Because of copyright restrictions, the ACU Library cannot borrow full ebooks through ILL.
Chapters or Excerpts
If all you need is a chapter or a section from a book, submit an Interlibrary Loan request. (It is usually faster to get an electronic copy of an article, chapter, or section than an entire book.)
Here are several options for accessing physical books:
Your Local Public Library
Make sure you have a library card at your local public library. Most public libraries have Interlibrary Loan services, allowing them to get books from nearby universities more quickly than the ACU Library can supply books if you cannot visit the ACU Library in person.
TexShare
If you live in Texas, you can use a program called TexShare, which allows you to check out books at public and university libraries in Texas who are members of the program. Follow this link to look up the nearest participating libraries. If your local library is a participating member of TexShare, ask them to issue you a TexShare card. If you are in Texas but unable to get a TexShare card from your local library, Ask A Librarian for help.
ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing
Students taking Bible or Theology classes will want to take advantage of ACU's membership in the ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program, which allows you to check out books from participating seminaries and similar institutions across the U.S. and Canada. Check here for a list and here for a map to find participating libraries in your area or email acuill@acu.edu if you'd like more information on how to take advantage of the program.
Distance/Online Shipping Request Form
If the ACU Library owns a physical copy of a book, you can fill out the Distance/Online Shipping Request Form to request that the book be mailed to you. This service is only available in the contiguous U.S.
Distance/Online Book Purchase Request Form
If you are otherwise unable to get a book or think a book would be beneficial to multiple students, you may fill out the Distance/Online Book Purchase Request Form. Purchase decisions are made based on available funding, value to the ACU community, and librarian discretion. This form does not guarantee that the book will be purchased, but if it is, librarians will try to make the book available to you shortly after its arrival.
Ask A Librarian
Don't forget, you're not alone. At any point, you can Ask A Librarian for help. We can answer questions, check whether the ACU Library has access to a source, or find replacement sources for something that can't be obtained. We're here to help!
***Note for Abilene Residents***
The above information is relevant to non-local ACU Online students, faculty, and staff. If you are able to come to the ACU Library in person, you can place holds through the catalog for books owned by the ACU Library and submit Interlibrary Loan requests as appropriate. If you are able to come to the ACU Library in person, a book scanner is available for public use in case you need to make digital copies from books or journals.