Inter-Library Loan (ILL)
The DCCC Library’s Inter-Library Loan service allows you to request materials that are not currently owned by the DCCC Library through a cooperative state and national network. Following are some frequently asked questions about the Inter-Library Loan (ILL).
How to I submit a request? First, search the DCCC online catalog, online periodical databases, and Internet sources to see if the desired items are available at the DCCC Library or online. If the desired item is not available, then you will need to fill out an Inter-Library Loan Request Form, either in paper or online by clicking on the above link. The form must be submitted to a reference librarian who will approve it and send it for processing.
Who may request an ILL? This service is available to all registered students and currently employed staff, and faculty. Students, faculty, and staff who are enrolled at another institution and/or are completing research not related to DCCC coursework or directly related to a DCCC job are asked to place the ILL request at another library. Students will be asked to get a signature from their professor verifying that the request is for a class assignment.
What items may I request? You may request books, periodical articles, and audiovisual materials. [Note: many libraries do lend audiovisual materials.]
What may I not request? Textbooks on reserve currently used for class, reference materials (libraries generally do not lend reference material), or a book that the DCCC Library owns but that is checked out.
What is the maximum number of requests? The maximum number is five ILL requests per person at a time. Part-time faculty and staff are limited to five items per semester
If I attend classes at another DCCC location (not main campus), how do I submit a request? Students attending at other DCCC locations will receive the same ILL services as the main campus. Requests may be placed online or in paper at your location’s Learning Resource Center. When the item arrives from the lending library, the DCCC Library will send it to your Learning Resource Center or via inter-office mail.
How long does it take? Requested materials may take up to two to three weeks to arrive. However, articles may take less time because they may be sent via fax or the Internet. Because we are dependent upon the lending library’s response and delivery services (U.S. Mail, UPS) we cannot be held responsible for any delayed or unfilled requests. Therefore it is best to request your items well in advance.
Is there a borrowing charge? Currently the Library attempts to receive ILLs without a fee by attempting to borrow from non-charging libraries. However a lending library may issue a charge of up to $20.00, in which case you will be asked to accept or decline the charges before the request is fulfilled.
Is there an overdue fee? Due dates are strictly enforced. There is a two-day grace period from the indicated due date on the yellow slip. You may request a renewal within a week prior to the due date. If a renewal date is not requested and the item is returned after the due date and the two-day grace period, a minimum fee of $10.00 will be assessed.
How will I be informed my request has arrived? The ILL department will call or email you. If you do not hear from us within 7 days call us at 610-359-5326.
Where do I pick up my requested items? A valid DCCC ID is necessary for all requests to be completed. On main campus, ILL items may be picked up at the circulation desk. At other DCCC locations, ILL items may be picked up at the Learning Resource Center. If an ILL has been obtained by the “needed by” date, and the item is not picked up by the due date, the item will be returned and a fee of $10.00 will be assessed.
How do I return ILLs? ILLs must be returned on time and in good condition to the circulation desk of the main library or to the Learning Resource Center at our other DCCC locations. You are responsible for any overdue or damaged material fees assessed by the lending library.
Failure to comply with ILL policy may result in the holding of grades and records, and/or the revocation of ILL service privileges.