Phone: (605) 995-2618
Email: library@dwu.edu
McGovern Library
1200 W. University Ave.
Mitchell, SD 57301
Below are Frequently Asked Questions about InterLibrary Loans.
Click on a question below to jump to the section and full answer.
Who can use the library's InterLibrary Loan service?
I am not finished with my InterLibrary Loan book. Can I request a renewal?
How long does it take to receive an InterLibrary Loan?
How will I know when my InterLibrary Loan item is due?
My book was recalled. What does that mean?
How long can I have my InterLibrary Loans?
Are there any materials that are difficult to borrow?
Are there overdue fines or fees for unreturned, damages, or lost materials?
Is there a charge for InterLibrary Loans?
Who can use the library's InterLibrary Loan service?
McGovern Library's InterLibrary Loan service is available to currently enrolled DWU students, DWU employees, and faculty emeriti. Public patrons and outside users should request an InterLibrary Loan through their local public library.
I am not finished with my InterLibrary Loan book. Can I request a renewal?
You may request a renewal for you InterLibrary Loan item. Please send an email to library@dwu.edu with your renewal request.
How long does it take to receive an InterLibrary Loan?
Arrival times depend on the material type, where the lending library is located, item availability, and the mail service. Generally, items are delivered in the following timeframes:
How will I know when my InterLibrary Loan item is due?
Your InterLibrary Loan item will have a printed slip inserted in it that contains the citation and lending information. The slip will have the due date written on it. You will receive an automated email a few days before your item is due informing you of your upcoming due date. If your InterLibrary Loan item is overdue you will receive an overdue notice via email.
My book was recalled. What does that mean?
Recalls occur when items we borrow are needed back at the lending library prior to the due date. If you receive a recall notification you must return it immediately to McGovern Library.
You may submit another request for the same item. We will try to obtain another copy for you from another library.
How long can I have my InterLibrary Loans?
Loan periods depend entirely on the lending library. InterLibrary Loan periods can be as short as two weeks and as long as three months. Items can be recalled at anytime prior to the due date by the lending library.
Are there any materials that are difficult to borrow?
They following items are harder to obtain through InterLibrary Loan:
You can request Books, Blu-Rays, DVDs, CDs, Scores, Journal and Magazine Articles, Book Chapters, etc. You can also request items that are owned by McGovern Library that are currently checked out or on reserve (if you need the item for a longer period).
Make sure to check out the Library Catalog to see if the library already owns the item.
Are there overdue fines or fees for unreturned, damages, or lost materials?
McGovern Library charges overdue fines for InterLibrary Loan materials returned late. The reason is because the InterLibrary Loan item belongs to another library, and we are responsible for returning it on time.
If you lose or somehow damage your InterLibrary Loan item, the lending library will determine the replacement fee. Such fees often include a processing fee for the inconvenience of the lending library having to purchase and process a replacement copy.
Is there a charge for InterLibrary Loans?
McGovern Library does not charge for this service. We always attempt to borrow materials from other libraries that do not charge.
In some cases the item requested may be located only at large or from research university libraries that charge for InterLibrary Loans. In instances where the item is held only by libraries that charge we pass on the lending library's fee to the borrower. We always ask you if you're willing to pay the fee before we submit the request to the lending library. If you are unwilling to pay the lending library's fee we will gladly help you locate other sources to use.
© 2023 McGovern Library, Dakota Wesleyan University
Email: library@dwu.edu | Phone: (605) 995-2618 | 1200 W. University Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301
