What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a service that allows you to borrow books, journal articles, movies, and more from participating libraries worldwide. Simply request an item and we will try to find it for you! Patrons may only request one currently-used textbook within a six-month period. No textbook renewals will be granted.

Who can submit an ILL request?

Anyone associated with Bellevue University can request items through ILL, including current students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community users.

How do I submit a request?

Click the ‘Submit Request’ button at the top of the page and fill out our short request form.

How long does it take to receive a request?

Requests are usually processed within 24 hours, though they will not be entered into the system during weekends or holidays until normal work hours have resumed; please plan for this delay in requests accordingly. Most ILL items are received within 3-7 business days, subject to availability, though items such as books or movies sent through the mail will take longer.

How long can I borrow a loaned item?

The due date of an ILL item is determined by the lending library, and is generally three to four weeks. Each item will have a sleeve placed on the front cover giving the due date. Please keep this on the book and return it to the library by the date indicated. Usually a scanned copy need not be returned. Lending libraries may place restrictions on the use of any loaned item and may request that the item be returned prior to its due date.

Can I renew a loaned item?

Yes, unless the lending library has designated the material as non-renewable. Renewal requests should be made at least four days prior to the due date. There is a limit of two renewal requests for non-textbook items. To request a renewal, contact Allison Schafer, Resource Sharing/Circulation Specialist, at allison.schafer@bellevue.edu

What happens if I damage or lose a loaned item?

Patrons take full responsibility for the materials borrowed for them. If materials are lost or damaged, the patron will be billed at the rate set by the lending library.

What happens if I return an item late?

Patrons are liable for all overdue fees charged by the lending library. If an ILL item is late, patrons will be contacted one week after the due date. When material is five weeks overdue, the Student Accounts office will be notified to charge the patrons account for the replacement cost of each item. Repeated delinquencies could result in discontinuation of ILL service.

How long will items be held?

Unclaimed ILL materials will be held until three days before the due date listed on the sleeve, then it will be returned to the lending library. The patron will be responsible for all fees associated with the loan.

Are there any additional fees?

Occasionally, the lending library will impose an additional charge. Bellevue University Library will absorb the cost up to $10.00; however, anything beyond this amount is the responsibility of the patron. If such a fee is necessary, the patron will be contacted and given an estimate of the cost to receive their requested item or the option to cancel the request before the patron is charged, however. An exception to this is any cost associated with a thesis or textbook; this cost will be the sole responsibility of the patron.

What if I need the item by a certain date?

Requests are usually processed within 24 hours, though they will not be entered into the system during weekends or holidays until normal work hours have resumed; please plan for this delay in requests accordingly. ILL requests should be submitted with a reasonable “Need by Date.” The ILL department has no control on the delivery of the material. Therefore, if the “Need by Date” has passed the patron is still responsible for the cost of the ILL.

Can I cancel a loan?

Interlibrary loan requests cannot be canceled once the item has been shipped to us; the patron is responsible for the ILL fee even if they no longer want the item.

How does document delivery work?

For a small fee, we will ship Bellevue University library materials to your home address or business address.

Who can use this service?

Document delivery is only available to current Bellevue University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community users.

How do I submit a request?

Click the ‘Submit Request’ button at the top of the page and fill out a short form. Requests can also be submitted via phone, e-mail, or the 24/7 Librarian chat service. Please include your name, BRUIN ID, e-mail, requested materials, and mailing address.

What can be delivered?

Any book, journal article, DVD, audio book, or interlibrary loan item can be sent through document delivery.

How long can I borrow an item?

• DVDs – 7 days initially; these may be renewed once for an additional  7 day loan period
• Audiobooks – 21 days initially; these may be renewed once for an additional 21 day loan period
• Bellevue University Library books for students, alumni, and community users – 21 days (may be renewed twice)
• Bellevue University Library books for online students or those who attend at a satellite location – 28 days (may be renewed twice)
• Bellevue University Library books for current staff and faculty – 60 days
• ILL books or media – loan period determined by the lending library; usually 21-30 days

How do I return delivered items?

Materials may be returned to the Bellevue University library in person, placed in the library’s book drops located by the front door and inside the back door, or sent to the address below at least three business days before the material is due. If mailed, a shipping service with tracking is required, as patrons will be billed for any items lost in the mail that need to be replaced.

Bellevue University Library
Attn: Outreach Services
1000 Galvin Road South
Bellevue, NE 68005