If a book or periodical (article) is not available through our library, we will try to get the material from another library. Usually, there is no charge for interlibrary loan (ILL) for Ivy Tech students, faculty or staff (you will be notified beforehand if a fee is required). The Library reserves the right to limit the number of items patrons may request (and we cannot make ILL requests for textbooks).

Books
First, check IvyCat to see if the book you want is owned by another Ivy Tech library (or available as an ebook).   If the book is available at an Ivy Tech library, one can made an ILL request with this online form: request a book from another Ivy Tech.  If the book you want is not owned by an Ivy Tech library, we can still usually get it, though it may take a little longer (about 2 weeks). The more information you provide about the book, the quicker we can find and request it.  

Articles
If you need an article that is not available in one of our online subscription periodical databases (ask for help if needed, to determine this), contact the library to see if we can acquire the article for you.

Remember:

1. You can usually only borrow one, or at the most two, items at a time; exceptions are made for articles. 
2. If you are in the library and need help with any part of this process, please ask library staff for help.
3. When requests arrive, books are usually checked out for 4 weeks--pick them up promptly, and please have them back in time! (Articles are usually photocopies and do not need to be returned.)

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to request materials from other libraries around the state via interlibrary loan (ILL). Instructions and forms are available online (linked under Services). Please ask library staff members for assistance.

Every lending library has its own specific policies regarding ILL; most print materials are loaned, but A-V materials (i.e. DVDs) are usually not available. Additionally, a lending library may charge a fee to loan certain items, but borrowers always have the option of paying the fee or canceling the loan before it is processed.

Please bear in mind that items borrowed through interlibrary loan may take anywhere from one to three weeks to obtain, so it's best to plan ahead.  Also, we reserve the right to limit the number of items that students or faculty may request at one time.

Lending Agreement - Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI)

The South Bend - Elkhart campus library is a member of the Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI). This allows us to create borrower's cards so that the holder can check out materials at other ALI member libraries. If you are interested, come to the library to talk with a librarian about a card.

Special note should be given to public institutions, some of which allow any resident of the state to check out items with a valid state ID or driver's license.

ALI borrower's cards do not allow access to online resources.