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Interlibrary Loan for Distance & Online Learning

How to request materials and use Interlibrary Loan services for distance and online students, faculty, and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get articles through ILL?

Officially, we ask that you allow two to four weeks for your request to be filled. Articles from widely-held journals can often be obtained more quickly. We always try to process your requests as quickly as possible, but many factors out of our control affect the process. 

If the time frame for Interlibrary Loan requests does not work with your deadlines, Ask a Librarian for assistance finding replacement sources. 


How will I be contacted when my article is available? 

You will receive an email when your article is available for download or if there is an issue processing your request. You can email acuill@acu.edu if you have questions. 

When you receive an email notification that your article is available for download, click the link in that email. To avoid losing access, we recommend downloading and saving the article immediately. (To comply with copyright law, ILL articles will be deleted from our servers after 30 days or 5 downloads, whichever comes first.)


Can I get ebooks through ILL?

Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot borrow full ebooks through Interlibrary Loan. Request a chapter or see the Obtaining Physical Books page. 


Can I get my textbook (or multiple chapters of a textbook) through ILL?

No, the library does not supply required course textbooks (except when Canvas specifically links to an ACU Library ebook). If you have trouble accessing course readings, please contact your instructor and academic advisor ASAP. They have a procedure for working with your situation.
 

Can I get books shipped to me? 

Please see the Obtaining Physical Books page. 

Ask A Librarian

Having trouble finding what you need? Ask A Librarian for assistance locating sources, accessing sources, finding replacement sources, or submitting your ILL request.