Returnable Items
Distance Library Services is a free service. You can utilize Distance Library Services if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
- You are a registered student of UW-Madison or faculty/staff employed by UW-Madison
- You are living outside of Dane County
- You do not regularly commute to campus
You can get items that must be returned to campus ("Returnables") such as books, and items that are delivered electronically ("Non-Returnables") such as articles and book chapters.
Some items are available online immediately. If an item is available online, you will often see the Internet link in the item's MadCat record.
Note: Some items are non-circulating (such as reference books) and therefore not available through this service.
If you have any questions, please see the contact information on the Program Support page.
How to get a Book
- Login to Library Express
- Choose Distance Services as your pickup library (You can change or update your pickup library by selecting 'Change pickup library and verify email address')
- Choose Request a book or other loan
- Complete the Request form: Be sure to include your mailing address in the Notes field
Distance Lending Policies
Distance Lending Policies vary, depending on whether the book is coming from UW-Madison or from Other Libraries:
Books from UW-Madison
- Use MadCat to locate books
- If the item is available, it will be shipped to you within 3 business days
- If the item is not available, you will be notified by email
- Other notices (recalls, overdue notices, etc.) will be sent by email
- Place renewal requests in My MadCat Account
- You are responsible for the item from the time it is mailed to you until it is received back at UW-Madison Libraries. You will be fined for lost items.
Books from Other Libraries
- Use WorldCat to find books at Other Libraries
- NOTE: Only use WorldCat to locate items. Submit the actual request for the item by using Library Express
- Items are usually shipped within 3 to 10 business days and only within the United States
- If items are unavailable you will be notified by email
- We cannot obtain videos, CDs, or Microforms except by special permission
- Renewals are available on a case-by-case basis. To request a renewal, please contact Library Express staff.
- You are responsible for the item from the time it is mailed to you until it is received back at UW-Madison Libraries. You will be fined for lost items.
Non-Returnable Items
The UW-Madison Libraries will electronically deliver articles and book chapters to registered students or employed faculty/staff of the UW-Madison.
Before you request something, check the UW-Madison Libraries Find It. We may already provide immediate access.
If you have any questions, please see the contact information on the Program Support page.
How to get Articles/Book Chapters
- Login to Library Express
- Choose Request an article or other copy
- Complete the Request form (You will not be asked for a mailing address. Articles and Book Chapters will be scanned, converted to pdf format, and delivered electronically.)
Distance Delivery Policies
Distance Delivery Policies vary, depending on whether the articles/book chapters are coming from UW-Madison or from Other Libraries:
Articles/Book Chapters
- Articles/book chapters are generally available in 3 to 7 business days, depending on whether that article/book chapter is from UW-Madison or from Other Libraries
- These are in pdf format, placed on our server, and linked from within Library Express
- You will receive an email notice when the item is available