Interlibrary Loan

New ILL Interface

In 2022, Interlibrary Loan pages got a new look. The new interface uses Drake SSO, so you log in to view and retrieve your ILL requests with your Drake email address and password. More about using the new ILL interface.

Eligible Interlibrary Loan Users

For users to be eligible for using the interlibrary loan services at Cowles Library Drake University, they must be in one of the following groups:

  • Currently enrolled student (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Faculty (full time or part time)
  • Staff
  • Emeritus faculty
  • Retired staff

Those not eligible for interlibrary loan services are:

  • Alumni
  • Community users
  • Drake Law School faculty and staff *
  • Currently enrolled Drake Law School students*

*The Drake Law School Library has its own staff to handle interlibrary loan services for their faculty, staff, and students.

Non-Drake users are encouraged to contact their local public library for interlibrary loan services.

Using your Interlibrary Loan Account

Visit our Using ILL page for information about your ILL account and placing ILL requests.

Loan Periods and Restrictions

Due dates are set by the lending library. The book band placed on your item provides the needed information. When picking up your item at the Information Desk, please check the paper band on the item and note the due date. Please do not remove the paper band.

Some libraries allow longer lending periods and may not allow renewals.

Renewals

ILL renewals may be placed through the Interlibrary Loan system or by contacting the ILL office. (cowles-ill@drake.edu)

You have a 5-day window (3 days before and 2 days after the due date) to request a renewal. The lending library determines the due date and whether or not items may be renewed. We will notify you if your request is denied, and you will need to return the item by the original due date. You may then place another ILL request for the same item and we will attempt to borrow it from another library.

ILL User Responsibilities

You are responsible as an ILL user for taking good care of all the material you borrow. Your responsibility starts at the time you sign for the item at the Information Desk until the item is returned. If material is damaged or lost, you must pay for repair, replacement and/or processing fees to the lending library.

If a lending library recalls an item, you should return it immediately.

What Can Be Requested?

  • Books
  • Journal Articles
  • Book Chapters
  • Music Scores
  • Theses and Dissertations
  • Media Materials (Blu Rays, DVDs, CDs, etc.)

Media requests often take longer and are difficult to obtain. Many lending libraries do not loan Media.

Time Required

The time required to receive requested material can vary from a few days to several weeks. Once a request has been processed and forwarded to a lender, the speed of delivery is out of our hands. There are many variables that affect the prompt delivery of your request, including the type of delivery service, hardware and software malfunctions, holidays, staff shortages or illnesses, and non-circulating status.

We try to select lenders that are prompt, accurate, and geographically close to Drake University, but sometimes this is not possible.

You can speed the process up for us by ensuring that your ILL request is completely and accurately filled out.

If you have a short deadline, please contact the ILL office directly via email (cowles-ill@drake.edu).

Returning ILL Items

Please return all ILL items directly to the Information Desk, NOT the outside book drop.

Be sure the ILL band has not been removed from the item. Materials are processed by the ILL staff from the lending libraries and bands placed on each item. The bands help staff distinguish ILL items from Cowles Library material. If bands are removed, ILL items could be lost or inadvertently mixed into the Cowles collection.

Cancelled Requests

The following are reasons for cancelling an ILL request:

  • Book or media (available in the Cowles or Law Library collection check the electronic catalog)
  • Periodical (available in Cowles or Law Library collection in print or electronic check the Journals list)
  • Duplicate request submitted by you.
  • Non-circulating material at lending library
  • Book too new for lending
  • Article too new and not yet published in the journal

If one of your requests is cancelled, one of the above reasons may be given in an email from the ILL office. Please read the email carefully. Instructions for how to locate an item are sometimes included in the email.

Contact:
Deana Cunningham (515) 271-3993

Laura Krossner (515) 271-2475
cowles-ill@drake.edu

Law students and faculty, please contact law-ill@drake.edu, visit this page or call 271-3759 for interlibrary loan requests.