Do you need to use a book  checked out to someone else?  The UI Libraries’ new default option for getting a copy of a book that is in use is to request it through interlibrary loan, rather than recall it from the person who has it checked out.

The Libraries’ interlibrary loan* service will get a copy of the needed material from another library, at no charge to you.  On average, it takes 6.5 days to get a book through interlibrary loan. In contrast, when a book is recalled from another user, that user is given at least a week to return it, and sometimes longer, depending on when they had checked the book out. This change also means that materials you have checked out are less likely to be recalled from you.

If you have never requested a book or journal article through interlibrary loan, you will need to fill out a registration form the first time.  There is no limit on the number of interlibrary loan requests UI faculty, staff, students, or residents can make, and requests can be for any use, including entertainment.

Books may still be recalled by UI Libraries staff when they are needed for course reserves.

If you have questions about interlibrary loan or any other UI Libraries service or policy, contact Hardin staff at 319-335-9151.

*What are Interlibrary Loans?
Interlibrary loans are materials borrowed from another library for use by a user or loaned to another library for their patron’s use.
The lending library does not know which user has requested the materials.