Interlibrary Loan

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is a service provided to USI students, faculty and staff that provides access to materials not available at Rice Library, such as books, journal articles, book chapters, and audio/visual materials from libraries around the world.

The Interlibrary Loan Unit will also scan book chapters and articles from journals or microfilm that Rice Library owns in print. via our Article Delivery service.

May I request textbooks through interlibrary loan?

No, requests for USI textbooks are not processed.

How long does it take to receive an interlibrary loan?

Generally, print items take 3-21 days; articles take 3-5 days, however, arrival time varies depending on item availability, location, and shipping method.*

I'm a distance student/faculty/staff. Can my ILL books be mailed to me?

Yes, but you must first contact Kirsten Williams to make arrangements.

How do I update my ILL user information?

Log in to your ILL account and find "Profile" on the top navigation and click "Update Profile."

How will I know when my request has arrived?

You will be notified via your USI email account when your interlibrary loan item has arrived.

For loaned items, present your USI Eagle Access card at the Rice Library front counter. Items must be picked up within 14 days, at which time they are returned to the lending library.

• USI faculty and staff can opt to have their items delivered to their office via Campus Express
• Journal articles or scanned book chapters will arrive electronically to requestor's Interlibrary Loan account.

Can I post a journal article I received through ILL on Blackboard?

Yes, but you must include the copyright notice that comes with the PDF and remove the PDF from Blackboard at the end of the semester.
See the Copyright Decision Tree for more information on copyright.

Are USI alumni or courtesy card holders eligible for interlibrary loan?

No, interlibrary loan services are not extended to USI alumni or courtesy card holders.  They should request interlibrary loan services through their local library.