Interlibrary Loan

Last Modified April 15, 2021.

The UCI Libraries are closed until further notice. ILL staff are working on site in a limited capacity. Requests for printed works and other physical materials may be made at this time. However please be aware that our ability to successfully fill requests and the turnaround time it takes to receive them will be slower than usual due to continued library closures around the world and our commitment to safety for our patrons and library staff.

ILL with libraries outside of the UC system:  The Libraries are making available materials from libraries outside of the UC system that have been requested by UCI patrons.  If there is still time left on the loan period, ILL staff will notify UCI patrons to make an appointment to pickup the materials.  If there is insufficient time on the loan period, we will need to return the materials, and ILL staff will notify UCI patrons and provide the option to re-request the materials via Melvyl. 

ILL with libraries within the UC system: Active discussions are taking place about when to restart Interlibrary Loan among the UC’s. This decision is a collaborative process across all ten campuses, and local circumstances are currently being evaluated. Most UC campuses are at different stages of reopening, with various staffing constraints. We will update you as new information becomes available and will share the news when ILL is able to resume UC-wide. 

Please email ILL staff at libill@uci.edu or text us at 949-303-7535 with any questions. We thank you for your understanding and patience.

Campus Closure FAQs

What materials can I request via ILL during the closure?

We are currently processing requests for journal articles and single book chapters, as well as other limited material that can be borrowed digitally. In addition requests for printed works and other physical materials may be made at this time. However please note there will be significant delays.

Can I request and receive eBooks?
Unfortunately, most eBooks cannot be borrowed via ILL. We can usually borrow single chapters, however. Consider recommending an ebook purchase at https://www.lib.uci.edu/collection-suggestion if this cannot meet your research needs.

How do I return my ILL items?
Please see our Borrowing page for more information about returning items.

Will I be billed for items coming due during the closure dates?
ILL staff are working hard to extend due dates and suspend recalls and billing to the fullest extent possible. Because some automated billing may happen that is outside of our control, please email ILL staff at libill@uci.edu or text us at 949-303-7535 with specific inquiries.

How do I find/get my library barcode so I can place an ILL request?

If you are unsure of your library barcode please email circadm@uci.edu for assistance. Students can also find it themselves through the CampusGroups mobile app under ID card (more info at http://campusgroups.uci.edu.)