Interlibrary Loan Policy

 The purpose of ILL (Interlibrary Loan) service at UWA is to make available materials needed for research but not in the library's collection. This service is available for UWA undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff.

• With certain exceptions, most types of material may be requested through ILL. The lending library determines whether an item can be provided. Items not obtainable through ILL include rare materials, archives, most reference materials, and bulky or fragile materials. Many libraries do not lend a-v materials, recordings, or recently published books. Please consult with the ILL department regarding these items.
• BEFORE making ILL requests check to see if the library has the material in either paper or electronic format. Incomplete requests will not be processed.
• Undergraduates may request ten items at a time.
• Except for extenuating circumstances, patrons may request a particular item only once.
• ILL materials may be picked up at the circulation desk during normal circulation hours. Students must present their UWA student identification card to pick up ILL materials.
• ILL photocopies requested by UWA faculty and staff will be mailed through the campus mail system.
• ILL will not obtain textbooks in use at UWA.
• Through reciprocal and resource sharing agreements, there is no charge for books or photocopies requested from member institutions of the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL), or other institutions with which we hold reciprocal agreements. If the material you request cannot be obtained from a reciprocal lender, there may be a charge. Charges for books and photocopies average $10.00.
• Borrowers are responsible for all charges by the lending library, regardless of when the item becomes available, even if the item is not picked up from the Tutwiler Library. If you do not want to pay for an item, please enter -0- in the appropriate space on the request form.
• The average time to fill an ILL through a NAAL lender in state is 5 days. This does not guarantee you will receive your materials by this time. If we need to use an out of state or non-reciprocal lender the process may take a few weeks. During high volume times, such as the end of a term, reception of materials may take longer. Please take this into consideration when requesting materials to ensure you will receive material when needed.
• All ILL materials must be returned by the date indicated. 
• Renewals may be requested and are granted at the discretion of the lending library. ILL renewal requests can be made through the ILL department in person, or by Internet site. Please make renewal requests at least three days in advance of the due date.
• Photocopied ILL materials may be kept by the patron. Please return all other ILL materials to the Tutwiler library circulation desk. Do not place ILL materials in the outside book drop.
• The UWA library reserves the right to suspend or withdraw interlibrary loan services because of patron abuse, e.g. consistently returning material late, not picking up requested material, excessive loss of material, etc.
• The parameters of UWA ILL service are governed by the current copyright law and guidelines, the National Interlibrary Loan Code, the lending library's policy, the NAAL Resource Sharing Program policies, and the UWA library policies and procedures.

Who may use UWA Interlibrary Loan services?
Currently enrolled UWA students, faculty, and staff may request materials through our ILL services. We do not offer Interlibrary Loan services to the public. 

How do I make a request?
Check the Julia S. Tutwiler Library Search to see if we have the item in our holdings. If we do not have the item, you can submit an Interlibrary Loan Request.  

Fill out the Interlibrary Request Form

Please include as much citation information as possible. 

Do I have to pay for ILL materials?
The Julia S. Tutwiler Library will always search for books and articles at no cost to the borrower. There are times that the only option is to pay for a book or an article. Please put the amount you are willing to pay on the ILL form. If you are not willing to pay for the item, enter the numeral 0 in the payment field on the form. 

When will the materials arrive?

• Physical materials from Alabama lenders: usually 3-5 business days
• Articles and book chapters: usually 1-2 business days sent to your UWA email
• Delivery speeds depend on requested material, lender availability, and shipping times. 

Receiving and returning ILL materials
Borrowers will be notified  via UWA email when the ILL materials are available. Books must be returned by the due date indicated on the book band. Due dates vary by lender. 

Can ILL materials be renewed?
Renewals are granted by the lending institution. Requests for renewals must be made at least three days prior to the due date.

Copyright Information

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.  Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction.  One specified condition 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 reproductions for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.  The Julia S. Tutwiler Library reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order, if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law. 

How do I contact the ILL Office? 

Contact the ILL Office via email at ill@uwa.edu or by phone at (205) 652-3677.

University of West Alabama, Julia S. Tutwiler Library

UWA Station 12

Livingston, AL 35470