What is Interlibrary Loan?
If items required by students or staff for university-related work are not available through the library catalogue, the MacEwan Interlibrary Loans (ILL) service can request them from other libraries around the world. You can submit and track requests through your online account.
NOTE: Copies are made available solely for use by a student, staff member, or faculty member for research, private study, review, or criticism. Any other use may be an infringement of copyright if done without securing the permission of the copyright owner.
Requesting Items and Managing your Interlibrary Loans
- Login using your MacEwan username and password. Forgot your password?
- Difficulties logging in? Contact the Technology Support Desk.
IMPORTANT! Before you request an Interlibrary Loan, please check:
- The MacEwan Library Catalogue
- MacEwan E-Journals
Interlibrary Loans FAQs
Who can request an interlibrary loan?
MacEwan faculty, students, and staff can request interlibrary loans. ILL requests for Distance Students are handled on a case-by-case basis.
How many items can be borrowed?
Borrowers can submit as many interlibrary loan requests as they wish; however, the Library reserves the right to impose a monthly limit upon the number of interlibrary loans submitted by an individual.
How long does it take?
Typically, articles take 2-10 days to arrive, while books take 7-21 days. However, some items may take longer. Please submit ILL requests well in advance of when the material is required.
What can be borrowed?
Almost any type of material is available by ILL provided the lending library will loan it, or a photocopy can be made of it without infringing on copyright laws or licensing agreements. You may request items that are labelled as Missing, Lost, or Bindery.
What cannot be borrowed?
Some items are occasionally unavailable through ILL, including reference items, CDs, music scores, rare or archival materials, and entire journal issues or volumes.
Requests will be fulfilled on a case-by-case basis. Availability of materials is dependent on which libraries are allowing interlibrary loans for their items.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for MacEwan cardholders in good standing to borrow books through ILL. However, if the cost of borrowing the book is estimated to exceed $35.00, students will need approval from their instructor before the request will be sent. If "rush" service is requested, any additional costs associated with the rush request will be charged back to the borrower.
How will I know my ILL request has arrived?
You will be notified by email when you items are available. Print/physical items are held for pickup at the library that was specified at the time of the request.
Electronic items will be available via email. Borrowers will have 14 days and 5 views available to enable printing of a copy for their personal use. As with photocopies, access and availability to electronic copies is controlled by copyright legislation.
How long can I keep the item? Can I renew ILLs?
Items are loaned for four weeks, but renewals may vary depending on the lending library. Renewal requests should be made to ill@macewan.ca a few days in advance of the due date.
Where can I return my ILL?
Interlibrary loans must be returned to the Library Services Desk or a book return bin on campus. Overdue ILL material is fined at the rate of $1.00 per day per item.
What if I lose or damage my ILL?
Borrowers are responsible for all costs associated with lost or damaged items. If a borrower continually disregards interlibrary loan policies, the Library reserves the right to revoke Interlibrary Loans privileges.
