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Delivery Services

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service for requesting books, journal articles, DVDs, and other items that are needed for research but are not available in any University of Delaware Library collection. 

Who is eligible?

University of Delaware faculty, staff, and students with a valid ID card are eligible to use Interlibrary Loan.

How long does it take?

Average delivery time for articles is 1-2 business days and for books, DVDs, and other loans is 7-10 business days.

How does it work?

1. Log in to the Interlibrary Loan system to place requests.

2. Fill out a request form for each book, journal article, or other item being requested.  Provide as much information as possible on each request.  Complete citations will speed up request processing time considerably.

3. Check for email updates. The Collections Sharing and Delivery Office will send an email when requested materials have arrived or if it will not be possible to fulfill a request.

For more information

See the Placing ILL Requests guide for tips on how to place requests using Library resources.

A FAQ about Interlibrary Loan is also available.

Interlibrary Loan Policies

  • Users must present a valid University of Delaware ID card to pick up requested materials.
  • Items placed on hold through Interlibrary Loan may only be picked up by the user who placed the request or their Authorized Borrower.
  • Lending libraries decide the due date for any item that is loaned through ILL.
  • Libraries may lend items with restrictions.  For example, some books borrowed on ILL may only be used in the Library.

A complete list of Interlibrary Loan policies is available at https://library.udel.edu/interlibraryloan/policies/