Book Requests

If you need a book that is unavailable in the Samuel C. Williams Library collections, the Interlibrary Loan Department can borrow books for you from other libraries.

Requesting Books

Patrons are permitted to borrow up to 10 Interlibrary Loan books simultaneously.  Please note: the Library will not borrow the following items through Interlibrary Loan: 

  • Books that the Library owns (print book format or e-book format). If a Stevens Library-owned book is out on loan, the book may be put on hold through the Library Catalog so that the current borrower must return the book to the Library at the end of the loan period.  

  • Current class textbooks

  • Reference books

  • Chapters of books 

  • E-books

  • Rare or archival material

  • Most standards including ISO or ANSI standards 

  • Items subject to copyright restrictions

To request a book, visit Interlibrary Loan Request Portal.

Loan Periods

The loan period for interlibrary loans varies according to the policy of the lending library. The due date will be printed on the form that will be attached to the ILL book.

Turnaround

The service is free, and delivery can take up to 14 business days. In rare cases, delivery times may be longer due to the availability of the requested item.

Pick-up

Patrons will be notified via email when the requested ILL book is ready to be picked up at the Circulation Services Desk. Patrons will be required to sign for the book before it is released. 

Books Requested and Not Picked up
  • Books requested through ILL that are not picked up within one week of the email notification will be returned to the lending library.  

  • There will be no re-requests for books that have not been picked up.

Renewals

To request a renewal, log in to your account in the Interlibrary Loan Request Portal.

  • Renewal requests should be made at least 1 week prior to the due date.

  • ILL books cannot be renewed once the due date has passed.

  • Renewals must be approved by the lending library and are not guaranteed. 

Returns

ILL books should be returned to the Circulation Services Desk by their due date.  Upon returning the book, you will receive a receipt.  Please keep this receipt for your records.

Recalls

If a book is recalled by the lending library for any reason, patrons must return the book to the Stevens Library immediately so that it may be mailed back to the lending library.

Late & Unreturned Books

When patrons return ILL books late our relationship with other lending institutions is jeopardized.  

  • Patrons will be sent an email if an ILL book is past due.

  • If a patron does not return an ILL book by ten days after the due date or the book is not returned at all, the book will be considered lost, and the patron will be responsible for any accrued charges from the lending library; this can include book replacement cost, late charges, and processing fees.  

  • If the book is returned after the fees have been charged, the patron will still be responsible for the late charges and processing fees.  

  • The ILL Department will not put through any new book requests and the patron will not be able to pick up another ILL book until the late book is returned and any fines incurred are paid. 

Lost and Damaged Books

By borrowing an ILL book, you assume all responsibility for any loss or damages that may occur when it is in your care. If an ILL book is lost or if the book is returned to us in damaged condition, you, the patron, are responsible for all costs associated with the replacement of this book.

The cost for replacement of the lost or damaged book will be determined by the lending library along with a $20 processing charge. An invoice for these charges will be sent to you. The Samuel C. Williams Library will not accept replacement copies of lost or damaged ILL books purchased by the user responsible for the lost item.

When patrons lose or return ILL books in a damaged condition, our relationship with other lending institutions can be jeopardized. Library patrons are asked to report missing or damaged books to the Samuel C. Williams Library ILL staff immediately. We appreciate your cooperation.

Additional details about Book Borrowing Policies are available: https://www.stevens.edu/borrow-and-renew/book-borrowing-policies

The Samuel C. Williams Library is responsible for any books that our students, faculty, and staff borrow from other libraries. Lost, late, or damaged books jeopardize our library’s credibility so it is important that borrowers treat the books with respect and adhere to the policies above.  

Contact

Mary Ellen Valverde
Electronic Resources and Serials Librarian
& Head of ILL / Document Delivery Services
Phone: 201.216.5408
Fax: 201.216.8319
mary.valverde@stevens.edu

ILL Department
Ph: 201.216.5413
Fax:201.216.8319
interlib@stevens.edu