The University of Kansas Libraries

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Borrowing from KU Libraries by Other, Non-KU Libraries

 


How can we place an interlibrary loan request to borrow KU materials?

  • We prefer to receive requests through OCLC, Rapid and KICNET.
    • Our OCLC symbol is KKU.

  • We will also accept requests via:
    • Fax: (785) 864-3855
    • Email: ILLLend@ku.edu
    • U.S. Postal Service:
      • Interlibrary Loan Watson Library, 1425 Jayhawk Blvd, Rm 210L, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045-7544, USA

  • We appreciate your calling ahead regarding RUSH requests, but we require that you submit the request via OCLC, fax or email.

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When is Interlibrary Loan Lending (ILL) open?

  • ILL is open to operate requests from 8:00am to 5:00pm CST/CDT Monday through Friday.

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I am not affiliated with a library, can you send me an item I have located in your catalog?

  • No, you should go to your local public or academic library and ask about interlibrary loan.
    • The University of Kansas Libraries fills interlibrary loan requests from other libraries but not from individuals.
    • If you want a loan or a copy you can request the item through YOUR library's interlibrary loan department.

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What are your policies regarding reciprocal agreements and the payment of fees?

  • The University of Kansas participates in several ILL groups and a few reciprocal agreements for free ILL.

  • Fees are waived for ILL requests if they come from:
    • Kansas libraries (except where noted)
    • Greater Western Library Alliance libraries who participate in GWLA ILL
    • Libraries with which we have reciprocal lending agreements

  • Loan/Copies Fees:
    • Basic charge (item typically sent within 4 working days):
      • OCLC IFM users: $15
      • Others: $18

    • Loan Delivery Options:
      • Library rate - No additional fee
      • 1st class - $5 surcharge
      • UPS or Fed Ex ground - $5 surcharge if we use our account. No surcharge if you supply your account number.
      • Airmail - Approximate postage costs will be added.

    • Copies Delivery Options:
      • Ariel
      • Odyssey
      • 1st Class
      • Fax
      • Airmail
      • Email

    • We currently do not use UPS or FedEx for international shipments. We will however use Priority Airmail for items over 4 pounds.

    • Rush surcharge: $12 (item sent within 24 hours)

    • Per the National Interlibrary Loan Code all libraries are liable for any damage or lost loans from the point the loan leaves our library. Damage charges are billed at what it will cost us to repair. Replacement costs are set at the replacement cost, determined by a bibliographer, plus a $20 service fee.

  • We accept payments by:
    • OCLC IFM (preferred)
    • Checks
    • Credit Card - Visa or Mastercard only
    • Postal Coupons
    • IFLA Vouchers

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How long does it take?

  • ILL staff retrieves materials at the main library and seven branches on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses daily.

    • Materials generally leave the ILL Office for the Mail Room by the request's second day.
    • If possible, copies are sent via Ariel or Odyssey, also by the second day.
    • Books are shipped in the US by:
      • U.S. Mail - library book rate or first class (with a surcharge)
      • UPS
      • FedEx
    • Materials for overseas libraries are shipped by airmail with a surcharge and the expectation that they will be returned via airmail.

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Do you provide a rush service?

  • Yes, staff and workload permitting. There is a $12 surcharge for this service.

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How long is the loan period?

  • The long-term loan period is 56 days with no renewal. Short-term loan period is 7-14 days with no renewal.

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How can I tell if you have an item and it is available for lending on ILL?

  • An OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) number uniquely identifies records in OCLC WorldCat, a world-wide online catalog available in KU Library Online Databases. If you search and find what you need in WorldCat, note the Accession Number at the bottom of the Detailed Record display as the OCLC number to include in your request that allows Interlibrary Loan staff to verify the exact title you need. WorldCat lists libraries that own the material, but you do not need to provide this information in your request.

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What materials may or may not be loaned?

  • Please check our online library catalog for information on our holdings and the circulation status of materials.

    • The following materials may be loaned:
      • Microfiche and microfilm
      • Theses and dissertations if we have a second copy
      • Music scores
      • CDs
      • Books
      • Maps after 1964
      • Documents
      • CD Roms
      • DVDs & VHSs
      • Bound or unbound journals

    • The following materials may NOT be loaned:
      • LPs
      • Maps before 1964
      • Reference materials
      • Archival materials
      • Art oversize books
      • Art journals
      • Materials on Reserve

    • Other reasons why an item may not be loaned:
      • Materials that normally circulate for two weeks or less.
      • Materials already on loan to a KU patron.
      • Materials from a specific location such as:
        • KU Wheat Law Library. The KU Wheat Law Library has a separate interlibrary loan operation (OCLC symbol: KFL).
        • KU Dykes Medical Library. The KU Dykes Medical Library (OCLC symbol: KKP) has a separate interlibrary loan operation. Go to KU Medical Interlibrary Loan if you are affiliated with KU Medical Center.
        • Kenneth Spencer Research Library. Requests for the copying of material may be sent to us (OCLC Symbol: KKU) for handling or you may contact the Spencer Library's Reader Services Department directly or visit their website http://spencer.lib.ku.edu.
        • University Archives
        • Regional History and Rare Books and Manuscripts Library (OCLC symbol: KFS)

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