Emerson College Research Guides - Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan FAQ

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary loan is a service through which Emerson College faculty, students, and staff can borrow materials not owned by the Iwasaki Library from partner libraries and institutions.

Who can use Interlibrary Loan?

This service is available only to students, faculty, and staff with valid borrowing privileges. This does not include Emerson College alumni or Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs students.

How long will it take for material to arrive?

Article delivery time averages between 7-10 business days and are delivered electronically. Book delivery time averages between 7-10 business days and items can be picked up at the Circulation desk.

Is there a limit to the number of requests I can place?

Due to the high volume of ILL requests, we can only submit five requests per patron per day. Please plan accordingly.

What can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?

Almost any materials required for scholarly research can be requested. Borrowing is contingent upon availability and the policies of the lending institution.

How will I be notified that my material is available?

You will receive an email with pickup instructions to your Emerson.edu email address.

Where do I pick up and return Interlibrary Loan material?

You can pick up and return all ILL materials at the Circulation desk on the third floor of the library.

How long is my loan period?

Loan periods vary from lending institution to lending institution, but average around 28 days. When you receive your materials the due date is clearly marked on the front of the item. You will be charged $.25 a day for overdue ILL books. You are also responsible for paying all replacement charges for lost ILL books.

Is there any special software required to use the Interlibrary Loan system?

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access articles delivered electronically.

Is there any charge for the use of Interlibrary Loan service?

The library absorbs the cost of the Interlibrary Loan service. Although there is no direct charge for this service, you are responsible for any late fees assessed at $.25 per day and any replacement charges for lost ILL books as determined by the lending institution.

Ariel FAQ

What is the Ariel system?

The Ariel system is an electronic document delivery service used by the library to allow you access to your requested articles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Requested documents are available on the server for 10 days after being posted before being automatically deleted.

How will I be notified that there is an article for me in Ariel?

You will receive an automatically generated email when a article is posted on the server for you. In the email there will be a link to login page and a unique pin number you use to login.

How do I use the Ariel system?

After receiving your automated notification email with your Ariel pin, follow the included link to the login page. Use your full emerson.edu email and pin that's included in notification email and login to your Ariel account. There you can access any active articles to view, print, and save them. Please remember that the articles posted to the Ariel server are only available for 10 days so please login as soon as possible to retrieve and save your articles.

Who do I contact if I am still having problems accessing my articles in Ariel?