Interlibrary Loan | University of Houston Downtown Library

What is Interlibrary Loan?

The UHD Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) researches publications that are not owned by UHD and then borrows those publications from other libraries in our nation-wide network.
UHD students at UHS Cinco Ranch and the University Center may also use Interlibrary Loan to get materials delivered to them from UHD library collections.
The interlibrary loan service is designed to supplement the library’s collection and provide users with options for obtaining research materials from a broad spectrum of disciplines.

Who May Use Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is available to current UHD faculty, staff, and students.
UHD faculty, staff, and students who have overdue ILL material are not eligible for the service until all material is returned.
Material borrowed on your behalf through Interlibrary Loan is for your use and cannot be passed on to another person or used in a service such as course reserves.

How Do I Submit a Request?

Submit requests electronically using the online forms located on the top of this page, or use the printed ILL request forms which are available at library help desks.
There is no limit placed on the number of requests a patron may submit; however, during peak periods, only 5 requests per individual will be processed per day.
Requests received by 8 a.m. will be researched the same day.
It takes approximately 1-2 weeks for materials to arrive; articles often arrive sooner – sometimes in 4-5 days. Some items may take longer. We are unable to predict actual turnaround time in advance, since there is not a way to determine which library will actually supply the required item.
Please check the Library Catalog to be sure we do not own the book needed. Please check Find Articles and Journals to be sure we do not have access to the journal which contains the article needed. Requests for items available in the UHD library will not be filled through interlibrary loan.

How Long Will It Take?

We are unable to predict actual turnaround time in advance, since there is not a way to determine which library will actually supply the required item. Five potential lenders are chosen with each lender researching or considering the request before filling or passing it to the next lender. Factors that affect turnaround time include: length of time required to find a willing or available lender and the method of delivery chosen by the lender.
In general, it takes approximately 1-2 weeks for materials to arrive; articles often arrive sooner – sometimes in 4-5 days. Some items may take longer.
If you need an item by a specific deadline, please indicate the date after which material cannot be used. If we are unable to fill your request by the need-by date, your request will be cancelled and you will be notified.

How Much Does It Cost?

The UHD library pays the cost of researching, ordering and delivering interlibrary loan materials.
To keep the service free for its patrons, ILL first researches free lenders (lending libraries who do not charge a fee).
Not all lending libraries offer free loans. UHD Interlibrary Loan staff will research all free lenders until your request is filled. If a free lender is not available, our staff will present you with options.

What May Be Borrowed?

Anything not owned by the UHD Library may be borrowed if it is owned by another library that will agree to lend it.
Anything owned by the UHD Library that has a status of Missing, At bindery, or Due.

Materials Usually Not Available through Interlibrary Loan

Lending institutions often have restrictions on what they will loan.As a result, the following materials may be difficult to obtain:

Textbooks
Expensive, rare or archival items.
Newly published books or journals.
Non-circulating items such as reference books, bound periodicals, entire issues of periodicals, CD-ROMS, and books that are accompanied by electronic media.
Videos, CDs and DVDs
Theses or dissertations (PhD, MS, MA, BS, BA).

Loan Periods and Renewals

All loan periods are determined by the lending library, not UHD.
Due dates are determined from the date we receive the material from the lending library, not from the date you pick up the materials. If you do not pick up materials as soon as you receive your notice, you will have a shorter loan period.
Most lending libraries offer loan periods between 2 and 4 weeks.
Some lending libraries will grant one renewal period of 2 weeks.
To renew your materials contact the Interlibrary Loan office at least 3 days before the due date.
Requests for renewals after the due date will not be considered. If you still need the item, we ask you to fill out another ILL request form and we will attempt to obtain a copy from another library.
At the request of the lending library, some materials may be designated "In library use only." These materials will be obtained for you and delivered to UHD but cannot leave our library. You are welcome to use these materials in the library until their due date.
Photocopies of journal articles are yours to keep, unless otherwise specified.

Pick-Up, Use & Return of Borrowed Materials

All patrons will be notified by email when their materials arrive.
It is the responsibility of the patron to pick up books in the Interlibrary Loan office. It is necessary to sign for books. Journal articles become the property of the patron and do not need to be returned.
You may not pick up materials on behalf of another person without that person's written consent.
If you agreed to borrow from a fee-based lender you must pay for your materials upon pick-up. ILL staff will provide you with payment instructions.
Return all materials (except articles) to the Interlibrary Loan office or the Library Information Desk.
DO NOT return to a campus book drop. We are not responsible for items returned to campus book drops.
Books borrowed through ILL are the patron's responsibility and if not returned, replacement costs will be charged by the lender.
Material borrowed through Interlibrary Borrowing CANNOT be placed on reserve.

Penalties & Fines for Overdue, Lost, or Damaged Materials

Interlibrary Loan does not assess daily fines for overdue materials, but prompt return of materials ensures continued interlibrary loan privileges from other libraries.
Overdue Material: ILL will automatically block requesters from placing further requests when borrowed material is seven days overdue.
If material is 14 days or more overdue your library account will be blocked and you will be unable to check out material or use Reserves.
If you continue to have interlibrary loan material out and/or if you have been in this status more than once, the library may take further steps, including the suspension of your interlibrary loan privileges for an extended period of time.
Lost or Damaged Material: Charges are determined by the lending institution. Material that is not returned by the due date is considered by the lending library to be lost. You will be invoiced for a replacement copy and you may be billed a processing fee by the lending library.

Borrowing from Other Libraries

UHD faculty, students, and staff can borrow materials in-person at participating universities and public libraries in Texas.
For more information, please see our Borrowing Materials guide.

Copyright Compliance

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposed in excess of "fair use" that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve a violation of copyright law.

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