Service Overview
“If the library does not own the book or have access to the full text of a journal article which you need, you can request the item through Interlibrary Loan.” Libraries worldwide participate cooperatively in ILL to provide articles, books, and materials to researchers and students.
Restricted & Unavailable Materials
Almost all materials may be requested, but certain items are restricted or unavailable:
- Books published in the current year
- Dissertations
- Video and audio materials
- Periodicals (entire volumes or issues)
- Rare books and manuscripts
- Expensive or fragile items
- Special Collections
- Genealogical materials
- Textbooks (not accepted)
Items owned by Munday Library, currently checked out, or on-order cannot be requested. “No user may have more than twenty active requests.”
Request Process
Place requests using the ILL portal with your St. Edward’s University username and password. Click Create, then choose Article, Book, or Other (Thesis, Report). Supply complete, accurate bibliographic information.
Requests are processed in receipt order. Incomplete information may delay or cancel requests. If requesting 10 or more items daily, processing occurs over several days.
Loan Periods & Renewals
Check the due date on the item label or in your Library account. Lending libraries determine due dates, which vary by policy. Single renewals of up to two weeks may be requested.
Request renewal via your ILL account or email library@stedwards.edu at least three days before the due date. Some items are not renewable:
- Items marked “No Renewal”
- Already-renewed items
- Overdue materials
Delivery Timelines
“In general, a journal article in 4–10 days or a book in 5–14 days. Most books usually arrive within ten working days.” TexPress courier service from Texas libraries may arrive faster. Articles may arrive more quickly.
Factors beyond library control (item availability, lending efficiency, transit speed) affect timing. Recently published, unusual, or non-standard format items may take longer or be unavailable. Include your deadline; ILL will attempt to meet it and notify you of delays.
Check status by logging into your account and clicking “Interlibrary Loan Requests.” Email notification arrives when items are ready.
Pickup Location
Books are picked up in person at Munday Library during operating hours. Check the library website for hours. Most journal articles are delivered electronically to your ILL account. Contact library@stedwards.edu for questions.
Copyright Compliance
U.S. copyright law (Title 17) governs photocopying and reproductions. Under certain conditions, libraries may furnish photocopies for “private study, scholarship, or research.” Users exceeding fair use may be liable for infringement. “This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.”
The library follows guidelines in:
- American Library Association Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States
- Amigos Resource Sharing Agreement