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In This Issue

news @ your library

April 14, 2005
Vol. 5, No. 4

Request Articles and Books via RACER (Interlibrary Loan)

Sometimes the important research material that you need is not available from the TriUniversity Group of Libraries (UW, UG, and WLU).

When this happens, the next step is to request your needed material via RACER (Rapid Access to Collections by Electronic Requesting): the Interlibrary Loan service available for UW students, faculty, and staff.

There are two options for placing an interlibrary loan request using RACER:

  1. Search multiple library collections to locate your item, then submit an automatic request form.

  2. Create a request using the book or article's citation/bibliographic information using a blank request form.

Accessing RACER

  1. On the Library's home page under the main navigation menu item called "borrowing," select "From Other Libraries."

  2. Click on the link called "RACER - Interlibrary Loan."

  3. Your RACER access information is as follows:

NOTE: Your WatCard or Staff Card will need to be registered with the UW Library. If you need to register your card, you may do so by visiting a UW Library Circulation Desk or by completing the respective Student or Faculty/Staff online self-registration form.

Using the RACER Standard/Advanced Search and Automatic Request Feature

This option is excellent for locating the item you wish to borrow, finding the item's full citation/bibliographic information, and automatically completing the RACER request form by clicking on the Get It! link.

Note: Items held by the TUG Union Catalogue (TRELLIS), even if in use, cannot be requested from RACER / Interlibrary Loan. Request such items from TRELLIS. In addition, other libraries may not lend Reserve or Reference books.

  1. Use the (default) Standard Search for Title Keyword searching. Select Advanced Search for other search fields (e.g., Author, ISBN, Subject Heading).

  2. Enter your search terms. Do not use periodical title abbreviations for journal titles.

  3. Select which library Searchable Collections you wish to search. Always include TUG or search TRELLIS first. Selecting all Collections will slow down your search. Choose Searchable Collections based on subject coverage, or use a subject Profile (a group of library collections sharing a common subject strength, such as Education or Law).

  4. When the respective Search Results appear, click Details to verify that an item is the one you want to request. (If you find no matches, try selecting different Searchable Collections or select the manual Create Request form.)

  5. Click Get it! for the item you wish to request. The citation/bibliographic details will automatically transfer to a request form.

  6. Complete any blank required fields (indicated by asterisks **), then click SUBMIT. (Note: Please request one item per form.)

  7. Once you have done this, your request will receive an ID number. Please keep a copy of this ID number for tracking your request. The status of your RACER requests can be tracked by clicking on the My Requests link. (Note: After submitting the request form, you might be required to agree to copyright legislation if you are ordering a copy of a journal article.)

  8. To make another request, click the Create Request link (do not use the browser's back button).

  9. Remember to Sign Out from your RACER account when finished.

Place a Request by Using RACER's Create Request Form

If you have the full citation/bibliographic information for the article or book that you wish to access via Interlibrary Loan, RACER's Create Request form provides an alternative option for sending in your request.

  1. Login to RACER.

  2. Click the Create Request link located in the menu on the left called "My Requests."

  3. Select Item Type (Journal Article, Book, or Other).

  4. Next, if you are requesting a journal article, choose the Photocopy option. If you are requesting a book, select the Borrow option.

  5. Fill in all required fields (indicated by asterisks **) for the item you need. Do not use periodical title abbreviations when completing the Full Title of Journal section.

  6. When you have completed the form, click SUBMIT. (Note: Please request one item per form.)

  7. Once you have done this, your request will receive an ID number. Please keep a copy of this ID number for tracking your request. The status of your RACER requests can be tracked by clicking on the My Requests link. (Note: After submitting the request form, you might be required to agree to copyright legislation if you are ordering a copy of a journal article.)

  8. To make another request, click the Create Request link (do not use the browser's back button).

  9. Remember to Sign Out from your RACER account when finished.

More Info

For further instructions and information pertaining to RACER's search options, notification of delivered requests, canceling requests, etc., please visit the RACER Help and Hints web page.

Contact Information Desk staff or your subject area's Liaison Librarian for questions related to using RACER.

To provide suggested additions/improvements for the RACER Help and Hints page, please email:

Wish Leonard
Manager, Resource Sharing, Circulation Services

Dan Sich
Librarian, Information Services and Resources

Rachel Caldwell, Associate, Library Communications and Information Services
, Co-ordinator, Library Communications and Web Management
, Assistant, Library Communications and Web Development

June 9, 2006