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Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Request material from other libraries when HU Library doesn't own it.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services are agreements between libraries to share resources. When an article, chapter, or other scannable item is not available through the Harrisburg University Library's existing subscriptions, we can request that one our partner libraries provide it. We reciprocate by providing copies of documents to other institutions.

At Harrisburg University, legally obtained scans of text-based items may be requested. The Library can usually obtain articles, book chapters, reports, and other relatively short items. The Library cannot obtain films and other multimedia resources, textbooks, print books, dissertations, or complete copies of e-books through interlibrary loan services. While we can request book chapters, these are usually limited to one or two chapters per book to prevent copyright violations. Some requested items may not be available through ILL services, even if they are of a type generally allowed. 

Please allow 5-7 business days to process and obtain your requested material.


Please contact a librarian for more information about obtaining items cannot be requested through ILL.

ILL services can be used to request scans of articles and limited sections of books, such as a chapter, assuming that copyright allows for the material to be reproduced and shared legally. The Library cannot accept requests for entire books, whether they are in print or eBook format.


The HU Library does not charge for ILL services, which may be used by current students and faculty and staff members.

Page Contents:

Check the Harrisburg University Library Collection for the Item You Need

Please only request items that Harrisburg University does not already have access to. To check for items in the Library's collection, review these guides:

How to Request an Item Using ILL Services

Items can be requested in two ways:


 

  • If you cannot access the full text of the item and do not see a Full Text Finder button request the item by submitting an Interlibrary Loan Request form. Remember that entire books, films, and other multi-media items cannot be requested. Be sure to select the request type tab that corresponds with the type of material you need:
     
    • Article for journal and magazine articles
    • Book Chapter for book chapters or sections of a book.(Entire books cannot be requested, even if they are eBooks.)
    • Other for reports, proceedings, and other text-based items.
       
  • Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*).

    Click image to enlarge.