If you need library materials that Brandeis does not have, Interlibrary Loan (or Resource Sharing) can help!
Start your research early! Please consult our Interlibrary Loan self-help guide for detailed information about our services and policies.
Plan ahead! Remember that it takes about 3-15 days to get books and 1-5 days for articles and book chapters. Rare and old materials can be harder to get.
If you need help locating and identifying rare, old, foreign, or unusual materials, including microfilm, please don't hesitate to contact the ILL staff. It is very helpful to discuss complex requests with ILL staff and makes it easier for us to order the correct items. Don't forget that we have Subject Liaisons waiting to help you if you need extra research help!
Scan on Demand (formerly Document Delivery)
The ILL department also offers a Scan on Demand service. So it you find an article or book chapter that Brandeis has in print, we will scan it for you! Just submit the request via the Interlibrary Loan system. We will also download and deliver electronic articles to you.
Purchase Suggestions
If you need a special resource (book, film, microfilm etc.) that is central to your research and Brandeis does not have it, please tell us because we might buy it for the Brandeis library collection. Then it will be here whenever you need it!
Visiting other Libraries
Brandeis belongs to the Boston Library Consortium (BLC). This includes many of the best libraries in the Boston and New England area. You may visit other BLC libraries in person to borrow or browse materials, but don't forget to obtain a BLC card before you go.
Loan Periods
ILL materials usually have shorter loan periods, one or two months is typical. Only one renewal is possible, and sometimes no renewals are allowed. Renewals are determined by the lending library, not us.
Please return all materials on time so we can maintain good relationships with other libraries. If you need a special item for a longer period, please contact us. We can usually help. We will ask the lender if they will allow us to keep it longer, or we might consider buying it for the library.