Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows students, staff, and faculty to borrow books, articles, and other materials from other libraries if Cowles Library doesn't have them. Place a request and library staff will find and borrow the item, giving users free access to a wider range of academic resources to support their studies.

Eligible Interlibrary Loan Users

Eligible users of Cowles Library interlibrary loan services include:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students
• Faculty and Emeritus Faculty
• Staff and Retired Staff

Faculty, staff and students associated with the Drake Law School should visit the Drake Law Interlibrary Loan page for ILL services.

Other patrons are encouraged to contact their local public library for interlibrary loan services.

Using Your Interlibrary Loan Account

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

Loan Periods and Restrictions

Due dates are set by the lending library.

The book band/sticker placed on your item provides the needed information. When picking up your item at the Information Desk, please check the paper band/sticker on the item and note the due date. Please do not remove any stickers or paperwork from the book.

Renewals

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

The lending library determines the due date and whether items may be renewed. Library staff will notify users if their request is denied, and they will need to return the item by the original due date. They may then place another ILL request for the same item, and library staff will attempt to borrow it from another library.

ILL User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for taking care of all the material you borrow. If material is damaged or lost, users must pay for repair, replacement and/or processing fees as determined by the lending library.  Users are prohibited from writing/highlighting the requested materials.

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

What Can Be Requested?

• Books and Book chapters
• Journal articles
• Music scores
• Theses and dissertations
• Media (Blu Rays, DVDs, CDs, etc.)

Time Required

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

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

Users can help speed up the process by ensuring that their ILL request is completely and accurately filled out.

If users have a short deadline, please email the ILL office directly at cowles-ill@drake.edu.

Returning ILL Items

Please return all ILL items directly to the Information Desk or the book drop outside of the library's north entrance.