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InterLibrary Loan (ILL) FAQs

A guide to frequently asked questions for InterLibrary Loans (ILL) at MUSC.

How Does It Work?

How do I request an article?

  • Articles not available in the MUSC Library Collection can be requested via ILLiad. The easiest way to request articles while searching in PubMed is to start your search from the MUSC Library site. You can use the Discover search bar and choose PubMed from the drop-down list. Make sure the “Expand My Results” toggle on the left side of the screen is activated.
  • PubMed from the Library site uses a special URL that includes a "Find it @ MUSC Library” tool that appears with each citation. Clicking on this link will automatically search the MUSC Catalog and gives you a link to request the article if we don't have access.
  • You can also go directly to ILLiad to place a request manually. Please complete all fields as accurately and completely as possible and fill out a separate form for each article to avoid processing delays.

How do I request a book chapter?

  • If a book chapter is not available in the MUSC Library Collection, it can be requested via ILLiad. The easiest way to request chapters is to start your search from the MUSC Library site. You can use the Discover search bar to look for the chapter or for the book by title or ISBN. Be sure to activate the “Expand My Results” toggle on the left side of the screen.
  • You can also go directly to ILLiad to place a request manually. Please complete all fields as accurately and completely as possible to avoid processing delays.

Can I request an eBook or print book?

  • Due to copyright laws and licensing restrictions, entire books are not available for InterLibrary Loan services. However, individual chapters of 50 or fewer pages may be requested.
  • Please complete all fields as accurately and completely as possible and fill out a separate form for each chapter to avoid processing delays.

How Long Does It Take?

How long does an InterLibrary Loan request take?

  • Turnaround time to borrow from another library is typically 24-48 hours for articles, Monday through Friday. Request processing is subject to multiple factors which may result in delays or cancellations.
  • Requests are not processed on Saturdays or Sundays.

Can I request an article be “rushed?”

  • We cannot guarantee that the library sending the article will do so quickly. Please contact the ILL department (843-792-9645 or 843-792-8332 or ill@musc.edu) if you need a Rush Request due to patient care. 

Can I upload an article I received through InterLibrary Loan to my course?

  • Typically, articles obtained through ILL cannot be disseminated/shared, and that includes linking or uploading to a course, due to copyright laws.
  • Articles received through ILL are not covered by Fair Use within copyright laws and are meant only for personal use.