Are ILL items compatible with screen readers and other assistive technology?
Most items that our patrons receive are compatible with assistive technology. If you use this technology, it is a good idea to make note of it in the request form, just in case. If you are having trouble getting your ILL item to work with assistive technology, please contact illform@gettysburg.edu for help.
Are there conditions or rules for ILL loans?
We ask that every item is treated gently. Remember: items that come through ILL are another library's property.
Do not highlight or write in books.
Remove sticky notes before returning books.
Be careful with items. Take extra care to ensure they are not damaged or lost.
Do not remove the book bands or any paperwork inside the books. They are helpful for staff processing.
Some libraries ask that their items be used only in Musselman Library (Library Use Only). If this is the case, you will be notified via email with additional instructions.
Can I place a request to scan a whole book?
While there are a few libraries that can provide an ebook copy, these are few and far between. We recommend placing a physical book request for the item. If the request is time-sensitive, you should place a request for a chapter book scan of the most pertinent pages. Be sure to not request any more than one chapter, or no more than 10-12% of the book to comply with copyright restrictions. View our copyright statement here.
How long do I have access to the digital file of the article/book chapter I requested?
Your file will be available in your Library Account for 30 days before it expires. If you will need to access it for longer than 30 days, please download and save it to your own computer. ILL staff can not retrieve expired files.
How will I know if I will receive the item I requested or not?
If you do not receive an email from us saying your request has been canceled, it is likely on its way. Remember, the process can take some time. The lending library has to process your request, search for the item, and package it for shipping.
If you ever want to check the status of a request, log in to your library account to view the status of any request.
I received an email saying my request was canceled. Why can't you fill it?
Sometimes other libraries don't have the item you need, or it is too valuable to be sent out. Even if the item appears in WorldCat, the libraries listed may not be willing to lend it. We recommend you visit the Research Help Desk to find alternative sources.
It exceeds cost. Outside of our consortial agreements, we must pay for items requested. Sometimes that cost exceeds our budget of $25.00 for student requests.
We might already own the item you requested; that's why we encourage everyone to check MUSCAT Plus first. If this is the case, your ILL request will be turned into an in-house/document delivery request. We will place a hold on your behalf and you will receive an email notifying when it's checked out to you.
Some items are free online. If this is the case, you will receive an email with a link to read or download it.
Sometimes, you accidentally request the same item twice. We will fill the first request and cancel the second, and we will notify you by email.
Can I borrow a book for the whole semester?
Not usually. Sometimes we get books that have long loan periods but we can't guarantee this.
How do I know when my item is due?
All due dates can be checked by logging into your library account. You should also receive emails near the due date reminding you to return.
Can I renew my ILL items?
It depends on the lending library. Each library has a different policy. Please reach out to illform@gettysburg.edu to discuss ILL item renewals.
Are there charges for using ILL?
Users are not charged fees for borrowing from ILL. If the user fails to return an ILL book, the lending library will charge us a replacement fee. These fees are placed on a user account and sent to the college's finance office for payment. Replacement fees vary by institution. Amounts are at the discretion of the lending library.
Can I request items in other languages?
Yes! ILL is a useful service for requesting items in languages other than English.
Do I have to write a note in the request form?
Only if you have something important to communicate to staff. Otherwise, we highly recommend not writing anything in the note field. We try to do as much unmediated requesting as we can, and leaving a note stops that process from happening, slowing down the request process. We are trying to help you get your materials as quick as we can!
Why is ILL important?
ILL promotes the spread of information and provides resources for student, staff, and faculty research, allowing you to have access to library materials around the world. Moreover, it helps save you money and allows you to read just about anything!