Interlibrary loan is a service that allows Marian University Libraries to borrow items from other libraries. The service is offered at no charge to all current MU students, faculty, and staff.
Additionally, requests can be made directly from the library catalog. Follow these instructions to request items from our catalog.
MU Libraries participates in local, state, regional and national resource sharing programs to obtain materials for our users. Interlibrary loan is a library-to-library transaction; therefore all requests must be administered through a library. Requests can be initiated not only on our website and in the catalog, but also in databases such as EBSCO.
Interlibrary loan service is available to current Marian University faculty, staff and students. All others may submit requests through their local public libraries.
Determine whether or not the library already owns the item you need. If we do not, the chances are likely that our catalog will have an additional items (articles typically) that will be closely related to your research topic.
Requests are usually processed within 24 hours of receipt by the interlibrary loan staff. Requests are verified and submitted electronically to a string of potential suppliers. Users must allow a minimum of 10 days after submitting a request to receive material. Often, the item is received in much less time, but this can never be predicted. Peak borrowing periods, staff shortages, and the efficiency of the supplier, may influence the length of time needed.
The loan period for borrowed materials varies and is determined by the lending library. Due dates are clearly marked on each borrowed item. Renewals must be requested before the due date of the current loan. Renewals are not automatically granted by the lender.
Physical books
Physical media
Electronic or print copies of articles
Electronic or print sections/chapters from books
E-books
Streaming audio and video
Material on Reserve in the library
Textbooks and required readings used in classes
Best Practices
The following is a set of expectations and responsibilities when utilizing interlibrary loan at Marian University.
Consult or email the Interlibrary Loan Librarian at 317-955-6264 for inquiries about your requests.
New books (current best-sellers), rare books, reference materials, computer programs, media materials (CDs/DVDs), foreign theses, dissertations and genealogical materials are often difficult to receive via interlibrary loan. Please consult Staff for help identifying items or finding alternatives.
Patrons may request master’s theses and doctoral dissertations through interlibrary loan. However, theses and dissertations indexed within the catalog may be accessed though our access to Proquest's Theses and Dissertations database. Please contact a member of the library staff if you cannot obtain such an item through the methods listed above.