Distance Students: Requesting Library Materials

How do I request materials from McGovern Library? 

1. Go to the Library Catalog and search for your item
2. Locate the item you would like to request and click on the title to open the full record
3. Under the "Libraries Worldwide" section, click Request Item through InterLibrary Loan
   • You will do this for all items you are requesting, regardless of if McGovern Library owns the material
4. Fill in the request form's required fields (Type of Request; Needed Before Date; Name; Barcode - located on the back of your ID card; Email Address)
5. In the "Comments Section" enter the phrase Distance Student
   • You must do this to inform library staff that materials will need to be mailed to you
6. Click "Submit" once you have completed the form

How long does it take to get the requested material? 

Time may vary, but expected delivery time is 3-5 business days. If materials are unavailable, you will be notified. 

How do I renew a borrowed item?

You can renew materials either online or by calling the library at (605) 995-2618.

To renew online:

1. Go to the Library Catalog
2. Click "Sign In" which is located in the top-right corner
   • Sign in using your DWU credentials 
3. Click your name (the button will replace the "Sign In" button in the top-right corner)
4. Select "My Account" from the drop down menu
5. Select the items you would like to renew and click "Renew Items"
6. You will be provided with a new due date

How do I return borrowed items?

Due dates are clearly marked on each item’s due date slip (located inside the back cover). Materials should be sent back to the library no later than the due date to avoid fines. Package the item, attach the mailing label provided, and send it to McGovern Library. McGovern Library recommends shipping materials via UPS. If another delivery service is used, you should select a method that provides tracking of packages.

If your address changes, it is your responsibility to notify the library.

To verify your address information:

1. Go to the Library Catalog
2. Click "Sign In" which is located in the top-right corner
   • Sign in using your DWU credentials 
3. Click your name (the button will replace the "Sign In" button in the top-right corner)
4. Select "My Account" from the drop down menu
5. Select "Profile" to see and verify your contact information including your addresses

If the information displayed under Profile is incorrect or incomplete, contact the Circulation Supervisor, Judy Lehi at (605) 995-2894 or judy.lehi@dwu.edu.

Even though you are not on Michell's campus, the McGovern Library strives to serve distance students to the fullest extent. Distance students may request and borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and other circulating materials to be mailed to them. 

AV equipment, reference books, newspapers, academic journals, magazines, and microforms cannot be checked out and mailed to distance students. 

Below are the policies for borrowing materials as a distance student.

1. Books may be used for four (4) weeks from the date received 
2. DVDs and CDs may be used for two (2) weeks from the date received 
3. Materials may be renewed five (5) times, unless requested by another patron
4. Use periods for other circulating materials may differ and will be indicated on the due date slip

McGovern Library provides access to materials for distance students. Materials will typically be delivered by the USPS or UPS.  Please note that materials cannot be delivered to P.O. Box numbers by UPS. It is your responsibility to inform the library if your address changes. 

Borrowers assume all responsibility for shipped items until the items are received back at the library. Fines and/or charges will be assessed for overdue, lost, damaged, or mutilated materials.

Requesting an InterLibrary Loan

Requesting an InterLibrary Loan as a Distance Student is the same as requesting an InterLibrary Loan as an on-campus student. Below are the steps for requesting an InterLibrary Loan.

Remember: As a Distance Students, you must enter the text Distance Student in the comment box.

Requesting Items Through the Library Catalog

1. Using the Library Catalog, conduct a search.
2. Under "Held By Library" (located on the left-side of the screen), check the box next to "Libraries Worldwide". 
   • This will search all materials including items not owned by McGovern Library.

3. If the text "Held by other libraries worldwide" is shown, McGovern Library does not own the item. You will need to request the item through InterLibrary Loan. 

4. Click on the title to open the record. 
5. Under the "Check Availability" section of the record, scroll down to "Libraries Worldwide". 
6. Click on the "Request Item through InterLibrary Loan" button.

7. Fill out the form provided. 
   • If you are a Distance Student, type in Distance Student in the comment box. This informs the library that the material will need to be mailed to you. 
   • You will need to provide your Barcode number located on your student ID card. This is different than your Student ID Number. 
8. You will be informed via email when your item arrives at McGovern Library. 

Requesting Items Through an Academic Database

1. Searching from a database selected from the Database List, conduct a search. 
2. Open up the article or book chapter you would like to access. 
   • If the library does not own the item, you will not be able to access a PDF or HTML Full Text. 
   • A message of "Check for full-text availability" or something similar will be shown. 
3. Click on "Request through ILL" or "Request this item".
   • Depending on the Database you are searching within, the phrasing will change. 

4. Fill out the form provided. 
   • If you are a Distance Student, type in Distance Student in the comment box. This informs the library that the material will need to be mailed to you. 
   • In the "Library Card #" box, enter your Barcode number located on your student ID card. This is different than your Student ID Number. 

For more information about the InterLibrary Loan service at McGovern Library, 
visit the library's InterLibrary Loan guide.