ILS-Questions and Answers

Interlibrary Services
Questions and Answers

Q: How much time is needed to retrieve materials?

A: Delivery times vary and depend on what library is able to fill the request, where they are located, and how they ship. On average, photocopies are received within seven days and books are received within ten. Patrons with an immediate need for an item should check for its availability in a local library by using WorldCat or ReQuest.

Q: What items cannot be requested through ILS?

A: We will not process requests for materials owned by the University of Hartford Libraries, whole volumes of periodicals, audio-visual items (videos, DVDs and sound recordings) and textbooks for current semester classes.

Q: How many requests can I place at one time?

A: Please limit yourself to five (5) requests per day.

Q: Is there a way to find out if my request has been received and processed by the ILS office and whether or not it’s on the way from a lending library?

A: For a photocopy request or a book request made using the Book, Dissertation, Score Request Form, you can call, email or stop by the ILS office to check on the status. Book, score and dissertation requests that are made through WorldCat can be tracked through WorldCat if you’ve registered there as a user and signed in under My Account prior to searching and placing your request.

Q: Is there a charge for using ILS?

A: University Libraries does not charge patrons for placing requests and can get most items for free. Some libraries charge a fee for filling the request, and those charges are passed on to the patron requesting an item. If you are not willing to pay for a request to be filled, set your max cost to "0" on the request form; we will notify you if we are unable to obtain the item for free so that you can then evaluate whether or not you would like to pay.

Q: How will I know if a requested item has arrived and where do I go to get it?

A: You will be notified by email when an item can be picked up from the Circulation desk at Mortensen Library or accessed through E-Doc, our electronic delivery service.

Q: How long can I use the material ?

A: Due dates for books, dissertations and scores are assigned by the lending libraries and usually range from 2-4 weeks. Due dates must be honored so that we are able to borrow from the same libraries in the future. Books returned late will be billed as lost items through the Bursar's Office.

Q: Can I renew materials I borrow through interlibrary loan?

A: Renewals are up to the discretion of the lending library. We will ask for one renewal per item provided that you submit your request before the due date. Renewal requests can be made by calling 860.768.4364 or by emailing ILS .

Q: What is E-Doc?

A: E-Doc is a service offered by University Libraries that delivers selected ILS documents that we receive electronically from the lending library directly to your personal computer. More information can be found on the E-Doc page.