Main Library Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for service?top of page

All ILL services are available to the following users who have current, valid NU library cards: Faculty, including visiting and emeriti

  • Faculty spouses
  • Graduate students
  • Undergraduate students
  • Staff

Alumni, ILR students, and guest borrowers may only request articles from the Chicago campus libraries. Students not currently registered may not place ILL requests.

What can I get?top of page

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) orders materials which are not owned by Northwestern University Library (NUL), are declared missing or lost, or are in use. Basic ILL services, including electronic delivery of articles, are free to all NU students, faculty and staff.

ILL will not request materials that are on Reserve or in Core.

ILL will attempt to borrow or obtain the following:

  • Books
  • Dissertations and Theses
  • Journal Articles
  • Newspapers on Microfilm
  • Government Documents
  • Conference Proceedings and Papers
  • Technical Reports
  • Patents: you can access US patents for free here
  • Music Scores
  • Photocopies from Rare Books and Manuscripts
  • Videos not owned by the Library
  • Sound Recordings not owned by the Library

We may attempt to locate a supplier, but the following materials are extremely difficult to borrow through ILL channels.

  • Rare books
  • Entire volumes or issues of journals
  • Reference books
  • Genealogical resources

How long does it take?top of page

We order from several libraries and wait for a response. Most items arrive within 7-10 business days.

What are the ILL loan periods?stop of page

Loan periods are determined by the lending library and are usually 2 to 4 weeks. Restrictions such as "no renewal" or "library use only" will be strictly observed.

All borrowed materials can be returned to the ILL service desk or the Library Circulation Desk.

How do I get my article?top of page

Journal articles are delivered as PDF files over the Internet and are accessible from any computer with a web browser, on or off campus. Your articles can either be printed by you or read online, but you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print these PDF files. top of page Acrobat Reader is already installed on most public NU workstations.

You must have a valid email address in order to receive articles from ILL because all patrons will be notified of received articles via email.

When your article arrives, you will receive an email message containing the following:

The URL for the Electronic Document Delivery login page

  • Your email address
  • Your 4 digit PIN

You can view your documents at any time by going to the document delivery web page and entering your user name and PIN. After logging in, a list of links to all your documents will be displayed. The documents will remain available for up to 21 days after you are notified or 10 viewings, whichever comes first. It is the patron's responsibility to either save or produce print copies of articles requested.

Where is ILL?top of page

ILL is located on the first floor of the Main Library building, directly across from the Circulation Desk. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding university holidays.

Interlibrary Loan
Northwestern University Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208-2300

Whom do I contact?top of page

Borrowing Information
(847) 491-7630 (phone)
(847) 491-5685 (fax)
ill-request@northwestern.edu

Lending Information
(847) 491-7659 (phone)
(847) 491-5685 (fax)
ill-lending@northwestern.edu

How do I renew ILL materials?top of page

Renewals should be requested prior to the due date and are granted only at the lending library's discretion. To place a renewal request click here.

What is WorldCat?top of page

WorldCat is the world's most comprehensive online catalog listing more than 30 million books, journals, maps, videos, etc. You can place an ILL request for a book or journal article. If you want to place a request click here.

What is ArticleFirst?top of page

ArticleFirst is an index of journal articles that can be searched by subject, title or author. If you locate an article, you will get a citation with the journal title, volume, date, and pages. You can then place an ILL request for this article. If you want to place a request click here.

How will ILL notify me when my request has arrived?top of page

When your request has been received we will notify you via email. Please retrieve items at your earliest convenience.

How do I check the status of my request?top of page

Articles are scanned and can be accessed online. An email notice will be sent to you when your article arrives.

You can call (847) 491-2893 or email ill-request@northwestern.edu to check the status of your request.

Can I get dissertations?

Some institutions do not circulate their dissertations. If the ILL department cannot borrow the dissertation, the patron has the option of purchasing his or her own copy.

Most dissertations can be purchased via the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/gateway

What are the fines for overdue ILL materials?top of page

Failure to return books may result in fines, suspension of library privileges, or both.


Last updated: September 19, 2007