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Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Resource Sharing (RS) at Old Westbury

Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing is free service that allows OW students, staff, and faculty to request articles, books, and other material from other libraries.

Frequently Asked Questions

General:

  • Where do I pick up my Interlibrary Loan or Resource Sharing items?  All items are picked up at the library circulation desk during hours of operation. 
  • How do I return Interlibrary Loan/Resource Sharing materials? All physical loans (not electronic items) obtained through interlibrary loan/resource sharing should be returned to the circulation desk. For additional information click here 
  • Who do I contact if I have concerns or questions? Contact the InterLibrary Loan staff at (516) 876-3152 or e-mail to ill@oldwestbury.edu
  • How long will it take to get my requested physical item? Due to possible mail delays from our lending partners,  borrowed print materials can take up to two weeks or longer after the date you place your request.

Resource Sharing: 

  • What is Primo or Discovery? Primo/Discovery is the Library Catalog and where a user can view their library account. 
  • How long can I borrow my Resource Sharing Item? These requests can be on loan for 16 weeks and can be renewed up to 3 times.
  • How will I know the request was filled? You will receive an email or you can check the status on your Library Card in the library catalog.

Interlibrary Loans:

  • What is ILLiad? ILLiad is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan. The name ILLiad can be thought of as an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database.
  • How do I access the ILLiad system? You will be able to access the ILLiad system through the library's homepage under the services tab to place manual requests such as book chapters. Or the Get/Find Full-Text option on the databases for automatically populated requests.
  • Why did my article request disappear on ILLiad? After 30 days articles expire. Please remember to immediately download and save your article.
  • How do I find the ILLiad Logon screen? There is a link on the library's homepage under the services or go directly to the ILLiad log-on page.
  • When will I receive the requested items? Physical materials could take up to two weeks depending on the lending library. Electronic requests such as articles could be received in a few days depending on library availability. 
  • How will I know the request was filled? You will receive an email or you can check the status on your ILLiad account.
  • How long can I keep an item? Electronic articles are on your account for 30 days, then they are removed. Physical items are determined by the lending library; typically physical books can be on loan for 4-16 weeks.​​​​
  • How much does Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing cost? These services free for our patrons, as the library pays borrowing and shipping costs. If an item is damaged or lost, however, you will be charged for the item.

Patron Responsibilities with Loan Items

  1. Items are borrowed for you from another library.
  2. Please return the item on or before the due date.
  3. Renewals are determined by the lending library.
  4. Do NOT put any markings in the book, this includes but not limited to:
    • pen, pencil, highlight marks,
    • no folding/ripping the pages
  5. You are responsible for any damages or if you lose the item and may be charged.
  6. Do not remove paperwork attached to the item, this includes but not limited to:
    • paper clipped receipt
    • wrapped around the item cover

Requested items are kept on the hold shelf at the library circulation desk for 10 days once they are received. If you are unable to pick up the item within those 10 days please contact the interlibrary loan staff, ill@oldwestbury.edu