ILL Frequently Asked Questions

Interlibrary Loan allows members of the JMU community to request items not available in JMU Libraries' collections.

Electronic Items

ILL can provide scanned copies of journals articles, book chapters, and reports.

• Delivery Time: Typically 1-3 business days.
• Access: Items are delivered electronically to your ILL account

Physical Items

ILL can borrow books, microforms, audiovisual items, theses/dissertations, music scores and other physical items from partner libraries.

• Delivery Time: Typically 4-8 business days (longer for items traveling from more distant libraries).
• Loan Conditions: The lending library determines the load period, renewal options, and any use restrictions.

You can select your preferred pick-up or delivery location on your ILL Account Settings page.

Library Pick-up Locations

• Carrier Library: Ask the Library Desk
• Rose Library: Ask the Library Desk
• Music Library in Music Building Room B59: Main Desk
• Educational Technology Media Center (ETMC) in Memorial Hall Room 7260: Main Desk

Delivery Options

• Deptartmental (MSC) Delivery: Available to faculty, staff, and doctoral students.
  Your Mail Stop Code (MSC) should be included in the Address section on your ILL Account Settings page.
• Distance Learner Delivery: Available to patrons who qualify as Distance Learners.
  Materials are shipped to you home address as listed on your ILL Account Settings page.

Email reminders are sent when an Interlibrary Loan item becomes overdue.

• If an item is overdue by 7 days, your ILL privileges will be temporarily suspended.
• Failure to contact ILL staff after your account is suspended will result in a charge of $110 per item plus a non-refundable $15 processing fee per item, billed on the next business day.

If you are unable to return an item, please contact the ILL Borrowing staff promptly at interlib@jmu.edu.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a subsidized service for JMU students, faculty, and staff. JMU Libraries covers borrowing or acquisition costs up to $45 per item.

If the cost exceeds the $45 limit, you are responsible for the additional amount. ILL staff will contact you for approval before placing any order that exceeds the limit.

JMU students, faculty, and staff may submit an unlimited number of ILL requests. However, during periods of high demand, some requests may be temporarily delayed. All requests are processed as staff time permits.

ILL staff reserve the right to refer complex or extensive requests to a liaison librarian for assistance in locating items within JMU Libraries' collections.