COVID-19 Service Changes
We are currently available for e-resource requests such as PDFs of papers, articles, and chapters. E-books are often difficult to obtain but we will do our best to find one. Visit our FAQ to learn more.
Physical items, such as DVDs and print books, and scans of UConn-owned print materials are not available at this time. Please keep any physical materials you have currently checked out until further notice. We have extended all due dates and waived fines and fees for these items.
If you have a question regarding your requests please contact udoc@uconn.edu.
Getting Started
Requesting Items
Tracking Requests
Returning & Renewing Items
Who can use Interlibrary Services?
UConn faculty, staff, currently enrolled students and visiting scholars with an active Library account, UConn NetID and UConn email address. No other email addresses are supported. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact us.
Create your ILLiad account
Before placing a request, the first time you visit MyILLiad you will be asked to complete your MyILLiad profile.
Is there a charge to use the service?
Our goal is to support academic research, learning, and professional development so there is no cost to you. We ask for your discretion when placing requests because requests come with a cost to the University.
How do I request an article or chapter?
Search for and request your item in UConn WorldCat or our subject databases. Choose 'Request a PDF'. You may also enter the information manually into the 'Article' or 'Book Chapter' forms in your My ILLiad account. Please provide complete citation information to prevent any delays.
How can I request an e-book?
You can request e-books via Interlibrary Services by following the directions for print books. Note: not every print book has an e-book version and it is a service not often provided by other lending libraries.
How can I borrow a book, DVD, VHS, CD, music score, or other material?
Search for and request your item in UConn WorldCat. WorldCat is a catalog of 1.5 billion items held at more than 10,000 libraries.
Find the item you want and choose "Request Item" under "Libraries Worldwide":
Find the item you want and choose "Request Item" under "Libraries Worldwide":
How will I know when my requested item is available?
You will receive an email notification to your UConn email address when your item is ready online or for pick up. Please do not contact the lenders directly.
Can someone pick up my request for me?
Faculty and staff may allow students to check out materials on their behalf through registration as a Proxy Patron.
How long does it take to get something?
Most PDFs arrive in less than one day and most physical items come within 2-7 business days. Items that are difficult to obtain can take longer to arrive. To ensure a quick turnaround, please fill out as much of the citation as possible, including the ISSN/ISBN field. Altering the form’s citation fields to indicate “rush” will slow it down.
Is there a limit to how many things I can request?
There are no limits to requests however, we reserve the right to limit how many we can process per day. Large numbers of requests may be processed over several days.
Are there materials that aren't available through Interlibrary Services?
Materials that are generally not available through this service include:
Reference materials, Unpublished manuscripts, Rare, older, or fragile materials, Entire issues or volumes of journals, Educational kits, Psychological tests, Genealogical materials.
Some materials are difficult to obtain but we will do our best to find them.
What are the Interlibrary Loan Usage Guidelines?
ILLiad materials are for your personal use only, are not transferable, and may not be used for course reserves or distribution. For copyright and fair use guidelines, please see our Copyright page. Requests for materials for non-academic purposes should be placed with your local public library or a commercial service.
How do I track my requests?
Log into your My ILLiad account and your requests will be listed under Your Pending Requests. If you have requested an item and it is not on the list, contact us with the item information.
How do I see my previous requests?
To help ensure your privacy, the system retains only a limited number of requests. To view your past requests, log into your My ILLiad account and choose the 'All Requests' option from the left-hand menu. If it is not in the list, you can enter a keyword into the search box on the top right-hand side of the screen.
How do I cancel a request?
Please contact us with the item information including the title and the ILLiad transaction number (TN).
Where to I return my materials?
Return your items to any UConn Library location with the exception of UConn Health or Law libraries.
How do I renew my materials?
Renewals are at the discretion of the lending library. To request a renewal, login into MyILLiad account and locate the item in the 'Checked Out Items' section. Select the item and then select 'Renew Request' at the top. If the institution does not allow for a renewal or if you have already requested a renewal, you will not be given the option to renew. If you still require the item, choose 'Clone Request' to initiate a new request for the item. You will need to return the one you currently have. You will receive an email to the status of your request.
What happens if I have overdue, lost, or damaged ILLiad materials?
You are responsible for the ILLiad materials that you receive. If items are lost or damaged while in your possession, you will be billed through the Bursar’s Office for repair, replacement, or processing fees assessed by the lending library. Once an invoice has been paid to the lending library, your fines cannot be waived.