Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ILLiad

What is ILLiad?

ILLiad stands for InterLibrary Loan Internet Accessible Database. The Charles Evans Inniss Memorial Library uses ILLiad software to submit, track, and manage interlibrary loan (ILL) requests. ILLiad notifies you by e-mail when your requests arrive and links you directly to chapters and articles delivered in PDF format. ILLiad also allows you to track and renew requests online from on or off-campus.

Who can use Medgar Evers College Interlibrary Loan Service?

ILL is available for use by the faculty and staff members of Medgar Evers College with a current library barcode and no outstanding library fines.

How can using OCLC WorldCat help?

OCLC's Online Union Catalog contains bibliographic records of all types of materials owned by libraries around the world. WorldCat covers materials dating back to the 11th century, includes holdings information from libraries in 45 countries and is updated daily.

What can faculty request using ILL?

Faculty can request any journal article or book that is not available at the Charles Evans Inniss Memorial Library.

How long does Interlibrary Loan take?

ILL books generally average a 3 day turn-around; most electronically-delivered articles take 24 hours. You can login to ILLiad to track the progress of your requests.

How do I renew ILL items?

Login to ILLiad, then scroll down to click on the View/Renew Checked Out Items button. We will check with the lending library to see if they'll permit your renewal. Most libraries agree to ILL renewals, but sometimes we will inform you subsequently that your renewal request is denied. If the lending library denies a renewal, please return it quickly. You can request the title again from another library. Only one renewal request will be allowed.

Will ILL cost anything?

Most ILL items are free of charge. However, some libraries charge for loans. If there is a fee for an item you are requesting, you are responsible for it.

How many ILL requests may I make?

Medgar Evers College faculty may have 15 ILL requests active at any time, including books currently in your possession as well as other books and articles in process. Once an article or book chapter is delivered to you in PDF format, it doesn't count against the 15-item limit.

How do I know when my ILL request has arrived?

ILLiad will email you when your item arrives. You may also log in to check the status of your requests. Non-electronic items are held for you to pick-up in the library at the circulation desk. Articles and book chapters are delivered in PDF format; follow instructions on your ILL email notification to login to your ILLiad account and download or print your PDF file.

How do I create an ILLiad account?

You must first have a current Medgar Evers College identification card that has been validated at the Library’s circulation desk. Then log onto the ILL First Time Users page. Create your account online, selecting a username and password of your choice. This allows secure access to your interlibrary loan record. Your username can be any number of characters or digits, e.g. your name, abbreviations, or an alphanumeric code. Your password also can be any number of characters or digits.

Who do I contact if I have questions about ILL?

You can contact Professor Andrews at (718) 270-4874 or at candrews@mec.cuny.edu.

Why am I not receiving ILLiad email?

We recommend that you use your Medgar Evers College email account to receive ILL email notices. Non-MEC email accounts might block ILLiad-generated emails to you, preventing you from receiving notices about ILL books and articles. Update your email address yourself in your ILLiad account.