ILL and Document Delivery Tips and Tricks

You can use certain strategies to ensure that the request is easier for the Interlibrary Loan staff to understand. Following some or all of the strategies listed below can prevent your request from being sent back for more information. These strategies also allow you to see a broader view of the information that is available on your topic.

• Use the Library's Resources and Tools available for use on the Library's main webpage.
• Use Google to search for the article title.
• Use the University Libraries Subject Guidesfor help finding recommended and possible additional databases.
• Use Databases A—Z to search for databases known by name.
• Use Find it at UofL to locate availability and aid in locating an item within the databases.
• Use Proquest Digital Dissertations to search for abstracts and full text copies of theses and dissertations
• Use Quick Search (Which is the University Libraries main search engine) to search for books and articles.
• Use our Reference Librarians to help in your search. They are available in person, over the phone, via e-mail, text message, and online chat.
• Use the University Libraries Tutorials (Requires Adobe Flash player)

• When you are using Quick Search look for and click on the "Find it at UofL " button to search our holdings for access. If we do not have the item, use the "Request Item through Interlibrary Loan" button.
• Trying to access University provided databases off campus? Login from home.
• Before you submit your request, take a moment to proofread your citation and double check your numbers for accuracy.
• Try to enter your citation information into the correct fields if possible. If you do not know where the information should go, place it in the additional notes field when you submit your request.
• Use the complete title for the book,journal,article and/or chapter. This prevents the Interlibrary Loan department from having to guess and choosing incorrectly.
• List where you found this item. Some examples include "ProQuest Digital Dissertations", "Web of Science", or a specific book or journal
• Add the ISSN or ISBN number of the book or journal title. If you are using worldcat, add the OCLC accession number, if possible.