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Library Services

Interlibrary Loan

UM-Flint students, faculty, and staff can obtain research materials that are not available in the Thompson Library through Get This or through Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad).

Interlibrary Loan is for:

  • Books, dissertations, and microforms not available in Flint or Ann Arbor.
  • Journal articles or book chapters not available in Flint.
Login to ILLiad

After logging in to ILLiad, you will place a request, according to the type of item you need. Options include Article or Book Chapter which results in a digital copy of the article or chapter, Loan (book, microform, AV, etc.) which results in a physical item being sent to the Thompson Library, and Thesis/Dissertation which may result in a digital or physical item.

On the appropriate request screen, you should fill out all fields listed as "Required", but any additional information you give will help to speed up your request.

Before Using Interlibrary Loan

1. Check the Library Catalog (for books) and Journal Finder (for journal and magazine articles) to make sure UM-Flint does not own the material.

2. Please use the Library Catalog's "Search in: All Libraries" function and use Get This for books that Ann Arbor owns. You may request most types of materials: books, photocopies of periodical articles, dissertations, and government documents. Materials that are difficult to obtain include:

  • Periodical volumes less than five years old (try requesting individual articles)
  • Reference books (try requesting individual entries)
  • Audio/visual materials
  • Bulky or fragile items
  • Extremely old books
  • Books on reserve, including textbooks
  • Rare or valuable material such as manuscripts

3. Try searching UBorrow, a lending network of Midwestern and Big 10 universities, to get items quicker and keep them longer.

How to Place Requests (Tutorials)

Watch the following tutorials to see how to place interlibrary loan requests for articles and books. The ILL interface has changed since we recorded these tutorials, updates are in the works!

How Long Does It Take?

Most article requests arrive within two days, and many book and other hardcopy requests arrive within a week or two. It all depends on the rarity of the item you're requesting, the speed of the lending library, and shipping time.

You will receive an email on your UM-Flint account when your materials arrive. You may pick up physical items at the Circulation Desk office by presenting your MCard. A valid picture ID must be shown to pick up materials. Articles can be downloaded from your ILLiad account, but they are only available to download for two weeks.

Loan Periods and Renewals

Loan Periods

The lending institution sets the loan period, according to their own policies. The Thompson Library is unable to check your due date for you. Check the due date on the interlibrary loan label on the book or login to ILLiad for your due date.

Renewals

The Thompson Library cannot grant renewals on interlibrary loans. The lending institution grants or denies renewal requests.

Place a renewal request through ILLiad by selecting "Main page." Then click on the blue transaction number of the item you wish to renew under "Checked Out Items." Click on the red "Renew Request" link at the top of the next screen.

If you receive an error message, a renewal may not be possible, or this item must be renewed by phone: 734-764-8584. Renewal requests can be made only 1 - 5 days prior to the original due date.

If you are unable to renew your item during this time, please contact the Interlibrary Loan office on the Ann Arbor campus.