Anything owned by one of the seventeen consortium members of the University System of Maryland and Affiliate Institutions.
Interlibrary Loan
Books and articles that are not available from AOK library or USMAI that can be borrowed from participating libraries around the world using ILLiad.
FAQs
How can I get books that aren't listed in the library catalog? See how to place an ILL request or watch the video below: "How to Place an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Request video tutorial"
What is ILLiad?
ILLiad is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan. The name ILLiad can be thought of as an acronym for “InterLibrary Loan internet
accessible database.”
What types of materials can I request through Interlibrary Loan?
You can request:
books
book chapters
journal articles
items on microfilm
DVDs and CDs
and many other types of materials
Can I request an ebook?
Unfortunately, ebooks are not eligible for Interlibrary Loan. Please see the Items Not Available Through ILL section of our website.
Is there a limit to how many requests I can place at a time? Am I restricted to the number of ILL books I can have checked out at a time?
In general, there is no limit to how many requests you can place at a time. However, please try to keep your requests to a reasonable amount. If you place a large volume of requests in a short period of time, it will likely take longer to process your requests.
You are not restricted to a number of ILL books you can have checked out at a time. If you have a large number of books checked out, please ensure to keep track and return your books by their due dates.
Is there a limit to how many chapters I can request per title?
Due to copyright restrictions, we are limited to one chapter or 20% of the book. As such, please prioritize your requests.
How long will it take for my ILL item to arrive?
This will depend on when the book was requested, shipped, and where it is coming from. In general, books take an average of 1-2 weeks to arrive. You will be notified by email when your book arrives, and you can pick it up at the Check Out Desk.
Journal articles are usually delivered electronically within 3 business days. Rare or hard-to-find materials may take longer, and some may not be available through Interlibrary Loan.
How much does Interlibrary Loan cost?
There is no charge to current UMBC faculty, staff, and students for this service. Borrowing charges are paid by the Albin O. Kuhn Library. Interlibrary Loan generally will absorb standard borrowing costs up to $75 per request.
Overdue or lost materials, however, are subject to fines and other fees charged by the lending institution, which will be passed on to the requestor.
Where do I pick up my Interlibrary Loan items?
Books can be picked up at the Check Out desk in the Albin O. Kuhn Library. Some books may be designated "Library Use Only" by the lending library, so patrons can use the materials only during library open hours, and must return them to the Check Out desk before leaving. Failure to follow this directive will lead to suspension or denial of Interlibrary Loan privileges.
Microfilm, which is always Library Use Only, can be picked up at the Check Out desk and used on the second floor, where there are microfilm readers and printers. Microfilm should always be returned to the Check Out desk.
Articles are made available to patrons electronically through their ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan) accounts, where they will reside for 60 days and then be deleted. Patrons are encouraged to download articles to avoid losing them after the 60 day expiration.
How do I place a renewal?
Go to your ILLiad account and find the item under “Checked Out Items.” If renewals are allowed, you will see a “renew” button that you can click to renew the item. If you do not see a “renew” button, you can reach out to our department at illcm@umbc.edu or 410-455-2234 to see if our staff can request a renewal from the lending library for you.
What happens if I return my book(s) late?
There are no longer any late fees associated with overdue ILL books.
However, please note that the biggest issue with returning books late is maintaining a healthy relationship with the libraries that are lending their books to us. Jeopardizing our privileges by not adhering to due dates could mean that we are potentially blocked from borrowing from that library in the future, which affects everyone's ability to get the research materials they need.
Please make sure to return your books on time. If you cannot do so, please reach out to us at illcm@umbc.edu or 410-455-2234.
What happens if I lose my book?
You will be responsible for the amount of the invoice for the lost book that we receive from the lending library.
What happens if I lose the bookstrap on the book?
Bookstraps must remain on books checked out. These bookstraps hold valuable information that helps us identify and keep track of the lending library for us to return the item to the lender accurately.
If you lose the bookstrap, there is a $5 fee per lost bookstrap.
I am not a current UMBC student - can I use Interlibrary Loan?
Unfortunately not.
ILL is also not available to Special Borrowers or alumni per Interlibrary Loan guidelines.
All non-UMBC users should contact their local public library, workplace library, or other appropriate institution for Interlibrary Loan service.
Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about ILLiad?
Please contact the InterLibrary Loan office at 410-455-2234 or e-mail illcm@umbc.edu. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00- 4:00.
