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Borrow from Another Library

Contact Us

Tonya Moore, ILL Manager
Preston Library, Room 511D
mooretl@vmi.edu
540-464-7570

What is Interlibrary Loan?

VMI cadets, faculty, and staff may use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to borrow materials from other libraries.

Use ILL to request materials not available at Preston Library, including:

  • Magazines, newspapers, journal articles, eBooks, and other electronic materials
  • Print books and other physical materials

Use Interlibrary Loan

All VMI faculty (including emeritus), staff, and cadets may use our ILL service. Alumni and public users are not eligible to use VMI's ILL service and should instead refer to their home institution or public library. 

Access Your Interlibrary Loan Account

Use your VMI username and password to log into your ILL account where you can submit a new request, or view outstanding requests. New to VMI? Do not worry, we have already created your account!

Cost

There is no cost for you to use our ILL service; however, costs associated with damage or replacement of the material are your responsibility.

Turnaround Time

On average:

  • Electronic materials, including articles, typically arrive within 1-2 days.
  • Print books and physical materials arrive within 2-7 days, depending on the type of item and where it is shipping from.

Pick Up & Return

You will be notified via email when your material(s) arrives. The table below highlights the pick-up and return policies for both electronic and physical materials.

Material Type Pick-Up Return
Electronic (e.g., articles and e-books) Use your ILL account to access these materials. You do not need to return these materials as they are automatically deleted from your account after 30 days.
Physical (e.g., print books) Pick up your materials at the Library Service Desk. Return your materials to the Service Desk or place it in the book drop.

Loan Periods & Renewals

The lending library determines the loan period, which generally ranges from 4-8 weeks.

Check the green paper band wrapped around you material(s) for renewal eligibility.

  • If the band says Renewals Allowed: No, then you need to return the material and submit a new ILL request.
  • Otherwise, you can renew the material from your ILL account or email the ILL office at illiad@vmi.edu.