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Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Frequently Asked Questions

UCSC faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students can use this service at no charge.

Community patrons and UC alumni are not eligible.

Use UC Library Search to find the item you would like to request.

Articles can be requested directly from UC Library Search or databases. If you see the following button on a website, you can click it to initiate a request. Get it at UC

If the "Request through Interlibrary Loan" link does not appear for an item you need fill in the Manual ILL request form with as much information as you can (ex: title, author, ISBN, ISSN, etc).

You can request books, journal articles, journals, microforms, media items such as DVDs and CDs, and many other items.

Locally owned items that are not checked out are not eligible for interlibrary loan.

Materials available locally on reserve are not eligible for interlibrary loan.

NOTE: It is difficult to obtain physical copies of newer journals, rare books, best sellers, and new fiction.

We are generally unable to borrow ebooks via Interlibrary Loan.

If an ebook is requested, we will check in with you to see if a print copy is acceptable instead.

Book chapters are usually available electronically.

80% of digitally delivered items (articles, book chapters, etc.) arrive within 24-48 hours.

80% of physical materials (books, DVDs, etc.) arrive within one week.

Materials not owned within the UC system take longer to arrive, and in some instances, may not be available.

You will receive an email notification when your item arrives. You may email ill@ucsc.edu any time to check on the status of an ILL request.

The lending library determines the length of the loan period and stipulates any restrictions on the use of the book (library-use only, for example). The date due and lending restrictions are noted on the item's strap.

Materials are held for pickup at the circulation desk of either McHenry Library or the Science & Engineering Library. Present a photo ID to pickup the material. Items are held for 7 days, or until their due date, whichever is sooner.

Borrowers will be emailed with instructions on how to retrieve items delivered digitally.

Renewals can be requested via your UCSC library account or by emailing ill@ucsc.edu.

Items are eligible for renewal two weeks before the due date. Renewals are not guaranteed and are up to the lender's discretion.

Items borrowed via Interlibrary Loan are subject to recall at any time by the lender. Patrons are notified of recalls via e-mail and can keep track of the due dates and statuses of materials via their UCSC library account.

Recalled items must be returned within seven days of the recall date or the item will be billed for replacement. Recalled items may be billed immediately if they are already overdue.

Items not returned by their due dates may be billed for replacement.

We are here to help!

Email: ill@ucsc.edu

Phone: 831-459-2234

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