What Is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary loan is a service that allows us to borrow books and receive photocopies of periodical articles that are not available at Rolfing but can be obtained from other libraries.
The Rolfing Library connects to thousands of libraries in the United States and throughout the world by using the OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) database. This database provides access to over 40 million items and is our primary source of information for Interlibrary Loan.
What materials can I order?
| Books | Yes | Make an electronic request from WorldCat in FirstSearch or fill out the Web Book Request. |
| Reference Books | No | If you need an essay from a Reference books we may be able to get a photocopy of the essay. |
| Articles | Yes | Make an electronic request from FirstSearch or EbscoHost databases or fill out the Web Journal Request. |
| Journal Issues/Volumes | No | You can only request articles from journals. |
| Theses/Dissertations | Yes | Policies vary: some are not available and some may charge fee. Foreign Dissertations are generally not available, except for Dissertations from the U.K. which cost about $27 to borrow a microfilm copy. These are treated as a book request. |
| Audio/Video | No | Sorry, libraries do not lend these items through ILL so we cannot order them. |
| Pre-20th Century items | No | It's possible, but very rare that we can get them. Do not expect them! |
| Unbound pamphlets or other materials | No | You can place an order for these items but it is unlikely that will will get the item. |
Who Can Order Interlibrary Loan Items?
- Current Students including students in the Reach Program
- Any Trinity employee
- Alumni and Visitors are NOT eligible to use the Interlibrary Loan Services. Please contact your local public library for assistance.
How Long Does It Take?
You can usually expect your Interlibrary Loan request to take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive. Articles usually get here quicker than books because many libraries use electronic delivery.
How Much Does It Cost?
Books: We are usually able to borrow books from libraries that do not charge so there is no cost to you. However, if the book you want in available only from a library that charges, then you will be responsible to pay the necessary borrowing fee. When that happens, we will consult you before we proceed with the request.
Charges will appear on your library patron account and payment will be expected when you pick up the book at the library Circulation desk.
Articles: There is a $1.00 charge per article that will appear on your library patron account.
Can I interlibrary loan books owned by Trinity?
If you need a book that is lost, missing or checked out from our collection, you can submit an Interlibrary Loan request.
Who Do I Contact With Questions?
Janelle Sander is the Interlibrary Loan Supervisor. You can reach her by phone at x4020, by email at ill2@tiu.edu or by asking for her at the front desk in the library. If she is not available, you may also direct questions to the library Reference staff.
