Borrowing Items from Other Libraries
Overview
If you are having trouble finding a book, article, or other type of item in the Library please ask for help at the Research Assistance Desk or via Ask a Librarian. If the item is not in one of the Library collections, you may be able to request the item through Document Delivery Services (also known as Interlibrary Loan).
Current students, faculty and staff with a valid SF State ID number and Library PIN can use these services to determine if a book, article, thesis/dissertation, etc. is available from another institution. If available, items are generally delivered quickly, without charge and are either available for you to pickup in the Library or are delivered directly to you electronically.
Items You can Request
- Books and Parts of Books
- Copies of Articles
- Theses and Dissertations
- Conference Proceedings
- Technical Reports
- Printed Music
Requests can be made for movies, music recordings, reference materials, etc., but usually these do not circulate through interlibrary loan and are difficult to obtain.
Your Responsibilities
- Return borrowed items on time
- Take proper care of books and return them in good condition
- Check the book strap for any special handling conditions
- Observe Copyright Guidelines
Failure to do so may result in your borrowing privileges being revoked or limited to "Library Use Only."
Placing a Request
The basic steps you should follow before placing a request to borrow an item from another library are: 1) Know exactly what you are looking for. 2) Confirm that the item you are looking for is not available in the Library. 3) Use LINK+ or ILLiad, to locate and request the item. See the table below for more details. For more information, contact the Document Delivery Services department.
| Step 1: Know what you are looking for |
Step 2: Check that it is not available from the Library |
Step 3: Select most appropriate service |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Books |
|
||
Articles |
|
||
Theses / Dissertations |
|
Comparing Document Delivery Services
For more information, contact the Document Delivery Services department.
| Books, Thesis & Dissertations, etc. | LINK+ | ILLiad | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usually arrive in | 3 or 4 days | 5 days to 3 weeks | |
| Pickup Location | Book Checkout & Pickup Counter or participating LINK+ locations | Book Checkout & Pickup Counter | |
| Will hold for | 10 days | until due date of item (usually 4 weeks) | |
| Borrow for | 21 days | usually 4 weeks | |
| Renewals | 21 days | 14 days | |
| Notification of arrival via | Email or Telephone | ||
| Articles | ILLiad |
|---|---|
| Print copies usually arrive in | 2 - 7 days [add 2 days extra if mailed to you] |
| Electronic copies usually arrive in | 2-7 days |
| Pickup location for print | File cabinet in front of DDS counter |
| Will hold for | Semester |
| Borrow for | Articles do not need to be returned |
| Electronic delivery | Often available |
| Fax delivery | Not available |
