Interlibrary Loan Services

PSU Libraries- Interlibrary Loan Services

 

Image 1. This image provides some more details about the Interlibrary Loan as well as useful contact information. Click on the link above for more up to date information

What is the Interlibrary Loan?

If you need a resource that is not available at Penn State, you can use the Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) to request materials from another library. This subsidized service is free for Penn State students and can usually provided access to the requested item within days.

Do I need to use this service?

This site provides students with more information on how ILL works, frequently asked questions, reciprocal borrowing and on-site programs, and the office delivery service. Again, ILL is useful for Penn State faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students when your needs cannot be met with the University Libraries resources. So if you are searching for materials and are having a hard time obtaining them through Penn State Libraries, it may be best to look to the Interlibrary Loan to lend from other local sources.

Tips for using this site

  • Most articles arrive within 24-48 hours, but some may take longer depending on availability
  • If you are a graduate student, select the link titled “Office Delivery Service” for the ability to request a delivery of library materials to your departmental address via campus mail
  • Refrain from submitting many requests at once
  • Prioritize your requests and submit them at various times since the average time required to obtain materials is two to ten days