Request from Another Library
The Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) service allows current WPI students, faculty, and staff to request items from other libraries free of charge. ILLiad is the library system used to process interlibrary loan requests. For help, see our how-to Interlibrary Loan LibGuide.
Users may contact Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery through the following means:
- Information Desk
- Email address: lib-ill@wpi.edu
- Phone number: 508-831-5410
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Borrow?
How do I place a request?
There are two ways to place a request:
Log in to your account, and from the “New Request” section, select the type of request (article, loan, book chapter, etc.). If this is your first login, you will be asked to provide demographical and contact information.
From within WorldCat, other databases, and the FullTextFinder. Look for the ILLiad button or link. The ILLiad form will self-populate with citation information, but double check to make sure the form is complete and accurate.
When will my item arrive? How will I know?
Standard article requests are filled in an average of three business days. Standard book requests are filled in an average of six business days. Non-standard requests (conference proceedings, technical reports, etc.) may take longer. If you need an item more quickly, change the "not wanted after" date on the request form. Contact the ILL staff to obtain a more accurate estimate of the expected delivery date of a request.
When your item arrives, you will be notified by email.
Where do I pick up items?
Books, videos, and other loaned items must be picked up and returned at the Information Desk. Articles and short reports will be uploaded to your ILLiad account for viewing, printing, and downloading. Articles posted to your account will be available for 30 days. To retrieve your articles, follow the link to ILLiad that is embedded in the email notification. To access your PDF, click the "Electronically Received Articles" link in the View menu.
Is there a limit on how many items I can request?
How long can I keep Interlibrary Loan items?
Can I renew items that I request from Interlibrary Loan?
Unless otherwise noted, yes. You can request a renewal through your ILLiad account by clicking on "Checked Out Items" in the View menu. Click on the transaction number of the item that you wish to renew and then click the "Renew Request" button. You will receive an email indicating whether or not your renewal has been approved or denied. Most lending libraries will grant 1 renewal.
I'm a Distance-Learning student. Can I use this service to get Interlibrary Loan and Gordon Library books shipped to me?
Yes. When you first set up your ILLiad account, indicate your delivery method preferences or contact lib-ill@wpi.edu with your preferences. Shipments of returnable items will include prepaid shipping labels.
Please note: Physical Interlibrary Loan items, such as books, DVDs, CDs, cannot be delivered out of country.
Can I visit other libraries and borrow items directly?
Yes. Gordon Library is part of the Academic Research Collaborative , which allows current WPI students, faculty, and staff to directly borrow from area libraries. Please visit the Information Desk to pick up your ARC Card before visiting other libraries. You will need the ARC Card and your WPI ID to check out materials.
Can I request items that the library has digital access to, but not print?
Can I request articles or book chapters from books held by WPI?
Can I use Interlibrary Loan to put items on Reserve?
Is there a charge for using Interlibrary Loan?
There is no charge to you for materials obtained through Interlibrary Loan, only cost to the library. Please be mindful that although we may obtain many items for free through consortial agreements, some requests cost between $15-$50. In addition, for requests that require purchasing through external vendors, there is a $25/ term limit for undergraduates and $100/semester limit for graduates and faculty. For exceptions, please email lib-ill@wpi.edu.
If a lender cannot be located, your request will be cancelled and you will be notified via email.
What happens when I lose or damage my Interlibrary Loan?
What do I do if I forget my ILLiad password?
Please email lib-ill@wpi.edu to reset your ILLiad login.