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New to HSL? Quick Tips: Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Quick tips to get you started using library space, services and resources.

Created by Health Science Librarians

Register for an ILL Account

Go the the ILL web page and register for an Interlibrary Loan account now.

Then, when you need to use ILL, you will be all set to go.
There is no charge for ILL services.

Requesting Articles

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When the Find @ UNC button leads you to a page informing you that "this article is not available in our online subscriptions", use the "Search CrossRef" link to see if it is freely available online.

If you do not find the full-text via CrossRef then use the options under "Still Need Help?"

  • Step 1: Click  the "by title" link to see if the Libraries own a print copy of the journal. If it is available in print, you will have the article more quickly if you go to the library and scan or copy it yourself.
  • Step 2: Links you to a page where you can log in to your ILL account. It will then populate the ILL form with the information about the article. You can request either articles from journals that we have in print or articles from journals that we don't have. You do not need to know who does own the journal. You will receive an email notification when your ILL request is filled. Articles get delivered electronically, generally within 2-3 business days.

Requesting Books & Placing a Hold on a Checked- Out Book

When you cannot find the book you need in the UNC-CH Libraries Catalog:

You will receive an email when the book is ready for pick-up at the HSL.

When the book you want in the UNC-CH Libraries Catalog is checked out to someone else, you will see the date when it is due to be returned, just below the icon for a little truck.

Catalog Record for a Checked Out Book

Click on the Request link above the Due date to log in and send the book information to your ILL account.

Interlibrary Loan Form Options

On the ILL request form, click on the drop down options next to “If UNC copy is unavailable”

Select whether you want to:

  • Place hold on UNC Copy

You will need to wait for the person who has the book to return it. If the current borrower just checked the book out, she will be able to keep the book until the due date. If she has already renewed the book, it will be recalled. The due date will be no more than two weeks from when you made the request.

  • Order from outside library

Loans from outside libraries may only be for a short period of time, depending on the policies of the lending library.

You will receive an email when the book is ready for pick-up at the HSL.