MUSSELMAN LIBRARY INTERLIBRARY LOAN (ILL)
The Interlibrary Loan department of the Musselman Library seeks to provide library patrons with the resources they need when our own library holdings and services from OhioLINK and other electronic sources are insufficient. This includes the borrowing of books, photocopies of periodical articles, ERIC documents (print, photocopied, and microform), theses and dissertations, and other resources. Requests may be made using our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions from our patrons:
What's the difference between ILL and OhioLINK/OPAL?
Who may use ILL?
How long does it take?
How will the item be delivered, and how will I be notified?
How much does it cost?
How long can I keep the item?
May I renew the item?
Will I be charged overdue fines?
Do I need to be concerned about copyright?
I have more questions. Whom can I contact?
What's the difference between ILL and OhioLINK/OPAL?
We are part of a consortium between all the libraries that make up OhioLINK and OPAL. These are libraries in Ohio that have agreed to loan their books at no cost to other libraries in Ohio that are also a part of OhioLINK. When you get books through OhioLINK, you can count on having it for three weeks, and you also have the option of renewing the book up to four times if you like.
On the other hand, interlibrary loan is a resource you use when you can't find what you are looking for through OhioLINK. We borrow from libraries all over the nation and the world. Each library has its own policies as far as how long and what they will lend, and how much it costs. This is why books borrowed through ILL will not necessarily be available for as long as books borrowed through OhioLINK.
Who may use ILL?
Bluffton University students, faculty and staff have full privileges to interlibrary loan. Distance learners are also entitled to full interlibrary loan privileges.
How long does it take?
Articles: An average wait is about one week for articles; however, it could take up to three weeks for articles that are difficult to locate or that are delivered by postal mail.
Books and other media: Books will take about two weeks to get here. These are all delivered to the library by mail, and so will typically take longer than articles to arrive.
If we anticipate a wait longer than three weeks, the ILL contact will be in touch with you.
How will the item be delivered, and how will I be notified?
Articles: Usually the article will be delivered by email, so be sure to include your email address on your requests. Sometimes the article will be delivered by campus mail.
Books and other media: These will be placed on hold behind the Circulation Desk. You will be notified by email when it is ready for you to pick up.
The ILL office will do its best to accommodate special arrangements for material delivery; patrons needing special arrangements may note this on the electronic request for or contact the ILL office at 419-358-3365.
How much does it cost?
Usually it will cost nothing. Occasionally, there may be charges for lending and/or copyright, but Musselman Library will pay for up to $15.00 for each interlibrary loan request. If the cost is above this amount, we will contact you to verify that you are willing to pay the difference before we request the item.
How long can I keep the item?
Each library from which we borrow has their own policies and procedures they must follow. This means some libraries may only allow one week, while other libraries will allow three weeks. The due date is set from the time the lending library sends the book out—NOT from the time you check it out. Articles do not need to be returned.
May I renew the item?
Some libraries allow renewals, while others do not. If you need a renewal, please notify your ILL contact at least three days in advance of the due date, and we will request another renewal. Remember, however, this is only a request—while most libraries allow renewals, some will not.
Will I be charged overdue fines?
If your book is overdue, you will be charged overdue fines of .50 cents a day, beginning the day after the due date period printed on the bookband. There is no grace period on interlibrary loan books.
Do I need to be concerned about copyright?
The interlibrary loan department will keep track of copyright needs for you. In brief, the ILL department follows these procedures to ensure copyright compliance:
- No more than one request for an article photocopy may be made per person from any one issue of a periodical.
- A total of no more than five requests may be made from the issues published within the past five years from any one periodical title.
Anything that exceeds these guidelines will need copyright. If there are copyright charges that exceed the $15.00 allowed for each request, the ILL department will contact you before proceeding with your request.
I have more questions. Whom can I contact?
One of our Reference librarians would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Call 419-358-3450 or email referencedesk@bluffton.edu to speak to a librarian.
