Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this service cost?
Nothing! The Libraries cover the cost of providing this service.

How do I place a request?
Place your requests using the ILLiad System. Active Purdue Career ID is required for login.

Can I request eBooks through Interlibrary Loan?
Unfortunately, no. We can only deliver print books at this time. However, if we find print items available electronically (i.e. dissertations, archival materials, and other items) that are difficult to obtain in print via ILL, we will deliver PDFs to your account.

How long does it take to get material from ILL?
Articles/Book chapters: average of 3-5 business days; Loans of books/media: average of 7-12 business days. It really depends on the obscurity of the material you’re requesting and its availability at other libraries. Just because something exists doesn’t mean we can get it from ILL, but we will try.

Is there a limit on the number of things I can request?
No, you may submit as many requests as necessary. However, large numbers of requests from a single user may not all be processed at the same time.

Can I renew my book?
If the front of your book says Renewals: Yes, we can submit a renewal request for you.

If the front of your book says Renewals: No, we cannot submit a renewal request, but we can clone the request and attempt to obtain a second copy from another library. You will need to return the first copy.

If you’ve already renewed your book once, we cannot renew it again. You can clone the request and attempt to obtain a second copy from another library. The clone link is available in your ILL account for each loan transaction.

What is the monetary limit that we’ll spend on each request?
Usually $100 – anything over that we may ask if you’d like to contribute to obtaining it.

Are there items that are difficult to obtain?
These items are very difficult to borrow other libraries:

  • Technical reports and standards
  • Recently published books (the library may purchase a new book if it falls within the library’s collection policies)
  • Audiovisual materials including videos and CDs
  • Whole volumes or issues of periodicals (copies of individual articles may be requested)
  • Textbooks
  • Rare books
  • Genealogical resources
  • Reference materials
  • Computer software and manuals

What if I have damaged or lost my ILL item?
Interlibrary loan materials are the property of the lending library. When items are lost or damaged you will be responsible for the fines and/or replacements costs for the material. Costs and options for purchasing replacement copies will differ depending on the lending library’s policy and are often more than our campus $100 lost item fine. It can take awhile for us to get the bill, but we will apply it to your My Account when received.

What is the blue paper band wrapped around the cover of my Interlibrary loan book? Can I take it off?
In order to track Interlibrary loan material in our system, we attach a paper band or wrapper with pertinent information on it. Please do not remove the slip if possible. We require it to be included when you return the items. Returning an Interlibrary loan without the slip can delay or even prevent us from checking it in and removing it from your account.

How do I return a physical item (book, DVD, etc.)?
If you’re a distance student or working remotely, you can mail the item(s) back to us (you are responsible for return postage):

Purdue Libraries ILL
504 Mitch Daniels Blvd
West Lafayette IN, 47907

If you’re on campus, you can return your items to any campus library or you may also return your ILL materials to a NEW outdoor book return located between Academy Park and the Stewart Center docks. This book return will only be emptied Monday through Friday in the mornings, so there may be delays in returns processing.

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Current Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
 *Hours and turnaround times may vary during holidays and breaks. See above for link to hours.

Office Location

We are located on the 2nd floor (room 246) of the Humanities, Social Sciences & Education Library in Stewart Center.

Contact Us

765-494-2800
ill@purdue.edu