Skip to Main Content

Inter-Library Loan: Should I request an ILL?

Interlibrary Loan is a service that gives you access to resources at other libraries. When you've searched Union College Libraries catalog and databases and we don't have what you need, our free inter-library borrowing service is your best bet.

Preliminary Searching

To determine whether or not you already have access to the item you're planning to request, follow these steps:

  1. Check the UC Libraries catalog
  2. Do a quick Google search, if the item does not come up, try Google Scholar
  3. Do an exploratory search for items beyond the UC Libraries by searching Worldcat.org
  4. Utilize the sources in the UC Libraries' OER Subject Guide
    1. This guide has links to open educational resources (OER) - these are free resources available from the open internet
    2. Navigate to one of these websites and search for the item you desire

In performing these preliminary searches, you may find that the item you want access to is available in print or digital format from the UC Libraries, or freely available on the open web!

 

Union College Libraries Library Catalog

Google Scholar

Google Scholar can help you locate scholarly literature on the open internet.  After your search, look on the right side of the results for "Union CC has it."  Instead of clicking on the article title, select "Union CC has it" and you will be directed to the same source, but through our Library resources, instead of the Google Scholar platform.

Google Scholar Search
UCNJ LibGuides at Union College