Interlibrary Loan: Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kinds of items can I request via ILL?

• Books
• Book chapters
• Journal articles
• Audio/visual materials (DVD, Blu-Ray, etc.)
• Microfilm/Microfiche
• Instructional or specialty audio/visual materials
• Music scores
• Dissertations

 

 How much does it cost to request an ILL?

• There is no charge to use the ILL service.

 

Where can I submit a request for an ILL?

• You can request materials directly from your library account.
• You can also find the materials you need via the library catalog by finding the book/article record and then clicking the blue button that says "Interlibrary loan/Faculty Delivery."

 

 How long do materials take to arrive?

• Arrival times vary depending on the lending institutions. Articles take 1-3 days to arrive and books take anywhere from 1-3 weeks to arrive.

 

 I need my ILL materials in a hurry. What do I do?

• If you need materials in a hurry, try checking the library catalog, JournalFinder or Google Scholar (HPU-specific link) on the library homepage. You can also see if one of the TALA schools have what you need. To view a list of the TALA schools, click here.

 

 Is it possible to track my request?

• Once you submit the ILL request, you will not be able to track it like you would a package from Amazon, Ebay, etc. You will receive an email when your materials have arrived so keep an eye on your HPU email. If you still have questions, contact ill@highpoint.edu.

 

 Where do I pick up my ILL materials?

• It depends on the kinds of materials you have requested. Articles will be emailed to you directly and books can be picked up at the library circulation desk or delivered to you directly (faculty only).

 

 How do I know when my requested materials are ready to be picked up?

• You will receive an email in your HPU email when your materials are ready for pickup.

 

 How many ILL requests can I make at one time?

• There is no limit to the amount of ILL materials you can request at one time.

 

 I found what I needed elsewhere and need to cancel my ILL request. How can I do that?

• No problem. You can cancel your ILL request via your library account. Simply choose the request you would like to cancel and hit "Cancel Request" near the top of the page.

 

How long can I keep my ILLs?

• This will be determined by the lending library. You will receive the due date of your materials upon receiving them from circulation.

 

Can I renew ILL materials?

• That depends on the lending institution's policies. Some institutions may allow it and others may not.

 

 How do I renew my ILLs?

• Renewals can be requested directly from your HPU library account. Renewals can be requested 7 days prior to their due date, not counting the due date.

 

 My ILLs are overdue but I still need them. What do I do?

• If your ILLs are overdue and you need to renew them, please email ill@highpoint.edu. If your renewal request is rejected, you will need to create a new ILL request.

 

 I am still having trouble. Who can I contact?

• If you are still having difficulty with ILL related issues, please contact ill@highpoint.edu.