Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

When the UNCG Libraries do not have what UNCG students, faculty and staff members need, they may request that the Interlibrary Loan office borrow it free of charge from libraries worldwide. ILL is only one of the Libraries’ delivery services. Please note: ILL does not typically borrow textbooks.

Place an ILL Request

UNCG faculty, students and employees who cannot visit campus can request that print materials borrowed through ILL be shipped to their remote address. To request this service, please do so in the Notes field of the ILL request form and provide your current mailing address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the loan period for ILL material(s)?

The loan period can be found on the blue band attached to each ILL item. The loan period is set by the lending library and is typically about 6-8 weeks for print materials and about 2-3 weeks for audio-visual materials.

How long will it take for my material to arrive?

Due to the large volume of requests the ILL office receives daily, the timeline for delivery often varies. We typically acquire print materials in about 1-2 weeks and digital materials in about 1 week. In both cases, it may take more or less time depending on how rare the material is and how quickly materials can be delivered to Jackson Library.

How do I submit an ILL request?

There are two ways in which you can submit an ILL request:

  • Locate the item in the University Libraries Catalog. Pay close attention to the format of the material being requested. Under Availability, click on Request Item through Interlibrary Loan. You must log into your ILL account, and a pre-filled form will load. You should add any pertinent notes and click Submit Request.
  • Begin by logging in to your ILL account. Under New Request, select the material format you are seeking (i.e., book, article, CD, etc.). Enter as much citation information as possible, then simply click Submit Request.

How do I renew my ILL material(s)?

Renewals are approved or denied at the discretion of the lending library. To submit a renewal request:

  • Log in to the ILL Request webpage.
  • Click on Checked Out Items.
  • Click on the Transaction Number (TN) for the item you would like to renew.
  • Click on Request Renewal.
* If the blue band on the ILL item is stamped “No Renewals,” the lending library will not renew the item.

What if I still need my ILL item but the blue band is marked "No Renewals"?

We encourage patrons to submit a second request online about 1-2 weeks before the due date of the original item. This will allow the ILL Office to locate and acquire a second copy, which should arrive around the time that the original item is due. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Log in to the ILL Request webpage.
  • Click on Checked Out Items.
  • Click on the Transaction Number (TN) for the item you would like to renew.
  • Click on Clone Request and submit the new request.

How do I check the status of my request?

You may check the status of your request by logging into your ILL account and selecting "All Requests" in the left column. The status of your item(s) will display in the right column.

Will I be notified when the item has arrived, and where do I get it?

Yes, an email notification will be sent to the email address you entered under the Personal Information page on your ILL Account. Materials received in electronic formats will be delivered by email. You will be notified by email when print materials and media are available for pick-up at the Jackson Library Checkout Desk or the Harold Schiffman Music Library. Materials will be shipped to students in enrolled in UNCG online distance education programs.

Please pay special attention to the subject line on your email. We send out multiple types of notices. If the ILL office could not acquire your material, you will receive a cancellation notice.

How long do I have to pick up my ILL materials after I have been notified that they have arrived?

As a policy, ILL will hold materials for two weeks before returning them to the lending library. If the materials are not on the shelf at the Jackson Library Checkout Desk, please contact the ILL Office via email (illdept@uncg.edu) or by phone (336.334.5849).

Where do I return my ILL material?

UNCG Libraries strongly encourage patrons to return ILL materials to any UNCG library book drop on campus or request a prepaid UPS return shipping label when coming to campus is not possible. Visit our Returning Library Materials webpage for book drop locations and shipping info, including a form to request a return shipping label. Please do not return ILL materials to the ILL Office.

Distance Education students should also request return shipping labels via this web form. Please return ILL materials with the blue wrappers intact.

What if my ILL material is ready for pickup, but I no longer need the item(s)?

There are two ways in which you can cancel pickups:

  • Please update the ILL Office via email (illdept@uncg.edu) or by phone (336.334.5849)
  • Notify a library staff member at the Checkout Desk and they will remove your item(s) from the hold shelf.

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