Library Resources at Marian University

Interlibrary Loan

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.

Eligibility

Interlibrary loan service is available to current Marian University faculty, staff and students. All others may submit requests through their local public libraries.

Before you submit a request:

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.

• Search the online library catalog for book and journal titles.
• Search the e-journals A-Z  portal for journals available in electronic format.
• Search for articles in an appropriate subject database.

Time Required

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.

Loan Periods

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. 

Items available to borrow from other libraries

• Physical books

• Physical media

• Electronic or print copies of articles

• Electronic or print sections/chapters from books
   

Items unavailable to borrow from other libraries

• 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.

• In order to maintain good resource sharing relationships with other institutions, due dates must be honored. Late return of library materials endangers our resource sharing relationship with other libraries.
• All users are subject to the lending library's policies, fines, and replacement costs for lost or damaged interlibrary loan materials. 
• Entire journals are not available for borrowing. Tables of content and articles may be requested instead.
• Abuse of interlibrary loan policies (i.e. repeated late return) will result in the suspension of interlibrary loan privileges. Replacement fees charged to the library for unreturned items will be passed along to the user.

Interlibrary Loan tips

• Include all bibliographic information in your request.
• Do not use abbreviations, when full titles are available.
• Request renewals at least three days before the due date.
• Return interlibrary loan materials to the Circulation Desk.  Do not use the book drops.

Consult or email the Interlibrary Loan Librarian at 317-955-6264 for inquiries about your requests.