How ILL Requesting Works

Students, staff, faculty, and alumni are able to place Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests for items that the UA Library does not hold, at no charge.

How do I place a request?
Use the requesting option in the Library Search or library databases when you locate a citation without access to the full item. If you find the citation elsewhere, you can use the blank form. As we make use of automated processes, complete and accurate information will make it faster to fulfill your requests.

What happens after I make a request?
You’ll get an email with a Request ID (starts with 01UOA). Use this if you need to ask us about your request.

How are requests filled?
The system checks the details you entered (ISBN/ISSN is key!). If there’s a match, it goes directly to a library that can send the book or upload the article.

What if there’s no match?
An ILL staff member will review and fix your request before sending it to more libraries.

What if no Canadian library has the book?
We’ll search internationally. For undergrads, we’ll check with you first. If the item is inexpensive, we may just buy it.

How will I get my item?

• Books: pick up at your chosen location.
• Articles: usually emailed as a link or available in your ILL account.

Where do I view the status of my request?
You can view your request status in the My Account section of the Library Search (you must log in!).

When do I contact ILL staff for information on my request?
Contact us for an update on your request if you have not heard anything from us after two weeks of submitting your request.