Request Materials Through Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan Process

Please note that we recommend that you do not use an NU VPN client when trying to access the ILL system or the Library's electronic resources.

Use this system if you pick up or request ILL materials at the Main, Mudd, Schaffner, Pritzker, Galter, and Transportation libraries. This system is also for NU students enrolled in distance education programs, and students and faculty in the field for research or study abroad programs.

Use this system to make ILL requests, check the status of your requests, or to renew ILL materials. You can also use this system to request electronic copies of articles held in print in Northwestern libraries.

Logon to your ILL account

Or create an ILL account

Two places to search for items to request via ILL are WorldCat (for books, dissertations, etc.) and ArticleFirst (for articles). Instructions for these resources are available.

Searching and making requests through UBorrow, a program for borrowing books among the libraries of the CIC (Big 10 plus University of Chicago) may expedite requests.

Your ILL account is accessible through WorldCat and other library Electronic Resources. When you find something you would like, the option to get it through Interlibrary Loan will appear. When you choose that option, you will be prompted to logon to your ILL account.

For assistance, call (847) 491-7630 or e-mail ill-request@northwestern.edu

ILL services are provided without fee to the user for current students, staff, faculty (current and emeriti), domestic partners of faculty and staff, and visiting scholars with valid Northwestern University WildCards and NetIDs. We go to all reasonable lengths to obtain materials for users as quickly as possible and will pay associated fees to lending libraries. It takes an average of 7-10 days for loan materials to arrive. Journal articles/ book chapters are usually available more quickly.