How long does it take to get something on inter-library loan?
Items can arrive within three days and most items available from a Canadian library arrive within two weeks. International requests can take longer to obtain.
Generally, you will not be charged for book loans or for copies of journal articles obtained through inter-library loan. You may be required to pay for the purchase of some documents on a cost-recovery basis. However, you will always be notified in advance of any charges that may apply.
How will I know when my requested material has arrived?
Materials on loan are available for pickup from the Circulation Desk in the library you specified when submitting your request. You will be notified by e-mail when the material is available.
Copies of articles or book sections will be, for the most part, delivered via an email link sent to the requester.
Where do I return books I borrowed through inter-library loan?
These should be returned, with the book bands still affixed to them, to the Circulation Desk at your home institution.
Can I borrow books signed out in our library?
Inter-library Loan will not accept requests for materials available at a TUG library. Books can be requested through the ‘Requests' option in Primo.
Can I request patents through inter-library loan?
Yes. Patents are only available as photocopies and Inter-library Loan does not absorb the costs for patents. When requesting, please specify the maximum you are willing to pay and whether you will be paying by account or personal charge. The following information is needed about the patent you want: (1) country in which the patent is registered, (2) patent number, (3) author/patent holder, and (4) title of the patent.
How do I borrow theses from other universities?
You can borrow doctoral/masters theses through inter-library loan if a circulating copy is available.
How do I get copies of standards that I need?
Industry standards are not usually available through normal interlibrary loan channels. They must be purchased from the organization that issues the standard or from a commercial document supplier that specializes in acquiring standards. When requesting standards specify the maximum you are willing to pay and whether you will be paying by account or personal charge.
You can obtain technical standards through ILL/DD subject to the following conditions:
Can I request audio visual materials through inter-library loan?
Audio visual materials cannot be borrowed through inter-library loan. For this type of material contact Intructional Technologies and Multimedia Services (ITMS).
Can I borrow maps and aerial photographs through inter-library loan?
The UW Interlibrary Loan Office does not handle such loans, although there is lending service between OCUL map libraries.
The UW contact is:
Eva Dodsworth
Geospatial Centre
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 3G1
(519) 888-4567 ext 36931 (Map Librarian)
www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/geo
Are there fees assessed on overdue interlibrary loans?
Yes, overdue interlibrary loans are assessed at the rate of $1 per day.
Can I borrow electronic books?
Borrowing of electronic books is currently not possible through interlibrary loans. However, we will attempt to get a print copy for you.
University of Waterloo Library
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
519 888 4883
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