Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may use ILL?
What can I request through ILL?
How do I request...?
How soon will my ILL materials arrive?
Where do I pick up my ILL materials?
How long may I keep my ILL materials?
How do I renew my ILL book?
Other Topics
ILL and Copyright Compliance
Information for Other Libraries
Who may use ILL?
Current Hood College students, faculty, and staff are eligible to use ILL.
What can I request through ILL?
Typically, ILL is used to request two types of materials: 1) copies of journal articles not available at Hood and 2) books
not available through the ShaRC online catalog. You may also request dissertations, microfilm, and other media, bearing in mind that such materials
may be more difficult to obtain.
How do I request an article?
Before placing an ILL request for an article, please use the Journal Finder to check Hood’s holdings. If we do not own the volume or issue that contains your article,
1. Log in to the ILL request form using your library
barcode and last name.
2. Select “Request a journal article” from the drop-down menu, and click “OK.”
3. Enter the citation information (journal title, article title and author, volume and
issue numbers, date, and page numbers).
4. Enter your library barcode.
5. Click “Submit.”
How do I request a book?
Before placing an ILL request for a book, please search the ShaRC online catalog to find out whether it is available at Hood or from one of our partner libraries. If not,
1. Log in to the ILL request form using your library barcode and last name.
2. Select “Request an item NOT found in the catalog” from the drop-down menu, and click “OK.”
3. Enter the citation information (title, author, any specific edition or volume needed).
4. Enter your library barcode.
5. Click “Submit.”
How do I request dissertations, A/V materials, etc.?
Please follow the instructions for requesting a book, and provide additional details in the “User Comment” field.
How soon will my ILL materials arrive?
Most items arrive in 3-10 business days, so you should place requests at least 10 business days before your deadline.
Materials that are rare, in high demand, or from out of state will take longer. We will notify you by email when your materials arrive.
Where do I pick up my ILL materials?
All ILL books may be picked up at the library circulation desk. All articles are emailed to patrons as PDF files.
How long may I keep my ILL materials?
Article copies are yours to keep. Due dates for ILL books vary by lender; 3-4 weeks is typical. ILL books may not be kept for an entire semester.
How do I renew my ILL book?
Before the due date, please contact the ILL department (ill@hood.edu) to request a renewal.
We will contact the lending library and then notify you of the outcome.
ILL & Copyright Compliance
The ILL department complies with both United States copyright law (Title 17, section 108, United States Code) and the CONTU
guidelines for photocopying under ILL arrangements.
Information for Other Libraries
Hood College (HCF) is a free lender. We accept borrowing requests via OCLC
Resource Sharing. Our complete lending profile is available in the Policies Directory there.
Please contact us with additional questions.
(301) 696-3695
ill@hood.edu