Scroll down to learn how and when to use an automated versus a manual request process for accessing an article, chapter, or item, as well as for important information regarding turnaround time and fulfillment.
You may submit an auto-filled ILL request from within the PAU databases or the WorldCat Discovery library catalog, meaning that the citation information with automatically populate a request form for you. We strongly advise starting with the databases to access the automated option, as the databases are targeted for literature searches and offer seamless automation for submitting article and chapter requests.
Automated Requests Via the Databases: In the PAU databases, choose this option if the research material you need shows up in your database search but can't be accessed directly via a full-text link, as detailed below:
If you need to click on the ILL link, the appropriate request form (for an article copy or a chapter copy) will open with the citation information already filled out for you. Read the instructions at the top of the form, complete the remaining required fields (as indicated by a red asterisk), fill in any additional information you might have (this can speed processing), then scroll down and click on the "Submit Request" button. If the form doesn't submit, double-check to make sure all the required information has been entered, then submit again. If you don't know what to enter to answer a required question, you may enter "NA." For additional assistance with filling out and submitting an ILL request form, click here.
Automated Requests Via the Library Catalog: In the WorldCat Discovery library catalog, you can submit a semi-automated request for an item in your results list if it isn't owned by the PAU library. Just click on the title of the item, review the catalog record to see if the item meets your needs, then click on the "Place a Request" button. Clicking on this button will open a new window and load your library account's ILL portal. Log in using your PAU email credentials. You'll find each of the three request form options tabbed separately for your convenience (see below). The open request form will contain all the information that was auto-filled from the catalog record. You may need to cut and paste the content into one of the other two forms, depending on whether you decide to request a complete item or just an article or chapter copy. Refer to the catalog record if you need to manually complete any of the required details before submitting your request form.
If you have a citation for library material that isn't in the databases or library catalog, and you can't access it using other recommended search tools, you may submit a manual ILL request. To access the ILL request forms directly, log into your library account in WorldCat Discovery using your PAU email credentials.
After you sign in, click on the "My Accounts" link and select "Requests" from the dropdown menu.
This will take you to the "Requests" tab in your library account, which serves as your ILL portal and keeps a log of all your ILL requests. Next, click on the "Create request" button.
By default, the "Article Copy" form will open. Use this form if you need to create a request for a copy of a journal article.
To create a request for a copy of a book chapter, select the "Chapter Copy" form.
To create a request for an item that isn't in article or chapter format, select the "Other Items" form.
Once you've selected the appropriate form, read the instructions, and then fill it out. Some information is required for submission, as indicated by an asterisk. Any additional information you can provide is helpful, so please share! When the form has been completed, scroll down and click on the "Submit Request" button. If the form doesn't submit, double-check to make sure all the required information has been entered, then submit again. If you don't know what to enter to answer a required question, you may enter "NA." For additional assistance with filling out and submitting an ILL request form, jump to Step 2.
Fulfillment Timeline: Fulfillment time varies depending on availability. ILL copy requests are often filled within 1-3 business days (not including weekends or holidays) and are usually filled within one week. Item requests require additional time for a PAU Librarian to process manually. All three ILL request forms require that you indicate a "Need By Date," after which the request will expire and cancel automatically within the ILL system. Please allow sufficient time for your request to be completed. A two-week minimum is recommended so your request doesn't expire before it can be filled, unless you won't need the item after a specific date.
Fulfillment Process: When an ILL copy request has been filled, an electronic document be delivered automatically to your library account in WorldCat Discovery. For access, sign in using your PAU email credentials; next, go to the "Requests" tab, locate your document, then download and save it as soon as possible. Each document will expire after 30 days or five (5) downloads, whichever comes first. For your convenience, email and/or SMS delivery notifications are also available; however, please note that the same expiration policy applies regardless of how you access your delivery. To manage your notification settings, go to the "My Profile" tab in your library account. If you request an item, you will be notified by a PAU librarian via email regarding the particulars.
GETTING HELP: Having trouble finding what you need? Having trouble with access? You can rest assured, because the PAU librarians are here to assist you! Please email us at librarian@paloaltou.edu and provide the details so we can respond to you in the best way possible. We're happy to communicate with you about a question or concern via email, or we can set up a phone call or Zoom session if that would be helpful. No request is too big or too small, so please reach out at any time!