The following FAQs address primarily ILL services processed through Founders Library.
Patrons from Health Sciences and Law must consult their respective library policies.

1. What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a process whereby libraries share resources with each other, either by borrowing from, or lending to each other. Resources include monographs, periodic literature articles and other library related material

2. Who may request an interlibrary loan?
IILL is available to all Howard University students, faculty, and staff.

3. What materials can be borrowed through ILL?
Most circulating library materials may be borrowed through ILL. These include monographs, journal articles, microfilms, microfiche, videotapes and other library materials.

4. When can ILL be used to borrow materials?
ILL may be used whenever a needed book is not available at a Howard University library, is missing from the shelve, or is checked out and will not be returned in time to meet your need. You must first check the library catalog for availability before placing an ILL request.

5. How long will it take to receive the material?
The time involved in processing interlibrary loan varies, depending on the lending library, the mailing service and the availability of the material itself. For items borrowed from a CIRLA library, allow at least five days from the time your request is received in Founders Library; at least two weeks for items borrowed from other lending libraries.

6. How do you know when your material is received?
The library will call or email you when the material is received. It is important to leave your working phone and any alternate phone numbers so the library can contact you.

7. Where do you pick up your requested material?
All ILL materials must be picked up at the circulation desk of the Founders Library. When finished, books must be returned to staff at the Circulation Desk.  Please do not place ILL materials in the book drops on campus.  There is a time limit agreement between the lending libraries and Howard University Libraries.

8. Can a book borrowed through ILL be renewed?
Loan periods are set by the lending library. Most libraries will grant an extension on the due date if the material is not being requested by other patrons. Extension or renewal must be made by the ILL staff three days to the date due. Therefore, if you want to renew a material obtained through ILL, you must present it to the library three days before the due date.

9. What does it cost to renew a book?
Most renewals are free with the exceptions of materials obtained through special document delivery system like CISTI.

10. What is the charge for articles?
Charges for articles and other materials are dependent on the lending library. Costs for articles range between $9.00 to $15.00. Occasionally, it is more, depending upon the location of the article and the policy of the lending library.

11. How much does it cost to borrow a book?
Howard University Libraries ILL does not charge for processing ILL requests for students, faculty and staff. However, when special document delivery services are used, fees apply.  These fees will be passed to the borrower.

12. Is there a limit to what you may borrow through ILL?
YES. There is a limit of 10 articles per week per patron. Requests in excess of the stipulated amount must be approved by appropriate library administrator.

13. Where do I return ILL materials?
Items that must be returned to the lending library (books, videos, etc) must be returned promptly to the Founders Library Circulation Desk. Do not leave the returned items in a bookdrop. Deliver them to the library staff.

14. How long may I keep the ILL materials?
Loan dates vary and are dependent on the lending library. Loan dates range from 3-6 weeks. Due dates are stamped on the slip accompanying the item.

15. What is required for me to place an ILL request?
A valid HU CAPSTONE ID is required when placing or receiving interlibrary loan requests.

 
Inquiries

Circulation Desk
The Founders Library
500 Howard Place, NW
Washington DC 20059

Phone: (202) 806-5716  |  Fax: (202) 806-4622  |  Email: ILL@howard.edu

ILL Borrowing Request Forms