Q. How do I request a book from Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Searching

• Begin by searching for the book in SouthernSearch and use the search scope drop down, "CSCU and Partners" (for best results, login to SouthernSearch). This will search for the book in the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) system.
  • If you find a match:
    • Select the button to "Request from Another Library" in the How to Get It section of the full record view. Confirm the information in the search form, including your preferred pickup location, and press Send Request.
    • Our system will automatically request the book from another CSCU library and it will be delivered to Buley Library within a few business days (usually 3-5). You will receive an email when it is ready for pickup
    • If another CSCU Library is unable to fulfill the request, our system will automatically place a request in the ILLiad ILL system and we will search for a copy from a library elsewhere in the state and beyond.
  • If you do not find a match:
    • Use the ILLiad ILL system to place a request for a book.

Pro Tip: WorldCat is a worldwide library catalog and will help you select the exact title and edition you seek. You can place a request directly into the ILLiad ILL system when using WorldCat. This will save you time entering the title information manually into the ILLiad request form. It will also speed up our processing of the request by ensuring all the needed information is in the request.

Placing a Request in ILLiad

1. Login to the ILLiad ILL system. A link is provided below.
2. In the Main Menu, select New Requests and then Book from the sub-menu.
3. Input as much information as you know into the Book Request form. Title and Author/Editor are the only required fields, but more information helps us when we search for the book to borrow from other libraries.
   • Pro Tip: Adding an ISBN or OCLC number enables our system to manage your request automatically. Without one of these numbers, your request must be manually reviewed by ILL staff.
4. Press Submit Request
5. Sit back while we do our ILL magic!
6. It could take a week or more to receive your item, depending on where it comes from. You will receive an email when your item is ready for pickup at the Buley Library Check Out desk.