What is Interlibrary Loan?
If items are required by students, faculty, or staff for university-related work are not available through the library catalogue, the MacEwan Library Interlibrary Loans (ILL) service can request them from other libraries around the world. You can submit your request in several ways:
- Search the library catalogue and choose "Beyond MacEwan" in the drop-down menu.
- Submit an interlibrary loan request form.
Please send an email to ill@macewan.ca if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns.
NOTE: Copies are made available solely for use by a student, faculty member, or staff for research, private study, review, or criticism. Any other use may be an infringement of copyright if done without securing the permission of the copyright owner.
In addition, please note that requests will be fulfilled on a case-by-case basis. Availability of materials is dependent on which libraries allow interlibrary loans for their items.
Obtaining Materials from the University of Alberta
The Library migrated to a new system in the winter of 2025. You can now search the holdings of many academic libraries across Canada, including the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University, the University of Toronto and many more. However, users cannot see which libraries have a particular title. As a user, you may know that a particular book is at the University of Alberta, but that doesn't guarantee we'll get the book from them.
How can you request books specifically from the University of Alberta?
You can submit an interlibrary loan request form. You can also visit the University of Alberta Library in person and borrow materials using your MacEwan ID. If you have questions, email us at ill@macewan.ca.
Interlibrary Loans: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can request an interlibrary loan?
MacEwan students, faculty, and staff can request interlibrary loans. ILL requests for Distance Education Students are handled on a case-by-case basis.
How many items can be borrowed?
Borrowers can submit as many interlibrary loan requests as they wish; however, the Library reserves the right to impose a monthly limit upon the number of interlibrary loans submitted by an individual. Copyright rules may also result in restrictions.
How long does it take?
Typically, articles take 2-10 days to arrive, while books take 7-21 days. However, some items may take longer. Please submit ILL requests well in advance of when the material is required.
What can be borrowed?
Almost any type of material is available by ILL provided the lending library will loan it, or a photocopy can be made of it without infringing on copyright laws or licensing agreements. You may request items that show as Missing, Lost, or Bindery in the library catalogue.
Some items are occasionally unavailable through ILL, including reference items, CDs, music scores, rare or archival materials, and entire journal issues or volumes.
Due to copyright restrictions, full copies of electronic resources cannot be borrowed from other libraries. You may borrow one chapter or 10% of an electronic resource, or one article from a periodical, whichever amount is greater. Requests for full copies of items will default to physical requests.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for MacEwan cardholders in good standing to borrow books through ILL. However, if the cost of borrowing the book is estimated to exceed $35.00, students will need approval from their instructor before the request will be sent. If "rush" service is requested, any additional costs associated with the rush request will be charged back to the borrower.
How will I know my ILL request has arrived?
You will be notified by email when your items are available. Print/physical items are held for pickup at the library hold shelf near the services desk. Please note that items on the hold shelf will still need to be checked out to your account.
Electronic items will be available via email.
You can track your requests by logging into My Account and selecting the "Requests" tab. The status of your active requests will be displayed, and the links to completed electronic/digital requests will be available here.
How long can I keep the item? Can I renew ILLs?
Items are loaned for a period of time determined by the lending library, and renewals may vary depending on the lending library's rules. Renewal requests should be made to ill@macewan.ca a few days in advance of the due date.
Where can I return my ILL?
Interlibrary loans must be returned to the Library Services Desk or a book return bin on campus.
What if I lose or damage my ILL?
Borrowers are responsible for all costs associated with lost or damaged items. If a borrower continually disregards interlibrary loan guidelines, the Library reserves the right to revoke interlibrary loan privileges.
Information for other libraries
Requests can be made by email to ill@macewan.ca.
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