Access and Use Loans
How long it takes us to fill interlibrary loan requests and how we get them to you depends on format and availability. Physical items also vary in loan length and usage conditions.
You can view your outstanding and current requests at any time in your ILLiad account.
Articles and book chapters
Articles and books chapters requested through interlibrary loan are delivered electronically as a PDF or link.
Journal requests are frequently filled within 24 hours, but some may take longer. We’ll notify you via email when your scans are ready.
As with our scans from the print collection, you have 14 days to access and download your PDF, or 5 views total, whichever comes first.
Physical items
We always try our best to find the fastest lenders who also provide the longest loan times and the most flexible renewal options. The majority of requests come within 1 week. You will receive an email notification when your items are ready.
Be sure to set where you want to pick up your items as your library delivery preference. Options include locations on the Ann Arbor campus, as well as Flint and Dearborn. We also offer departmental delivery for eligible users.
Due dates
The lending library sets the due date for interlibrary loan items. Average loan lengths range from 6 to 16 weeks, though it is often shorter for audiovisual materials.
The processes and expectations for renewals, returns, and lost items are specific to interlibrary loan, as well.
We aim to prevent due dates from falling during breaks and do not charge fines if items are due when the library is closed.
Request cancellation
To cancel a request, log in to your ILLiad account and look for the cancel option. If another library has already processed it, you won’t be able to cancel the request yourself anymore. In that case, please email us at interlibrary.loan@umich.edu and we can take care of it for you.
Borrowing policies for physical items
Please be aware of a few borrowing policies specific to physical items.
Book bands and library use only
Please make sure the blue interlibrary loan book band stays on your item. These help us keep track of items and ensure they make it back to the right place!
Library Use Only items are designated with a yellow band around the book. The item must remain in the location it’s held in, and returned to the respective information services desk after each viewing. Please do not put these items in drop boxes.
If you receive a Library Use Only Microform, we’ll send it to Serials and Microform Services for in-library use.
Post-its and markings
The ILL label on the blue book band should detail any damage already present when we receive an interlibrary loan item. Let us know if you notice damage that’s not reflected on the label when you pick up your request.
Be sure that no post-its or new markings are in the book when you return it. If a book is damaged, the lending library may bill for a replacement.
Cost
While interlibrary loan services are provided at no cost to you, there are always some costs associated with it for the university. We make every effort to supply the material needed for the scholarship, research, teaching, and learning of our patrons. On rare occasions, certain costs may exceed our funding ability, at which point, we will contact you to discuss options.