Answered By: Glen Bogardus
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2022     Views: 118

If the ILL department is unable to borrow an item, the patron is notified by email and the request is "unfilled." This is done after a reasonable attempt has been made to obtain the item. We try to fill all requests, but all loans are dependent on the willingness of other libraries to supply the materials and we cannot guarantee any request will be filled. The email notification will give the particular reason we could not fill the request.

Some reasons a request may go unfilled:

  • You did not provide enough information in the Request form. Resubmit the request with more detail.
  • The material could not be found by the patron’s “Material Not Needed After” date.
  • Certain material types are more difficult to borrow, as libraries are often not willing to lend them; these include textbooks, best-sellers, recently published books, multi-volume sets, microfilm, DVDs, LPs, rare books, workbooks, reference books, genealogical materials, and archival materials.

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