Atkinson Library

InterLibrary Loan FAQs

The JCC Library offers InterLibrary Loan service to all staff and students. ILL greatly expands the variety of resources available to you. Here are some FAQs on how to make use of this option:

What do I need to use ILL services?

You need an active borrower’s card from JCC Library or any of the Jackson District Library branches

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What can I order?

  • Materials that the Library does not own
  • Materials owned by the Library that are not available (i.e. - lost, in mending, etc.)

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How fast and easy is ILL?

The speed at which ILL request can be filled depends on the type of item requested:

  • Books usually take 4-10 days (plan ahead!)
  • Articles can take from 1-5 days, depending on the method of delivery (email and fax are fastest)
  • Closer lending libraries usually fill requests faster than those at greater distances from JCC

Some items are harder to borrow than others, due to some lending libraries’ policies:

  • Videos/DVDs, CDs/audio tapes, and references books, are often not loaned
  • Whole magazines, and popular items, such as best-sellers, are usually not loaned

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How do I order ILL books, articles or other items?

Use the links provided in FirstSearch databases. These are labeled See more details for locating this item or Borrow this item from another library. An online order form will display for you to fill in.

Example of the online form
Example of the online form

Email your requests to the ILL Librarian. For manual orders, use the order cards available at the Reference Desk:

  • Books, dissertations, videos, audiotapes and other single works are ordered on the Green cards
  • Articles and other portions of publications are ordered on the White cards
  • ERIC documents (those with ED identifying numbers) are ordered on the Yellow cards

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Does it cost anything to use ILL?

There is no cost to you to use ILL, except for overdue materials. These are charged at the normal JCC Library rate for overdues, and may be subject to additional fines imposed by the lending library. The ILL Department will never order anything from libraries that charge fees, without your permission.

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How can I speed up the process?

  • We process all requests in the order in which we receive them.
  • Fill in any forms as completely as possible.
    • When using order cards, include any numbers such as ISBNs, ISSNs, or ED__ numbers.
    • Do not guess at abbreviated magazine titles; if your source does not include the spelled-out title, include only what is shown.
    • Include the source of your citation with your request; this will be helpful if we need to do further checking.
  • Arrange to pick up articles at the Library instead of having us mail them; we will call you when they arrive if you request this.
  • Include your email address, if you have one. We will use it as our first method of communication.
  • Be sure that the item you need is not already available in the Library.

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How will I be notified when my order comes in?

  • For books, DVDs/videos, CDs/audiotapes- we will email or call you to pick up your order. If we cannot reach you by email or phone, we will mail a pick-up notice.
  • For magazine articles- we will mail them to your address, unless you specify that we call to have you pick it up.

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Where do I get my ordered items?

All items to be picked up will be held at the Circulation Desk. If you have received a mailed notice, please bring it with you.

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How long may I keep ILL items?

The length of time an item may be kept checked out is determined by the lending library, not by JCC Library. Please honor the date specified in your item. Request needed items as far in advance as you can. If you need to renew an item, please request this before the due date. You will be notified if the lending library has refused renewal, so that the item may be returned ASAP to them. Most articles do not need to be returned; copies are yours to keep.

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Are fines charged on overdue ILL items?

  • Late return of ILL items jeopardizes our ability to borrow for you in the future.
  • Fines are charged at the regular JCC Library rates for any overdue ILL items.
  • If ILL items are lost, you will be liable for the lending library’s charge. This may be greater than the charge for lost JCC Library items.

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Are there any restrictions or limitations?

Lending libraries determine the conditions regarding the use of their material. Limitations such as “For use in Library only” or “Copying not Permitted” must be honored.

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Atkinson Library, JCC, 2111 Emmons Road - Jackson, Michigan 49201-8399 - Phone: (517)796-8622