Interlibrary Loans

740-245-7005 / Hours: 740-245-7395 / refdesk@rio.edu

There may be instances when your research yields citations for books or journal articles that are not available at Davis Library or through OhioLINK. Take heart! All hope is not lost! Many times these materials can still be ordered through Davis Library's traditional interlibrary loan service (ILL).

To order a book or journal article from another library through ILL, you may complete the appropriate online form available under “Borrow” on the menu bar on this page or you may ask for the appropriate form at the Circulation Desk. Fill out the form completely (including whether you are willing to pay for the item you are requesting) and "submit" the online form or return the paper form to the Circulation Desk for processing. ILL book requests generally take one to two weeks to receive.  Requests for journal articles usually take one week to ten days to receive. ILL Forms that are not entirely completed will be returned to you unprocessed, costing you valuable time.

While most libraries do not levy a charge for borrowing books through ILL, some do.  Many libraries charge for journal articles. Unlike books, which must be returned, copies of journal articles are yours to keep; they do not need to be returned. Regardless of format, however, if there is a charge associated with the item you are requesting (and you have indicated you are willing to pay it), you will be asked to remit a check or money order (no cash please!) made out to the lending library for the correct amount. You will be expected to pay these charges when you pickup the books at the Circulation Desk.

Just as the lending library determines charges for the ILL books (if any), it also determines the due date. These due dates can vary from institution to institution. Please pay close attention to the due dates stamped on ILL books when you pick them up. Some institutions will allow renewals, some will not. Even though Davis Library extends a grace period to encourage the prompt return of its own and OhioLINK materials, there is no grace period for materials borrowed through ILL. In fact, because it is so important that we maintain a good borrower relationship with our ILL partners, there is a $1.00 per item/per day fine on overdue ILL materials. It is our hope that this higher fine emphasizes this importance and encourages our patrons to return ILL materials on time.

Try to plan ahead in your research to insure adequate time to receive ILL materials! Questions regarding interlibrary loan should be directed to Amy Miller, Periodicals/Government Documents Associate, 740-245-7463, Main Floor, Room 117.