Borrowing from Other Libraries
Are you looking for something we don't have? We can get it for you! We can access all kinds of materials from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan.
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) provides access to articles, books, media, and more from libraries around the world when those items aren't available at SSU.
Who is eligible for Interlibrary Loan
Current SSU students, faculty, and staff and emeritus faculty are all welcome to use Interlibrary Loan. Community Borrowers and SSU alumni should ask at their local public library about interlibrary loan options.
Do I need a separate account?
In order to place a request through Interlibrary Loan, you need to create an account. Log into the ILL system using your Seawolf ID and password and complete the registration form.
How do I place requests?
Check OneSearch for your item. If we don't own it, there will be an option to request it from another location.
What kinds of things can I request?
You can requests most library items through interlibrary loan, including books, articles, book chapters, and media. Materials not usually available through Interlibrary Loan include whole issues or volumes of journals, software, rare or fragile materials, genealogy materials, reference books (like encyclopedias and dictionaries), and some dissertations.
Can I request things that we own but that aren't available right now?
Sometimes the book you need is owned by the library but checked out to another patron. The fastest way to get access to the book is requesting it from another library. If SSU is the only library that owns the item, as in the case of SSU Theses, our ILL staff will recall the item for you.
How long does it take?
The length of time it takes to get an item from another library can range from 1-10 days. Most articles and book chapters will be received through ILL within 24 hours. Rare materials can take longer to receive.
Can I check the status of my request?
You can check on the status of your ILL requests in your ILL account.
Where do I pick up my items?
Articles and book chapters received from ILL will be available electronically through your ILL account. You'll receive an email when the article is available for download.
Books and media will be held for pickup at the Information/Check-Out Desk or the Library Lockers for 1 month, unless it is due sooner. A pickup notification will be sent to your SSU email address.
How long can I keep the things I request?
Articles received electronically through ILL are yours to keep. However, they won't be stored permanently in your account, so be sure to download the article to your own storage device.
Books from Interlibrary Loan are checked out to you for a period determined by the lending library. Renewal of these books is at the discretion of the lending library. If you'd like to renew your ILL book, please contact the ILL office directly at document.delivery@sonoma.edu.
Some libraries restrict materials to use within the library only. If there is such a restriction on an item you request, it will be noted on the item when you pick it up.
How much does it cost? What are the overdue fines?
Though we provide ILL services at no charge to you, the cost to us frequently ranges from $20 to $50. Please request only those materials necessary for your research, retrieve items promptly after being notified they are here, and return them on or before their due dates.
Overdue and replacement fees for books and media received through ILL are determined by the lending library.
Can I cancel my request?
SSU will cancel the request if no library can fill it and you will be notified with at your official ssu email. You can cancel your request until the item has shipped. You can view your cancelled ILL requests in your Interlibrary Loan account.
I need to find something today! Where can I go?
You might be able to find items immediately through other Sonoma County libraries.
- Sonoma County Library
- Sonoma County Law Library
- Santa Rosa Junior College Library
- Other CSU Libraries
- California State Library
- Melvyl, the UC Libraries catalog
- WorldCat, to search libraries around the world
- Library of Congress
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
Phone: 707-664-2866
Email: document.delivery@sonoma.edu
Our OCLC code: CSO