Skip to Content

Interlibrary Loan

Need a book or article that we don’t have? We can usually get it for you from another library. This is called interlibrary loan (ILL).

How Interlibrary Loan Works

Current Normandale students and employees can make interlibrary loan requests. We then try to find another library that does have that article or book, and borrow it for you. This service is free. Articles will be emailed to you. Books can be picked up at the Circulation Desk.

Two Ways to Place Requests

  1. Use the submit button above to sign in with your StarID, open a blank form, fill it out, and submit it; OR
  2. When there are no options listed in the How to Get It section of a library search page, click "Sign In" on the yellow banner to see the request form. Sign in with your StarID, click "Request from Another Library (ILL)," review the form and submit it.

What to Expect When You Request

Book Requests

Most books are available for pickup at the Circulation Desk within 5 working days. Books coming from libraries outside Minnesota may take longer to arrive.

Log in to your library account to see the status of your requests or ask at the Circulation Desk.

When your book arrives, we will send you a notification email at your Normandale email address. When you receive the notification email, come to the Circulation Desk to pick up your book.

Usually, you can borrow books for 3 weeks. The return date is listed on the paper tucked inside the book. (Keep the paper in the book.)

If you need more time, log in to your library account and renew the item to request a later return date. The other library may (or may not) extend your time.

Return books to the Circulation Desk, and we will send them back to the other library.

If the other library rejects your request, you will get an automated notice. If this happens, contact us for help. A librarian may work with you to identify alternative books or articles or find a different library to borrow from.

Article Requests

Articles will be emailed to you at your Normandale email address usually within 1-5 working days.

Follow the link in the email and use the PIN provided in the email to login and download the article.

Download the article to your computer before your access expires!

If the other library rejects your request, you will get an automated notice. If this happens, contact us for help. A librarian may work with you to identify alternative articles or find a different library to borrow from.

Your Responsibilities

If the other library needs an item back right away, they will send us a recall notice. If this happens, we will email you and ask you to return it immediately.

You are responsible for any lost or damaged material. The other library will determine the costs, fines, fees you will pay.

Some Items Cannot Be Requested

In general, certain kinds of materials are not available through interlibrary loan due to copyright practices or local library policies.

  • Copies of items we already own (exceptions made in certain circumstances)
  • Textbooks for current classes
  • Whole issues or volumes of journals
  • Maps and atlases
  • Reference books like encyclopedias
  • Software
  • Rare, fragile, and "special collection" books

Note to faculty: Items requested through interlibrary loan cannot be put on course reserve.

Questions? Contact us or stop by the Circulation Desk.

upper arrowtop