Interlibrary Loan: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that allows us to borrow materials from other libraries on your behalf.
- ILL allows you to borrow items that we don't own, or that may be checked out by other patrons.
Who can use the ILL service?
- Authorized patrons of the Marine Corps Research Library or Quantico Base Library.
- Must have a current library account in good standing (no lost or severely overdue items).
Are there any restrictions on what I can borrow?
- We cannot request loans from international libraries, due to military mail restrictions.
- Libraries will not loan physical or digital copies of videos, audiobooks, or eBooks.
- U.S. Copyright Law applies to certain requests. This limits the number of pages that can be requested for copies. Examples: the number of articles copied from a single journal, copies of book chapters, eBook content.
How do I place a request?
What information do I need to provide?
Please provide as much information as possible about the item you need. This will assist us in locating the correct resource. Worldcat.org is a reliable source of bibliographic information.
- For books: Title, Author(s), Year of Publication, Edition, ISBN, Publisher.
- For articles: Article Title, Author(s), Journal Title, Journal Volume/Number/Issue, Publisher. You may also provide links that will aid in locating the resource (from a website, Worldcat entry, etc.)
- Your name and contact information
Where do I pick up my request?
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You'll receive an email notification when your item is ready for pick up (for physical items). Physical items may be picked up at the MCRL or QBL Circulation Desk.
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Electronic items (articles, copies) will be sent to the email address you provided at the time of the request.
What happens if the item is not available?
How long does the process take?
- Print books: 1-3 weeks. Dependent on the lender's processing time, and mail delivery time.
- Journal articles and book chapters: 1-7 business days. Dependent on format (print or digital) and the lender's processing time.
