The interlibrary loan system used by the Morgan State University Library is ILLiad (Inter Library Loan internet accessible database) a web-based interface that will allow you to access the MSU library interlibrary loan service from any internet browser.
To establish a MSU ILLiad account you will need to have your library barcode number (22058xxxxxxxxx), located on the back of your Bear Card.
Once you complete the registration process to set up your profile, you will have the convenience of 24/7 access to their MSU library interlibrary loan account. Your ILLiad account will allow you to monitor the status of your requests, request a renewal, and establish/modify preferences for receiving electronic documents.
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact our Interlibrary Loan Technician at donald.matthews@morgan.edu or call 443-885-3457.
What is interlibrary loan?
ILL is a service provided by the Morgan State University Library for obtaining materials that are not available in Morgan State University Library or USMAI. All policies governing Interlibrary Loan procedures are based on the National Interlibrary Loan Code.
Who may use interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary Loan Service is available to any member of the Morgan State University community who needs material for an academic research project or course-related assignment.
Those eligible for the service include: MSU Faculty, staff and student
What types of material can be requested through interlibrary loan?
Items that may be difficult to borrow:
How long does interlibrary loan take?
The typical turnaround time for journal articles is usually 2-3 days. Book loans will take a bit longer. In most cases, books are received in 7 to 10 days time. Some requests can take much longer, and others are here in two or three days.
Delivery time depends on many factors, but the main variables are where the material is located and how quickly that library or supplier responds to requests.
The interlibrary loan staff assumes that you need the material as soon as possible and makes every effort to get the material to you in the shortest time possible. If you have a specific deadline, be sure to include that information when you submit your request.
How many interlibrary loan requests may I submit?
There is no fixed limit. However, if you have a large number of requests to submit, you may find it useful to prioritize when possible.
What type of information must I have to submit and interlibrary loan request?
Accurate and complete publication information will enable the interlibrary loan staff to process your requests in the shortest possible time. For article information use ResearchPort and for books use WorldCat.
How do I find out what’s happening with my interlibrary loan request?
Log in to ILLiad for returning users' to determine the status of a request or the due date for borrowed materials. Your account ILLiad account will display the status of the interlibrary loan request.
How long may I keep a book requested through interlibrary loan?
The loan period is set by the lending library. Normally the library allows us to have material for four weeks, although occasionally libraries restrict a loan to one or two weeks. The due date will be marked on the material when you pick it up.
Can I renew a book borrowed through interlibrary loan?
You may request a renewal through ILLiad for returning users. You will receive an email letting you know whether or not a renewal has been granted; overdue materials cannot be renewed. Occasionally a lending library tells us at the time of the loan that they will not honor a renewal request. If there is such a restriction it will be noted on the material when you pick it up.
How much does interlibrary loan cost?
Normally there is no cost associated with an interlibrary loan request unless the material is lost or damaged. If you need to request an unusually large number of items or the cost to obtain the material is greater than the usual fees for ILL service, we may ask you to share the costs of obtaining the material before we proceed.
What are the overdue and fine charges for an interlibrary loan item?
Interlibrary Loan does not charge regular fines for overdue materials which were ordered using ILLiad. If a loan is more than seven days overdue, you will be blocked from using ILLiad. If items remain overdue, you will be blocked from using other library services (e.g. Circulation) and you will be billed for the replacement cost of the overdue item.
