What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service by which the library borrows materials from other libraries on behalf of VWC students, faculty and staff.
What can be borrowed through ILL?
- Most books and journal articles
- Entire issues of journals may or may not be available for borrowing
- Dissertations and audio-visual materials may or may not be available for borrowing
- Archives/Special Collections items cannot be borrowed through interlibrary loan
Who can use ILL?
Current VWC students, faculty, and staff. ILL is especially valuable for students enrolled in upper level courses.
What does ILL cost?
There are no charges for ILL. However, overdue books will accrue a fine of $1.00 per book per day and VWC patrons that lose an ILL book will be charged replacement costs PLUS an additional $25.00 processing fee. For more information, see Interlibrary Loan Overdue/Replacement Policy.
How many books or journal articles can I get?
You may request as many items per semester as you need to complete your research. There is a weekly limit of 20 requests. If you need to make additional requests, please contact ILL Supervisor, Arianne Avery x3254.
How long does ILL take?
Allow approximately one week for receipt of articles and two weeks for receipt of books.
How do I pick up ILL materials?
- You will be notified by campus e-mail when books are available for you to pick up. Books are held at the Library's Information Desk. Books not picked up will be returned to the lending library on the due date and cannot be requested again until the following semester.
- Journal articles are sent as e-mail attachments to your VWC e-mail account. Adobe Acrobat software must be installed on your computer in order view ILL documents; contact Computer Services for assistance or contact their Help Desk for assistance at x3111.
How long do I get to keep ILL materials?
- Due dates are set by the lending library and range from 2 - 8 weeks
- Renewal requests must be made at least 4 days before the due date (renewals may or may not be granted by the lending library)
- Journal articles are yours to keep; it is not necessary to return them
How do I make an ILL request?
E-mail your request to illrequest@vwc.edu or give your printed request to library staff. ILL requests must include:
- First and last name of requestor
- VWC e-mail address
- Requestor's year (junior, senior, etc.)
- Department or major
- Complete, accurate citation
Other information about ILL?
- Interlibrary Loan Overdue/Replacement Policy
- ILL assistance is available at 455.3254
- VWC follows VIVA Interlibrary Loan Guidelines
- VWC complies with copyright guidelines
- View the library's privacy statement & guidelines