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Interlibrary Loan FAQ
Who can use interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary loan is available only to currently enrolled MU students and currently employed or retired MU faculty and staff.
How can I make a request if I am not affiliated with the University of Missouri-Columbia?
If you are a student, faculty or staff member at another college or university, make your request through your school library.
If you are not affiliated with another college or university, contact your public library.
Is there a charge for interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary loan service is provided at no cost to MU users. MU Libraries subsidizes the cost of ordering materials that MU Libraries do not own.
What kinds of material can I request?
You may request all types of materials, not available through the MERLIN or MOBIUS catalogs, that relate to your work and study at the university. Books, book chapters, journal articles, and dissertations are the most common material types borrowed. You cannot request an item held by MU Libraries unless it is unavailable or missing.
Check FindIt@MU before placing a request for a journal, magazine or newspaper article.
Before making a request for a book, dvd, dissertation, thesis or other material, check the MERLIN Catalog (all campuses, Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis and Rolla) and the statewide MOBIUS Catalog. If found, place your request through these catalogs.
Go to ILL@MU and log on with your paw print. Separate forms are availalbe for requesting an article, book, thesis or dissertation. For more detailed instructions see show me how to request items through interlibrary loan (ill@MU).
How long will it take before I receive my request?
Books my take up to two or more weeks to arrive, although many arrive much sooner. The length of time depends upon many factors:
- Where the item is located
- How many other libraries own it
- Whether it is available at those libraries
- The length of time it takes to ship the item
Many requested articles arrive within 24-48 hours though some articles will take longer.
Will I receive my article electronically?
Yes. You will receive an email when the article arrives with instructions for accessing the article.
How will I be notified when my requested item arrives?
You will be notified by email. The email notification will contain instructions for viewing articles online or picking up items at one of the MU Libraries. Be prepared to pick up the items as soon as you receive the notice because most loan periods are 21 days or less.
Can I track my interlibrary loan requests?
You may view the status of your interlibrary loan requests by logging on to ILL@MU.
How long can I keep a book requested through interlibrary loan?
Due dates vary depending on the library loaning the book.
Are there fines for overdue interlibrary loan materials?
RECALLED interlibrary loan items will be assessed a fine of $10 per day if not returned by the revised due date.
Interlibrary loan and library privleges will be suspended.
Any charges assess by the lending library for overdue, lost or damaged material will be passed on the the patron.
Can I renew an interlibrary loan item?
If you need a renewal, contact the Interlibrary Loan Office at (573)882-1101 or ellisi@missouri.edu a day or two before the item is due. If you keep an interlibrary loan book longer than the due date, you will be responsible for paying any fines or billing charges charged by the lending library.
Can I use the interlibrary loan service to request a textbook?
No. Most libraries will not loan current textbooks through interlibrary loan. For more information consult Show Me How to Find Textbooks.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions about interlibrary loan?
Contact the Interlibrary Loan Office at (573) 882-1101 or ellisi@missouri.edu