If we don't have the material you need, we can borrow it from another library. This is free for UA students, faculty, Emeritus faculty, staff, retired faculty or staff, and eligible designated campus colleagues (including affiliates, affiliate partners, associates, and associate partners). Not sure if you can request articles and book chapters? Learn what you can access at the library.
May 2025: new interlibrary loan tool
We recently launched a new interlibrary loan tool that's built into the library search experience. This page shows you how to request interlibrary loan items using the new tool.
If you requested interlibrary loan items prior to May 15, 2025, you can continue to use them until the due date. We will continue to fulfill any pending requests. You can manage requests submitted prior to May 15, 2025 from the legacy interlibrary loan page.
The request history in legacy interlibrary loan will not be migrated to your library account. We recommend taking a screenshot if you need to save your interlibrary loan history.
How do I request an item through interlibrary loan?
Sign into your library account, then use library search to find an item. Then, expand your search beyond UA Libraries by clicking the UA Libraries dropdown in the search box, and switch to UA Libraries and beyond. Or click expand your search near the top of your search results.
Select the "UA Libraries and beyond" option in the dropdown in the search box.
Click "expand your search" on top of the search results to view interlibrary loan items.
If an item isn't available at our library but is through interlibrary loan, you'll see "Get it for me from other libraries" in the search results.
Click on the item. On the details page, the "Borrow this item from another library" section will show options to borrow the item from other libraries along with the expected delivery time.
What if I can't find an item in library search?
Sign into your library account, then use library search to find an item. Above the search results, click Expand your search to see interlibrary loan results.
Click "expand your search" on top of the search results to view interlibrary loan items.
Then, click Still didn't find what you need? to fill out the Resource sharing request form so our staff can help find the item.
Click "Still didn't find what you need?" to fill out the Resource sharing request form.
What items can I request?
Borrow items that support your UA academic, teaching, and research needs. This includes material we don't own as well as material checked out, for library use only, or not in your preferred format (e.g. you can request a print book if we have the ebook).
| Item: | Typically available in: |
|---|---|
| Print books | 5-10 days |
| Articles | 2-3 business days |
| Book chapters | 2-3 business days |
| Standards | 2-3 business days |
| Theses and dissertations | 7-10 days |
| Physical media items (films, music, and audio recordings) | 7-10 days |
| Other physical items (technical reports, microform) | 7-10 days |
| Class textbooks | Not available |
Items for non-University needs can be requested from the Pima County Public Library.
Who can use this service?
This is free for UA students, faculty, Emeritus faculty, staff, retired faculty or staff, and eligible designated campus colleagues (including affiliates, affiliate partners, associates, and associate partners). Not sure if you can request articles and book chapters? Learn what services are available to you at the library.
How do I access the requested item?
Digital articles and book chapters are sent to your email with a link to a PDF document.
For books and other physical items, sign into your library account and choose a pickup location (Main Library, Health Sciences Library-Tucson, or home delivery). Home delivery is only available to qualified users residing more than 30 miles from the main Tucson campus. We cannot ship interlibrary loan items outside the United States.
How do I pick up the requested item?
If you are in Tucson, please refer to the email pickup notice you received for further instructions regarding your pickup location. The item will be available for pickup until the due date stated in your email notice.
If you are not in Tucson, please reply to your email pickup notice so we can discuss options.
How do I track and manage my requests?
Sign into your library account to track the status of your requests or cancel any requests in process.
For interlibrary loan items requested prior to May 15, 2025, use the legacy interlibrary loan page to manage your requests.
How long can I keep an item?
Articles and book chapters: Available online through your library account under Requests for 30 days.
Books and other interlibrary loan materials: The interlibrary loan options in the library search will show how long you can keep them for. Once received your requested item, Check your library account, the paperwork in the pocket of the reusable book strap, or your email pickup notice for due dates set by the lending library. Your due date may change if the lending library recalls your item or if your library account becomes inactive and you lose access to library services.
Can I renew an item?
We can't renew your items requested through interlibrary loan after May 15, 2025.
Where do I return items?
Please return books to the Main Library or Health Sciences Library-Tucson. Return material with the book strap and paperwork. Save the date stamped receipt until the item status is ‘request finished’ in your account history.
What if my item is overdue?
Email us at dda@lib.arizona.edu to discuss your options. We are happy to help.
If your item is more than 10 days past due, you will be billed a $140 replacement fee. We waive the fee once you return the item undamaged, but a non-refundable $25 billing fee will remain.
Learn more about late, lost, or damaged items.