Interlibrary Loan
The Peterson Library’s Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service allows us to supplement our resources by obtaining material from other libraries for you.
As a member of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) consortium, we have borrowing and lending arrangements with thousands of libraries worldwide. The materials you request should be related to University of New Haven coursework or research. We submit your orders and process incoming deliveries the same day we receive them, and we encourage you to take advantage of this convenient service.
ILL request forms are available at the library Information Desk, and online from the library’s web site. You should complete a separate ILL request form for each book or article requested. Bibliographic citations should be as accurate and complete as possible. Incorrect or incomplete information, such as abbreviations or lack of a publication date, will slow down receipt of material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who may use ILL?
All University of New Haven faculty, staff and currently enrolled students may request material through the ILL service. (This includes those students currently enrolled at UNH/SE and other University of New Haven satellite campuses.) Alumni can request ILLs for a $5.00 fee per item to help defray processing costs. Patrons not currently affiliated with the University are not eligible (i.e., high school students, courtesy card owners).
What kinds of materials are available through Interlibrary Loan?
Books, music, government documents, some audiovisual materials, technical reports and some microform materials can be borrowed. Photocopies of non-circulating materials, such as articles from periodicals, can be requested in accordance with copyright laws. Items lost or missing from the University of New Haven Library can also be obtained.
What kinds of materials are NOT available?
In accordance with the National Interlibrary Loan Code, the following materials may not be borrowed from other libraries: books owned by the Peterson Library but temporarily in use and whole issues of periodicals. It is the Peterson Library’s policy not to order course textbooks. We can attempt to procure audiovisual materials and dissertations for patrons, but these requests are sometimes unfilled, as it is often difficult to find libraries willing to lend these materials.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
In an effort to be fair to all patrons, the University of New Haven Library reserves the right to limit the number of requests placed by an individual at one time. We may also refuse to borrow for anyone who is late in returning ILL materials, anyone who abuses the privilege, or anyone who returns ILL material in damaged condition. It is of paramount importance that we maintain excellent relations with our lending libraries, so that we can continue to borrow materials and remain an OCLC member in good standing.
How long do I have to wait for a book or article I have ordered?
Requests for books and AV materials usually take 1-2 weeks to be filled because the items need to be mailed. However, the time it takes to obtain material varies, depending on the nature and location of the materials sought. Requests for articles can be filled faster (often within 2-5 days), since these items can often be faxed or sent electronically. Keep in mind that while we make requests for our patrons the same day we receive them, fulfillment of these requests is dependent on the lending library’s response.
Can I order as many articles as I want from a single journal?
A list of journal titles requested by the University of New Haven Library will be kept by library staff for each calendar year. The “Rule of Five” has to be observed: a library can request no more than five articles from a single title less than five years old during a single calendar year. Once the quota has been reached, no more such requests from that journal can be processed for the rest of the year.
Are there any charges to use ILL?
The Interlibrary Loan Department makes every attempt to deal with lenders who do not charge fees. However, sometimes a patron orders something that is available only at a library that charges fees. When the lending library requires a transaction fee or charges for photocopying, the patron is responsible for these charges. A check made out to the lending library has to be submitted to the University of New Haven’s ILL department before any material can be picked up. (All such fees must be paid at the time of the request. The fee is payable by check or in cash at the Circulation Desk.)
How will I know when my material has arrived?
The ILL Department will notify you by phone or e-mail when the material has arrived. You may state your preference for notification on your ILL request form.
How long can I keep what I borrow?
The loan period for books is decided by the lending library.
Can I renew books?
Please contact the ILL Department four days before the due date if you need to request a renewal. The due date is on the white book strap wrapped around the book’s front cover. If the lending library honors the renewal request, you will be notified of the new due date. If the lending library denies the renewal, you should return the material to us. If you do not return ILL material to the Peterson Library by the due date, your borrowing privileges will be restricted until the material is returned.
Where do I return my ILL material?
Any material borrowed through Interlibrary Loan (except photocopies) must be returned to the Peterson Library’s Circulation Desk.
What happens if I damage or lose Interlibrary Loan material?
You as the borrower are responsible for any damage to or loss of ILL materials that you have checked out. Your ILL borrowing privileges will be restricted by the Peterson Library until you pay the lending library for the loss or damage. The fine will be set by the lending library and you can make your payment through the Peterson Library.
Questions about the ILL service? Phone us at (203) 932-7194 or email us.