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Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service which helps eligible patrons obtain materials that are unavailable in the New York University or consortium libraries.

Interlibrary Loan: FAQ

Who may use interlibrary loan?
NYU students, faculty, and staff; consortium students and faculty.

Note: CIMS, Law, Medical, and Cooper Union have their own ILL services. If you attend one of these schools, please submit your requests there.

Do I have to pay for ILL Services?
There is no charge for this service

How do I make a request?
All ILL requests must be submitted online. Before submitting a request, please check BobCat to see that we don't own the item. Submitting requests for items we own can unnecessarily delay your research.

What can I request?

  • A maximum of five (5) articles from any one journal title (as per copyright restrictions)
  • Books
  • Dissertations and theses
  • Microforms
  • Photocopies of journal/newspaper articles
  • Non-print materials, such as videos, sound recordings, and computer files, can be requested but are often difficult to obtain.

What can't I request?
We do not accept requests for Bobst, branch or consortium items that are charged out, on reserve, or part of non-circulating collections. ILL is strictly for material not in BobCat, our online catalog.

How long does it take?
Anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending upon location and availability.
Note: Most interlibrary loans take 4 days from the time you submit a request until you have the item in hand. If you are in a rush, ask a reference librarian if the material is available for on-site use at another library in New York City.

How can I check the status of my request?
Once we place the request on your behalf, you will be e-mailed instructions for checking the status of your interlibrary loan request on the web.

What happens when my materials arrive at Bobst Library?
For loans, you will be notified by e-mail when the item has been received. We will indicate (depending upon the type of material and restraints placed by the lending library) whether your items are available at the Circulation, Reserve, or Special Collections areas. Photocopies are posted at ariel.library.nyu.edu. The PIN number needed to view your articles will be e-mailed to you.

Is there a limit?
Faculty may submit ILL requests without limit. Students and staff may submit up to 5 ILL requests per day.

Can overdue or lost items be requested?
Items declared missing by Circulation staff, or items overdue for a month or longer, can be requested on Interlibrary Loan. For materials not found on the shelf, place a search at the circulation desk of the appropriate library. For materials "At Bindery," or currently charged out, place a hold at the Circulation desk or recall the item.

How long will I have ILL material for?
Material is generally loaned for 4 weeks. Some materials may be restricted to "library use only." Renewals may be requested online. Photocopies are yours to keep.

Once I'm finished with the materials, where do I return them?
Please return ILL books, periodical volumes, bound dissertations, videos, microforms, and CDs to a staff member at the desk where you charged them out. Please do not put ILLs in a book return bin, or they may be shelved here at Bobst instead of going back to the lending library. Photocopies are yours to keep and need not be returned.

I am not an NYU student, faculty member, or staff, but need something from NYU's collection. How do I request it?
Ask at your home library, which is any local public, corporate, or academic library where you have borrowing privileges.

What happens if an ILL becomes overdue?
Every effort should be made to return ILL materials on time. Overdue items jeopardize NYU's ability to borrow items from other libraries. All users are charged an overdue fine of $1.00 per day per item for overdue ILL materials. In addition, an individual's library privileges may be suspended until the overdue material is returned.

Questions?
Any problems, special needs, etc. regarding ILL will be handled via telephone by ILL department staff. The ILL office is located on Lower Level 2, and can be reached at 998-2511, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The email address is .