COLLECTIONS: Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery

What is interlibrary loan (ILL)?
Interlibrary loan is a service through which you have access to material not owned by Stony Brook University Libraries.

What is ILLiad?
ILLiad is the online system used to request material through interlibrary loan.  ILLiad is an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database.

Who can use ILL services?
Interlibrary loan services are offered to current Stony Brook University students, faculty and staff.  

Is there a charge for interlibrary loan?
Stony Brook University Libraries does not charge for interlibrary loan.

How do I place an interlibrary loan request?
You can place a request using ILLiad.  Log in to your ILLiad account using your NetID and password. Enter the citation information and submit. 

How long will it take for the requested item to arrive?
Generally, it takes 1-2 days for requests that can be filled digitally and 7-10 days for physical material to arrive.  Depending on the type of material requested and the availability, it may take longer.

Where can I pick up my material?
Our pick up options are the North Reading Room in the Melville Library, the Health Sciences Library, and the Southampton Library. Students in distance learning programs may be eligible to have books mailed to their home address. If you are in a distance learning program and would like to have interlibrary loan materials mailed to your home address, please email ill@stonybrook.edu.

How will I  know when items are available?
You will receive an automated email when your material is ready to view or pick up. It's important to be sure your email address is accurate in your ILLiad account.  Stony Brook University students, faculty and staff must use an SBU email address as the email of record.

How long is the loan period?
The length of the loan is determined by the lending library.  Most loans can be borrowed for 8 weeks, but libraries can vary drastically in their policies. All loans can be shortened if the lending library recalls the item. 

Can material be renewed?
Requests for renewal can be submitted through ILLiad or by contacting the ILL department.  Note: The decision to allow the renewal lies with the lending library, not with the ILL department.  Check your ILLiad account to see if your request has been approved and what the new due date is.  Do not assume that because you requested a renewal, it will be granted.

How can I view the articles/book chapters I've requested online?
Once you have received notification that the material has arrived, log in to your ILLiad account.  Click on Electronically Received Articles from the menu on the left side of the screen.  Save or print your electronically received articles because they are available for only 30 days.

What happens if I lose or damage an interlibrary loan item?
If you lose or damage an item you have borrowed, you may be responsible for the repair or replacement of that item.  The lending library will send a bill which will then be added to your account.  ILL borrowing privileges will be suspended until the balance has been paid.

Is there a limit to how many items I can request?
The number of active interlibrary loan requests will depend on patron status.  ILL requests in excess of the stated limit will not be filled until borrowed material is returned.  Please plan accordingly. Please speak to Interlibrary Loan department staff if you require special consideration regarding these limits.

• Faculty: 100
• Graduate students: 50
• Undergraduate students and staff: 20

Patrons are asked to submit no more than 10 ILL requests a day. 

If you have a large number of ILL or Document Delivery requests to submit, please contact the Interlibrary Loan department to discuss your needs and any copyright considerations.

How do I reach the Interlibrary Loan offices?
You can reach the ILL office at the Melville Library at 631.632.7133 or at ill@stonybrook.edu.

Is it possible to let someone else use my interlibrary loan account?
No.  Interlibrary loan services are for Stony Brook University students, faculty and staff.  Misuse of the account will result in loss of privileges.