What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a system that lets you get access to materials that our library does not own.
<Who can request ILLs?
Only currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff at Northfield Mount Hermon are eligible to use NMH's interlibrary loan service. Others may wish to contact a local public library to inquire about their services.
<What can I request via ILL?
You can request to borrow books or DVDs from other libraries or to receive scanned copies of articles or book chapters.
When will my ILL request arrive?
This depends upon a number of factors. Books and DVDs usually arrive within 1-2 weeks. Scanned copies usually arrive within 1-3 days. The library will always notify you when your request arrives. If you'd like to check on the status of your request, please email ill@nmhschool.org.
How long can I keep my ILL?
Scanned articles and chapters are yours to keep. The loan period for books and DVDs is determined by the lending library. When we notify you that your request has arrived, we will let you know when it is due back.
Are there things I can't request via ILL?
You may not request textbooks via ILL. We will attempt to borrow DVDs, dissertations, or new books for you, but those can be difficult to obtain. We can request only a limited number of articles from any one journal title in a given year.
Does ILL cost anything?
The library covers all costs associated with ILL except in the unusual event that the only library that will lend us an item charges a fee for it. If this happens, we will contact you to see whether you are willing to pay this fee. We always try to get items from libraries that lend for free first.
When can I request ILLs?
Interlibrary loan requests are processed when school is in session. We will stop processing book and DVD requests a few weeks before the end of the semester. During breaks, you can submit ILL requests, but they may not be processed until classes resume.
Questions about ILL? Email us at: ill@nmhschool.org