What if the library does not own the work you need?
While you are conducting research, you may come across references to a work that appears to be perfect for your project--except that your library does not own a copy of it. Never fear! Through interlibrary loan (ILL), your library can probably borrow a copy and whisk it to you in only a few days. Many libraries have implemented web-based interlibrary loan management systems that make it easier for the borrower to make requests and for the library to fulfill them. Such systems allow users to follow up on loan requests and even to receive articles in an electronic format such as PDF. In this module, part of a series exploring how to conduct historical research, we describe the interlibrary loan process, focusing on OCLC's Illiad, the system used by many libraries.
Getting started with Illiad
Many libraries highlight interlibrary loan on their home pages, typically under a heading such as "services." You can also find the interlibrary loan link by conducting a search on your library's web site or while you are searching for resources in WorldCat, the online catalog that lists the holdings of thousands of libraries. If you're a first-time user of Illiad, you will need to register with the system so that the library can verify that you're authorized to borrow resources and so that they can easily contact you when your loan request is ready. Registration requires only that you provide some basic information and should take only a few minutes.
Note:
The interface for Illiad may look different at different libraries, but the core functions remain the same. For purposes of demonstration, this module focuses on the Illiad interface at Fondren Library.Ordering Through Illiad
Once you have registered with Illiad, you can immediately make an interlibrary loan request. Keep in mind that Illiad will probably not order anything that the library already owns, even if it is checked out. You can request that checked-out materials be recalled through the library catalog; simply look up the work by title or author, bring up the entry on the work and look for the user services or recall option.
What information you will need to order a book.
First, let's check out the types of information needed to order a book through Illiad. Log in by entering your ID and password into the text boxes. You will be taken to the main menu for Illiad. From here you can update your user information, keep track of what you have ordered and when it's due back, and order a variety of works, including documents, patents, theses, books and even specific chapters from books. . For our introductory purposes here we will focus on ordering a book, Douglas Sladen’s Oriental Cairo.
Select the "Request a Book" option.
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Locating the information you need to order a book.
One of the easiest ways to gather all of the information you need to order a book through Illiad is to locate the book through WorldCat, which contains catalog records from thousands of libraries around the world. You can access WorldCat by visiting the Fondren homepage, selecting the Catalog option and then selecting the Other Library Option. Scroll down a bit and you will see the WorldCat link.
As an example we will bring up “Oriental Cairo” to show you where to look for the information you need and then to point out a short cut.
Enter the title in the Title textbox select the Search option.
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What next?
All you have to do now is to wait. ILL will contact you when your book arrives or with any problems they have in ordering it. If you wish to check on the status of your order, just head back to the Illiad home page and select that option near the bottom of the list.
