FAQ
What is ILL?
The TWU Interlibrary Loan Service is designed to help TWU faculty and students acquire research materials unavailable in the TWU Libraries. The library acts as an agent in obtaining these materials on loan or as an electronic copy from any of over 16,000 other libraries. The service also may be used to request copies of items located at another TWU campus library.
Who is eligible to use ILL?
Currently registered students, faculty, and staff of any Texas Woman's University campus may submit requests for materials. Interlibrary Loan is not provided for TWU Libraries courtesy card holders or other non-TWU individuals.
What can be requested through ILL?
Books (except those listed below)
Copies of journal, magazine, and newspaper articles (within copyright restrictions)
Conference proceedings and transactions
Theses and dissertations
What cannot be requested?
Materials to place on reserve
Children's Collection materials
Reference works
Textbooks
Rare books and other fragile or bulky items
Books owned as ebooks by TWU Libraries
Entire issues of journals
Computer software
Audio-visual materials (sound recordings, DVDs, videos)
How many items can I request from ILL?
For books, you are limited by your TWU check out privileges. (Click here to learn more about check out privileges and limits.) There is no limit on the number of items you request but ILL reserves the right to establish priorities of service where the number of requests received from a single patron might adversely affect the service offered to others. Books can be requested up to two times per semester.
How much does it cost?
Most requests are provided at no charge. Occasionally, some materials may be obtained from a lending institution for a fee. These charges generally range from $10 to $25. If the materials you requested are only available for a fee, you will be notified via email of the cost before charges are incurred.
How long will it take to receive my items?
Loan requests average 2-3 weeks, while electronic copy requests average one week. However, we have no control over how long another library takes to fill a request. Some requests can be difficult to fill and may take longer. Be sure to submit requests well in advance of need to avoid disappointment. With ILLiad, you can log into your account at any time to check the status of your request.
How will I be notified that my materials have arrived?
A notification will be sent to the email address you provided in your ILLiad account when your materials arrive. Electronic copies will be delivered to your ILLiad account and available for 30 days. You will also be notified when requests are cancelled. The reason for the cancellation is specified. You can check the status of your ILLiad requests at any time by logging into your ILLiad account.
What is the loan period for ILL materials?
The due date is set by the lending library and will be indicated on the ILL sleeve on your book. The loan period for ILL materials is generally 2-3 weeks; however, this varies by lending institutions. The loan period begins when the book arrives at this library – not when you receive it. The due dates cannot be extended and the items cannot be renewed by the TWU Library. Please plan to use loaned materials during the time they are available to you. Electronic copies are available via your ILLiad account for 30 days.
Where do I pick up my ILL materials?
An email will be sent notifying you that your materials have arrived. If you received your confirmation email and your materials are not at the correct TWU campus library, please contact the Interlibrary Loan department at (940) 898-3728 or ill@twu.edu.
Can I renew my ILL materials?
No, Interlibrary Loan materials are not renewable. The due date is set by the lending library, not TWU. Please plan to use loaned materials during the time they are available to you.
What does this status mean?
There are many common statuses in ILLiad that you might see when tracking your request. Here is a that explains what they mean
What are the fines for late materials?
Overdue fines for ILL materials are $1 per day.
ILL materials are subject to recall by the lending library, which will change your due date. Email notification will be sent to your TWU email address if your loaned materials have been recalled. Overdue fines for recalled ILL materials are $2 per day.
Where do I return my materials?
Always return ILL materials to a TWU campus library. Do not return materials to the lending library. You may return ILL materials in person to any TWU campus library or mail to:
Texas Woman's University Libraries
Interlibrary Loan
P.O. Box 425528
304 Administration Drive
Denton, TX 76204-5528
Please return ILL materials with the identifying ILL sleeve. Failure to return materials on time jeopardizes the TWU Libraries' ability to borrow items in the future and will result in overdue fines for you.
Are there alternatives to using ILL?
Yes, there are alternatives to using ILL.
You can check your local public library to see if the materials you need are available for check out. You can also apply for a TexShare card. TexShare cardholders are able to check materials out from participating Texas libraries. Click here for more information and to apply for a TexShare card.
Texas Woman's University and the University of North Texas libraries have a reciprocal agreement for students. As a current TWU student, you may check out items from the UNT Library using your TWU ID card. For more information about using the UNT Library, please contact the UNT Library Main Circulation Desk at (940) 565-2413.
Still have questions?
Please contact the TWU Interlibrary Loan Department by email at ill@twu.edu or by phone at (940) 898-3728. Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Email and voicemail received after business hours will be returned the next business day.