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
- Dissertations and audio-visual materials may or may not be available for borrowing
What cannot be borrowed through ILL?
- Archives/Special Collections items
- Entire issues of journals
- Books owned by VWC but checked out are not eligible for ILL; please request a hold be placed on the item
Please note the following copyright restrictions:
- During a single calendar year, a maximum of five articles published within the past five years from any single journal may be requested. This guideline is generally known as "The Rule of Five."
- During any calendar year, an individual patron may request only one article per issue from any single journal. This guideline is generally known as "The Rule of Two."
These guidelines are based on section 108 of the Copyright Law of the United States of America.
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?
You will not be charged for loans or photocopies obtained through ILL. However, we reserve the right to assess a $15 late fee. Additionally, 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 10 requests for students. 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 available for pickup at the ILL office. 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 - 6 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:
- Where you discovered the resource
- First and last name of requestor
- VWC e-mail address
- Requestor's year (junior, senior, etc.)
- Department/major and course (title or number)
- 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