Interlibrary Loan

Need a book or article, but it isn't in CIIS's collection? There's a solution:

Through Interlibrary Loan, CIIS library patrons can get books, book chapters, journal and magazine articles, and sometimes even DVDs or tapes that would not otherwise be available.

Who has access to Interlibrary Loan?

All current and local students, faculty, and staff of CIIS can use our ILL services. Books and other physical items are sent through the mail for pickup at the CIIS library. Articles and book chapters are scanned and provided electronically via email. E-books generally are not available due to copyright limitations.

How long does it take to receive materials?

Books and physical materials generally take 2 weeks to arrive. Articles and book chapters can be in your inbox in as little as 24 hours.

And can I get anything that's ever been published?

Oh, it's not quite that magical--some items are exceedingly rare, and libraries have their limitations on what they'll lend out. That said, you're still more likely than not to receive what you're looking for.

You said "local" students; what about distance students?

The logistics of ILL are such that distance students can only request articles and book chapters via ILL, not print books (or E-books, as noted above). Students who live outside the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties) are considered distance students. 

Sounds like there are limitations. Is this still worth using if I'm a distance student?

Yes! Articles and book chapters make up an enormous body of material. Many dissertations are built off of interlibrary loan.

Okay! How do I put in a request?

Check out our step-by-step tutorials.