Orientation to the Library for 1L Students

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) provides access to books, articles, and materials unavailable from the Penn State Libraries system. The item may be unavailable if the Penn State Libraries don't provide access to the resource or if someone else has the resource checked out.

Jump to: 

General ILL | WorldCat

How do you use interlibrary loan?

In addition to your My Library Account, you need to set up an ILL (ILLiad) account to use the service. 

What can you get access to?

Generally, you can get books, law review and journal articles, newspaper and magazine stories, dissertations, and more. 

How long can you borrow materials? 

The lending library sets the length of the lending period.

How long does it take to get materials?

Law review and journal articles are usually available within 24 to 48 hours. They appear in your ILLiad account. Books generally take a week or two. Materials from international libraries may take significantly longer to arrive. 

How will you be notified that the materials are ready to pick up?

You will get a text or an email, depending on your communication preferences. Pick up books at the Service Desk. Articles will be available for download in your ILLiad account for 30 days. 

Can you renew books? 

To determine if your item is eligible for renewal, check the item in your ILLiad account. In the Checked-Out Items/Renew area, click the Renew Request link.

Items eligible for renewal can be renewed only once for an additional two weeks. Items not eligible for renewal will have "No renewals" on the book band.

How can you learn more?

Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions

What is WorldCat?

WorldCat provides library records from all over the world. This tool is most helpful in identifying books, but it can also provide information on other resources.

Why would you use WorldCat?

Using WorldCat, you can identify books that aren't in the Penn State Library system. Requests for items in WorldCat automatically populate the fields in ILLiad, making interlibrary loan requests much easier.

Making an Interlibrary Loan Request Using WorldCat

Step 1: Run a search. Identify an item that is not in the Penn State Library system that you would like to request using interlibrary loan. 

Step 2: Click on the link to make an interlibrary loan request. This will take you ILLiad, where many of the fields for your request will be automatically populated.

Step 3: Submit your request.