Answered By: Interlibrary Loan Librarian
Last Updated: Mar 05, 2024     Views: 112

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

  • Did you find an article or book you like, but it's not in the Air University Library collection? That's what ILL is for! AU Library will request your item from other lending library to get it to you as soon as possible, and free of charge! Log in to your ILL account or create a new account here!

Where are electronically delivered articles and book chapters located?

  • You can find any electronically delivered journal articles and eBook chapters in your Tipasa account "Electronically Received Articles" page inside your Tipasa account.

I am an Air University distant student/Air Force Fellow. Can I request a print book?

  • At the present time Air University Library can support our non-resident students with electronic items only. Contact your local library to see if they offer Interlibrary Loan services.

How soon will my ILL request arrive?

  • We strive to place your ILL request within 3 days of your submission. After that it depends on the lending library's processes, but we often expect print books to arrive between 5 to 10 business days. Journal articles are most often delivered to you electronically and arrive between 3 to 7 days after our request.  

Where do I pickup and return my ILL items?

  • Pick up and return your ILL requests at the Air University Library Circulation Desk.

Can I request conference proceeding papers, dissertations and thesis papers?

  • Special type of items, such as conference proceedings, conference papers and dissertations are often not able to be requested via ILL due to how these type of materials are managed by their copyright owners. However, if the proceedings, paper or dissertation/thesis is owned by another library and is located in OCLC Worldcat, we can ask to borrow it. 

How do I know when my ILL request has arrived?

  • You will receive an email when your item(s) arrives. You may also log into your ILL account to check the status of your request(s). Non-electronic items are held for you to pick-up at the Air University Library circulation desk. When articles and books chapters are delivered in PDF format, please check your ILL account.

Can I request eBooks?

  • eBooks are not able to be lent via ILL due to restrictions that publishers place on those type of items. However, we can usually request eBook chapters.

How do I check on the status of my ILL request?

  • To check the current status of your requests, click “Outstanding Requests” on the “View” menu on the left side of the screen. The “Status” box displays the current status of your request.
  • Common request statuses include:
    • Awaiting Request Processing: Your request is awaiting processing by ILL staff.  We will search for potential lending libraries and send the request to them.
    • Cancelled by ILL Staff: This request was cancelled, and you should have received an email notification with a reason for the cancellation.  If you did not see the email, you can view a copy by logging in to your ILL account and clicking "Notifications" in the left menu.
    • Customer Notified via E-Mail: The item you requested has arrived, and it is ready for pickup in the ILL Office.
    • Delivered to Web: The requested document has been posted to your account for download or viewing.
    • Request Sent to Potential Lending Libraries: The request has been sent to potential lending libraries, and the ILL Office is waiting for a reply.
    • Request Finished: This request is no longer active; it has either been fulfilled or cancelled.
  • For additional information about the status of your requests, please contact the ILL Office.

What does an ILL request cost?

  • No cost. Air University Library covers any fees charged by our lending partners. 

Can I renew ILL items?

  • It is not always possible for us to renew ILL items.  We can ask the lending library to renew items but they are not obligated to grant extensions.  

How long are PDF files available on the ILL server?

  • 30 days. Most journal article and book chapters are delivered to you in electronic PDF format. When you receive an email that your ILL article is available, follow the emailed link to log into your ILL account and look for the PDF under Electronically Received Articles. 

For more information, Ask Us! or call the ILL office at 334-953-7223.  

Contact Us

Air University Library
600 Chennault Circle,
Building 1405
Maxwell AFB, 36112