What is interlibrary loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service that provides Kingsborough Community College students, faculty, and staff access to library materials not available at the Kingsborough library by obtaining the requested items from other libraries.
CUNY users: Patrons from other CUNY schools should use their own libraries' ILL services.
Before you make a request
- ILLiad has integrated into the Library's online catalog, OneSearch.
- When you're signed into OneSearch, any BOOK requests you make there will automatically reach ILLiad when requested items cannot be found in other CUNY and SUNY libraries. If you need help, please consult a librarian.
- This service is available to faculty, students and staff in good standing (no fines).
- Any fines or lost fees charged by the borrowing library is the responsibility of the borrower. Failure to pay may result in a loss of borrowing privileges at our library.
To make a request
- If it's your first time using this service, click on the Logon button on the left. You will be prompted for your CUNY Login credentials. After authentication, you will need to fill out a short form for your contact information.
- Please provide as much information as possible about your request. It will help expedite our search for your item. Watch this tutorial video for help using ILLiad.
- The ILL staff will notify you via email when your item has arrived.
- Books are picked up from and returned to the library Circulation Desk (L-200).
DO NOT return items by dropping them into the book bin or slot. - Book chapters and articles are delivered to you electronically.
- Books are picked up from and returned to the library Circulation Desk (L-200).
Delivery Time
- Books: 1-3 weeks on average but some requests may take longer
- Articles: 1-5 days on average
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an item?
- First, verify that the item is not available to you here at Kingsborough. If you're not sure, begin on Onesearch's Citation Linker here. Your request will be forwarded to ILLiad for fulfillment when your item is not found in the CUNY library network.
You may also request from OCLC Worldcat, a union catalog of thousands of libraries worldwide. If it is unavailable at Kingsborough, you can request it by clicking on Request Item through ILLiad in the Access Option box.
OR you can make your request on ILLiad, and the library will process it if your item is not found in Kingsborough. Here's a video tutorial that shows you how: link
What may I borrow?
- You may borrow books, chapters of books, and articles from periodicals (journals, magazines, and newspapers) not held by the Robert J. Kibbee Library. Requests for items we own will be put through only if the item is lost or is unusable due to poor condition. You may also request theses and/or dissertations, but such items may be difficult to procure due to lending restrictions. Patrons are asked to limit requests to items needed for study, research, or instruction. Requests for textbooks will not be processed. The library reserves the right not to process a request at our discretion.
Are There Copyright Restrictions?
- Federal law (U.S. Code, Title 17) dictates that the reproduction (as in photocopying) of copyrighted materials is allowed only for purposes of private study, scholarship, or research. Any further use, now or in the future, may exceed "fair use," and is liable to prosecution for copyright infringement. The Library reserves the right to refuse to accept a request for a copy that could violate copyright law. We also limit book chapter requests to one chapter or fifty pages, whichever is less, per request.
Is There a Limit to the Number of Items I May Request?
- The following limits apply according to the category of library user:
- Faculty: no limit
- Student: 5 active book requests and unlimited article requests*
- Staff: 5 active book requests and unlimited article requests
*Students engaged in a major research project may request a waiver by contacting the interlibrary loan office at kbill@kbcc.cuny.edu.
Is there a charge?
- Some libraries charge for lending their materials, and in these cases the library will contact you beforehand for the fee payment. If you agree to the request, you can pay the fee by check or money order when you pick up the item. You may be charged an overdue fine if you do not return the item by the due date, and you are liable for the cost to replace the book if you lose it or do not return it in good condition. Until all charges are cleared all your borrowing privileges will be suspended.
For How Long May I Keep a Book? May I Renew It?
- Loan periods are determined by the institution that lends the item, not by Kingsborough Community College. You are responsible for returning books on time and for paying any overdue fines. If a book is recalled by the library that owns it you are required to return it immediately. Also, some libraries do not allow renewals. Otherwise, you can renew books through your ILLiad account. Please make the renewal request before the due date. Otherwise, ILLiad will lock out the option. Go to "Checked out items", visible under the "Main Menu" screen, and look for your book with the button to "Renew" to the right of its title. Click for tutorial video clip here
If you're not sure, please email the interlibrary loan office at kbill@kbcc.cuny.edu for your item renewal.
Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?
- From time to time we purge older records from ILLiad. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.