The mission of the University of Texas at Brownsville/University Libraries Interlibrary Loan department is to support the academic objectives of the University. Through this service we are able to expand the availability of materials to students, faculty, and staff by expanding those currently available at the University Libraries.
WHAT IS INTERLIBRARY LOAN (ILL)?
Interlibrary Loan provides eligible UTB borrowers access to library materials not owned or available at the University Libraries. ILL is made possible by cooperative sharing agreements with other libraries. The Library expands its borrowing capabilities through consortia with AMIGOS and TexShare and through its participation in the OCLC cooperative network.
WHO CAN USE ILL?
ILL services are available to all faculty, staff, alumni, and currently enrolled students. Members of the Arnulfo L. Oliveira Literary Society as well as retired UTB faculty and staff may also use ILL services. Non-UTB borrowers from the community are encouraged to use the Brownsville Public Library's ILL services.
HOW DO I REQUEST AN ITEM?
Users begin by requesting an item online via ILLiad. First time users must create an ILLiad account before submitting a request. Once logged into ILLiad, users should complete the form that corresponds to the item being requested (i.e. book, article). Users must provide enough information about the item, so that it can be identified and located. Incomplete requests will result in delays and possible cancellation of the request. Once a request has been submitted, users can view and track the request online using the ILLiad system. Users experiencing difficulties with submitting ILL requests, should contact the ILL Department for assistance. When materials arrive, users will be notified by e-mail. ILL book items should be picked up and returned to the Circulation Desk located on the first floor of the University Boulevard Library. Users will be required to show an ID card when checking out ILL materials.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO BORROW ILL MATERIALS?
ILL services are free to eligible borrowers, if materials can be obtained from a library that has agreed to provide materials to UTB at no charge. If the lending library will charge UTB to borrow a requested item, the user will be contacted to approve the charges and make arrangements for payment. Every effort will be made to obtain materials from libraries that do not charge. Users are responsible for all charges associated with ILL requests, even if requested items are not picked up. Unpaid charges will result in a block on a patron's UTB official record.
WHAT CAN I BORROW?
We will try to borrow whatever you request. Some materials are more difficult to borrow, including CD-ROMs and software, audiovisual materials (video and audio cassettes, DVDs), rare and archival materials, reference books, theses and dissertations, and maps. We will not borrow materials available at the University Libraries including entire issues (including photocopies of entire issues) of journals, magazines, and newspapers, textbooks required to be purchased for a course.
Items owned by UTB that have been declared missing, lost, or damaged can be requested through ILL. Items that are checked out by another patron can also be requested.
How long does it take to get an item?
Requested materials typically arrive within 5-10 days after an ILL request is submitted. However, there is no way to know when an item will arrive. Delivery time is related to the nature of the item, the lending library’s procedures, availability of materials, and the delivery service used. Photocopies tend to arrive much faster than books. Please be sure to allow enough time to receive and use requested items.
How long can I keep my items?
If the item is a photocopy, a user can keep it in most cases. For loans or books or other items, the lending library sets the length of time and any special conditions of the loan, such as “library use only” or “non-renewable.” The due date will be indicated on the book strap of the requested item. To request an extension of the due date, or renewal, contact the ILL office or use the View/Renew Checked Out Items feature on ILLiad. In most cases, up to two renewals of two weeks each are permitted by lenders. Renewal requests should be submitted before the item due date. University Libraries will strictly enforce due dates and lending restrictions imposed by lending libraries.
Where do I pick up my materials?
Articles will be e-mailed to you. Other materials can be picked up and returned to the University Blvd. Library-Public Services Desk. Items should never be placed in the Library book drop.
Overdue materials
The due date will be indicated on the book strap of a requested item. Items should be returned to the University Boulevard Library Circulation Desk on or before the due date. ILL requests will not be accepted from borrowers with overdue ILL materials. Users will receive an email notice if an item is kept past its due date. After the third overdue notice, items will be assumed lost, and will be reported to the lending library. A block will be placed on the user's library account and UTB official record until the item is returned. Suspension or termination of a user's ILL borrowing privileges will result, if a user repeatedly fails to abide by due dates for ILL materials.
Overdue items will be charged 30 cents per day late.
Lost and damaged materials
Lost or damaged materials are subject to charges imposed by the lending library. Patrons who lose or damage an item will be responsible for all fees and replacement charges and will be contacted to make payment arrangements.
Logging into ILLiad
All faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students can log into ILLiad using their UTB ID & password. If you need help resetting your password, please visit http://utb.edu/its/uss/pages/password.aspx or contact the ITS Help Desk at 882-4357.
Other information/questions
Please contact us directly at the e-mail or telephone number above if you have any questions. The University of Texas at Brownsville Interlibrary Loan Department operates according to the University’s Academic Calendar.