lost items are the responsibility of the user.

What types of materials may be requested?

Any material type (books, book chapters, articles, videos, DVD, etc.) may be requested. If you can provide citation information, we will try to locate and borrow it.

Can I borrow my textbooks through interlibrary loan?

We do not recommend requesting textbooks through interlibrary loan. Because most libraries do not own or lend current editions of textbooks, it is unlikely that a textbook request will be filled. If we are able to borrow a textbook, you will not be able to keep it for the entire semester since most lending libraries loan items for 4-8 weeks. If you are able to use an earlier edition of a textbook, we may be able to borrow it but it is unlikely that you will be able to keep it for the semester.

What types of materials are difficult to borrow?

• Textbooks
• Entire volumes or issues of journals
• Books published very recently, especially current fiction and best sellers
• Popular DVDs
• Archival materials

How long does it take to receive requested items?

• Articles and electronic materials usually arrive within 1-3 days
• Books and physical items usually arrive within 2-7 days depending on the location of the supplying library and type of material.
• Requests for popular and rare items may take much longer to obtain.

How long may I keep the material?

Loan periods are established by the lending library but generally range from 4-8 weeks.

I can see all of my older requests when I look at my request history, but I can't access the documents?

Our policy is to preserve request history, but delete electronic documents 30 days after delivery.

May materials be renewed?

Renewals are allowed at the discretion of the lending library. The interlibrary loan strap that is placed on the borrowed item will indicate whether the lending library will allow renewals. If renewals are allowed, you may renew an item using one of the following methods:

• Reply to the due date reminder email that is sent two days before your due date and ask for a renewal. We will email you with the lender's response as soon as it is received.
• Log into your interlibrary loan account at https://illiad.vmi.edu and select Checked Out Items on the left navigation bar. Click on the transaction number of the item you wish to renew and select the "Renew Request" button.

Where do I pick up and return materials?

You will be notified by email when your request arrives. Articles, book chapters, and electronic items will be delivered to your ILL account and do not need to be returned. Books and physical materials will be held for you at the Service Desk and will need to be returned to the Service Desk or placed in the book drop.

Are there any copyright restrictions?

The copyright law of the United States Title 17, United States Code governs making 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 the specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction 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. Preston Library reserves the right to refuse a copy request if, in its judgment, fulfilling the request would violate copyright law.

Electronic documents are deleted 30 days after delivery.

Who do I contact if I have any questions or problems?

The interlibrary loan office is located in Preston Library and is open from 0800-1630, Monday-Friday. If you have any questions, or if you need assistance, please feel free to stop by the Service Desk, call us at 540-464-7129, or email us at ILLiad@vmi.edu.