Who can use interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary loan service is available to currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff members of Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center with a valid Woodruff Library barcode. Robert W. Woodruff Library patrons with fines on their library accounts will not be allowed to borrow Interlibrary loan items until their account is back in good standing. Guest borrowers and alumni do not have interlibrary loan privileges, and are encouraged to make requests through their local public library.
How do I request materials?
To request materials through interlibrary loan you will need to use the login information used to access your Woodruff Library circulation account to access your Interlibrary loan account. Interlibrary loan is the online system that the library uses to request materials, it is separate from your Woodruff Library account that you use to check out materials from the Woodruff Library but you can view Interlibrary loan items in both accounts.
What kind of materials can I request through interlibrary loan?
You may submit requests for any type of material, books, book chapters, journal articles, conference papers, etc. However some types of materials are more difficult to obtain than others and may be non-circulating, such as recently published items, archival material, rare books and manuscripts, audio-visual materials and theses and dissertations.
If for any reason we are unable to obtain a loan for the material, please refer to your subject liaison librarian for purchase options.
How many items may I request?
Although we do not limit the number of requests, there may be restrictions based on U.S. copyright law. For example, there are restrictions on multiple requests for the same journal article published within the last five years, and requests for more than one article from a single journal issue in any given year.
What is a library barcode?
A library barcode is a 14 digit number that allows you to check out materials from the Woodruff Library. Barcodes can be obtained from the Circulation Desk, and are placed on the back of your campus I.D. card. A library barcode is required for interlibrary loan, and is your username.
How long does it take to receive materials through interlibrary loan?
Delivery time depends on many factors, but the main variables are where the material is located (in state or out of state) and how quickly that library or supplier responds to requests. The interlibrary loan staff assumes that you need the material as soon as possible and makes every effort to get the material to you in the shortest time possible. If you have a specific deadline, be sure to include that information when you submit your request.
How long may I keep the material? and can I renew?
Loan periods are set by the lending library and can range anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks depending on their individual policy. The due date will be clearly marked on the material when you pick it up. Renewals are also at the discretion of the lending library. A renewal request must be submitted through your Interlibrary loan account prior to the due date of the item. You will be notified by email once we receive a response from the lender.
Accessibility
The ILL unit creates searchable PDFs when filling document delivery articles and book chapter requests, making them accessible to our patrons.
