Do you need a book, journal article, DVD, or another item that isn’t available at one of the UF libraries on campus? Try using the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service to retrieve your items. The following information and tutorials will show you how to use this service to get the materials you need.
Learning objectives
After completing this short tutorial, you will be able to:
- Use Primo to search for books and articles
- Request an item (e.g., book chapters, articles, DVD) using the Interlibrary Loan service
What is Primo Search?
Primo search is the library catalog search and discovery service. It helps users find materials such as books, articles, CDs, DVDs, maps, theses, government documents, etc. For more information about Primo, visit the following page: Primo.
How do I find items using Primo?
- Connect to UF VPN if off campus: Connecting to the VPN
- Follow the tutorial: Searching with Primo Search
What is WorldCat?
“WorldCat is the world’s most comprehensive database of information about library collections.” It can be used to find materials you can borrow from libraries around the globe.
Source: WorldCat
Why is Interlibrary Loan important?
When searching for items in Primo, users may notice that their material isn’t available through one of the UF Libraries. If your item doesn’t appear in the search results, you may need to request it via Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
What are the benefits of using ILL?
- Saves you money: This service is free for UF faculty, staff, and students. Librarians can also help you find the article, book chapter, or other items you need.
- Variety: ILL provides users access to different items (e.g., books, articles, microfilm, journals, DVDs, CDs) not available at UF.
- Convenience: Some materials can be delivered electronically (everyone) or shipped to your address (users outside of Gainesville).
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that provides on-campus and off-campus UF faculty, staff, and students with access to books, articles, CDs, microfilm, DVDs, and other materials not available through the UF Libraries Collection. This free service allows users to request items from other libraries worldwide for electronic delivery (articles and book chapters) or pickup at a UF library of your choice (all physical materials).
Don’t live in Gainesville?
Distance learners and off-campus users can have their ILL and UF-owned items shipped to them via UPS. Please note that the delivery address must be a street address (no PO boxes) and outside Gainesville (no campus addresses).
Users may submit requests for materials through the InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database (ILLiad), the electronic interlibrary loan system. Materials delivered electronically (journal articles) should be available to view and download within 3-5 business days (though often it is much quicker), while other items should be available for pickup in 1-4 weeks. Users have 30 days from the time of electronic delivery before articles are removed from their accounts. Other items have loan periods between four and six weeks, depending on the lender. Most items can be renewed for an additional week or two if the request is submitted before the due date, unless the item has been deemed non-renewable. All items can be returned in person at any library branch, circulation desks, and book drops, or via UPS, Priority Mail, or FedEx.
Using the New Interlibrary Loan Platform
Need an article, book, or something else that the UF Libraries does not own? Place an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request in our new system using the following steps:
- Use the UF Libraries’ Everything Search to search for the item.
(Pro Tip: use quotes if searching for a title) - If the search retrieves your item, click the Get it for me from other libraries link below the listed item.
- Sign in with your Gatorlink under How to get it
- Click Get It to submit your request. You will receive confirmation that your request was received.
If the search does not retrieve your item, use the link that says Still didn’t find what you need? Click here to submit a blank ILL form below the search box to submit a request.
Have questions? Just email a subject specialist for help.
Additional Information
For more information on ILL, visit the Interlibrary Loan Overview page.