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Interlibrary Loan & Item Request Services

Use this guide to learn about and access interlibrary loan and item request services at the Palo Alto University Library as part of your research process..

ILL FAQs

 

What am I allowed to request?

 

Use this link to determine if an ILL request is appropriate to meet your information needs:

 

 

Single journal articles and single book chapters can be obtained from print and electronic items held by libraries worldwide, subject to availability, copyright law, and licensing restrictions.

 

The request form asks how I found or learned about the item I'm requesting. Why?

 

Sometimes, an ILL request cannot be processed because of a problem with the citation. Any information you can provide regarding the tool you used for searching (e.g., the PAU databases, Google Scholar, WorldCat Discovery, etc.) or the means by which you came across the citation (e.g., from a reading list, from a class syllabus, cited in a study, etc.) can help us locate the material for effective request processing.

 

The request form says I can only have 15 active requests at one time. Why?

 

There is no limit on the number of ILL requests that can be submitted by an authorized user. However, we do limit submissions to 15 per user at any given time, so we can provide equitable and timely service. As your requests are completed, either by being filled or cancelled, you'll be able to make more requests. Please cancel any unneeded requests that haven't filled yet, as well as any duplicate requests and requests for materials that are freely available online or through the PAU Library, to help us manage our operations successfully.

 

How long will it take for my request to be filled?

 

Electronic copies are usually delivered within one (1) week and are often delivered within 1-3 days. Requests can't be expedited but are more likely to fill quickly if the citation information is complete, accurate, and unambiguous. Please note that ILL requests are not processed on weekends or holidays, or when ILL staffing is unavailable due to illness or time off. The schedule and any updates are posted in the instructions at the top of the ILL request form.

 

Why was my request cancelled?

 

Why was my request filled by the PAU Library when I couldn't find it in my search?