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Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Learn how to borrow library materials from other libraries
Disclaimer: Libraries may not want to loan out every item in their collection. The lending library decides the due date, generally 3-12 weeks, and determines whether a renewal is allowed or not. Sometimes, recently published books or newer edition textbooks may go unfilled.

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Have you found a book or an article you need for your paper or assignment but isn't in the Howard College Libraries collections? That's where Interlibrary Loan (ILL) comes in. Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the sharing of books and articles between libraries worldwide. 

Fill out the Interlibrary Loan form provided in Online Forms with as much information as you can and leave the rest to us. Remember to let us know in plenty of time because some materials may take up to 2 weeks to arrive. Loan requests will be sent to your Howard College Library and we will notify you to come pick them up.

**New** SHAREit - The Texas Statewide Interlibrary Loan Program

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission's statewide interlibrary loan program provides the ability to search the catalogs of 500+ libraries in Texas, giving library users across the state access to materials not available at their local library.

Can't find it at HC/SWCD?

You can check out books and articles from other libraries if we don't have what you're looking for.  There are 2 ways you can do this.

TexShare Card: We issue a card to you so you can check out things from participating libraries in Texas.

Interlibrary Loan: You tell us what you need and we request it for you.

Online Forms

Use these forms to get books and articles from other libraries.  

Interlibrary Loan FAQs

What kind of items can I borrow through Interlibrary Loan?

  • Books & Articles

What kind of items can I NOT BORROW?

  • Items held in Special Collections (rare books, etc.)
  • Reference books, entire journal issues, online only material
  • eBooks

Who is eligible?

  • Currently enrolled students, faculty members, and/or staff members
  • However, if you have overdue materials you may be blocked from borrowing more until all overdue items are returned

Is there a charge?

  • There is no charge for using interlibrary loan
  • However, if you lose an item, you will be charged for its replacement cost, which is determined by the lending library. A replacement fee of $100 and a non-refundable processing fee is typical.
  • You will also be charged for any damage to the item including (but not limited to): highlighter, underlining, pen/pencil marks, removal of pages, etc.

How do I request an item?

  • Complete the Interlibrary Loan Request Form for a book or article located under Online Forms. Provide as much information as possible

How long does it take?

  • Articles usually arrive within 2-5 days as a pdf file
  • Books can take 2-3 weeks

Does the item come to my house or the library?

  • The item will be mailed to the library. Library staff will contact you when it arrives and is available for pickup.

How long can I keep the item?

  • The due date is printed on the book strap. This date is assigned by the lending library and varies depending on the lending library's loan policies.
  • 3-12 weeks is a typical interlibrary loan period
  • Some lending libraries allow renewals, others do not. We will submit a renewal request on your behalf, but there is no guarantee of renewal. If the renewal is denied, please return the material promptly.

How do I return the item?

  • Bring the item back to the campus library where you checked it out and we will return it to the lending library

What if I return it late?

  • We will need to check with the lending library since each library has its own policies.

What is TexShare?

The TexShare Card...Imagine a Library as Big As Texas!

A TexShare Card provides you with borrowing privileges from almost 500 participating libraries across the state.

If you’re a registered patron of a participating library, you may request a TexShare Card from your home library. You must be a patron in good standing and have demonstrated compliance with your library’s existing borrowing policies.

Please check library websites or contact the library by telephone or email prior to visiting in person in order to determine eligibility. See the guidelines below for general information about the program.

Please note: A TexShare Card does not provide access to TexShare Databases or other online resources at libraries you visit. Please use the electronic resources available to you at your home library.

TexShare FAQs

What kind of items can I borrow through TexShare?

  • Books & Articles

How do I request an item?

  • Complete the TexShare Card Application and bring it to the checkout desk along with your ID. Library staff will give you the card.

How long before the card goes into effect?

  • Once you have a TexShare card, you can go to any participating library

How long can I keep the item?

  • The library you are borrowing from will let you know when the due date is

How do I return the item?

  • Return it to the library you borrowed the item from

What if I return it late or lose it?

  • You'll need to ask the library you borrowed from, as libraries have different lending policies

How long does a TexShare card last?

  • It's good for one semester, but there's no limit as to how many times you may apply for a card
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