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Obtaining Library Materials

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 catalog record.

Returnable Items

Note: Some items are non-circulating (such as reference books) and therefore not available through this service.

How to get a Book

  1. Login to Interlibrary Loan
  2. Choose Distance Services as your pickup library (You can change or update your pickup library by selecting ‘Change pickup library and verify email address’)
  3. Choose Request a book or other loan
  4. 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

  • 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 Catalog Account
  • Materials delivered within the continental United States include a postage paid return envelope. Deliveries to patrons outside of the continental United States will have to pay for return shipment.
  • 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

  • Items are usually shipped within 3 to 10 business days
  • Items can only be mailed within the continental United States and will include a postage paid return envelope
  • 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 your Catalog Account. Please note that not all items from other libraries may be renewed.
  • 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 Library Catalog or Citation Search. We may already provide immediate access.

How to get Articles/Book Chapters

  1. Login to Interlibrary Loan
  2. Choose Request an article or other copy
  3. 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 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 Interlibrary Loan
  • You will receive an email notice when the item is available