If you need a book or journal article the LCU Library does not own, an interlibrary loan service (ILL) is available to borrow items from other libraries. The process is very simple!  Before requesting ILL, check the LCU Library catalog and full-text databases as well as Texas Tech and Lubbock Public Library for local holdings.

What may be borrowed? Books and journal articles.
Libraries usually do not lend rare books, current best sellers, microforms, reference books or dissertations. Libraries as a rule do not loan journal issues; copies of articles are mailed.

Who may use the service? Any current LCU student, faculty or full-time staff member.  Distance students (outside Lubbock county) may contact their local public library for ILL at that location as well.

Where/How do I request ILL? 

• In person at the circulation desk or the Library's Administrative Assistant.  
• Via email ILL@lcu.edu - include your name, ID# & address with your request.
• Printout and complete the attached form to mail or return in person.
• Email link is also in the First Search databases (click the ILL button on toolbar). 

ILL requests are processed Monday thru Thursday 8am-5pm and Friday 8am-noon.
Contact: 806-720-7328 or holly.matthews@lcu.edu for questions.

Must you provide the complete citation?
YES! Without complete information your request may be delayed or cancelled.
For books: author, title, publisher, date, and ISBN.
For articles: author & title of the article, full journal title, volume, date, & page numbers (ISSN or OCLC # is also helpful). 

May you use abbreviations on the request? NO!
Abbreviations for journal titles often result in a delay or rejected request. 
Complete information is essential for effective service.

How long does it take? Response time varies depending on the lending library.
Requests may be filled in 3 days to 3 weeks  Please allow time for the transaction.  Lenght of the loan is set by the lending library.

What does it cost? Most requests are free, but some may be a cost up to $20.  
Costs associated with a request are set by the lending library and are the patron's responsibility.

How will I know when materials have arrived?
You are notified by phone or email.

Where do I return books? Any book borrowed through an LCU ILL transaction should be returned to the LCU circulation desk or Administrative Assistant. Copies of articles are yours to keep.

Copyright law: All requests must comply with the federal copyright law. 
LCU Library keeps track of the number of requests per journal title to insure coyright laws are observed. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research.”
If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse a copying order if in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the Copyright Law.

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