Log in below to request items from libraries nationwide and see items checked out to you and their due dates.

My Library Account (“Sign in”)

Contact the Interlibrary Loan Department (ILL)

Frequently Asked Questions

Read from the Interlibrary Loan FAQ list below for information on using the Hedberg Library Interlibrary Loan Service.

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows one to borrow library materials from other libraries that Hedberg Library does not own.

There is no charge for loans to current Carthage students, faculty, and staff. 

Many of your requests will arrive quickly through electronic delivery. Our turnaround time for article requests, from when the request is made until you are notified, is typically 2-5 business days. Book requests may take 5-12 days.

What about copyright?

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries can furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user requests and later uses a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. For further information on Hedberg Library’s copyright policy, see the Copyright Information webpage on the LIS website.

Library staff will not make copies of requested interlibrary loan materials for Carthage users. Typically, the reproduction of 10% of an item or one journal article from a journal volume is considered within copyright and fair use guidelines.

Hedberg Library reserves the right to refuse to accept a request if the order’s fulfillment would involve a copyright law violation.

Can I request items from libraries outside the United States?

The Carthage College Interlibrary Loan services do not extend outside of the United States.

How do I request items through the catalog?

  • Search the library catalog for the desired item.
  • If the item is not available at the Carthage College Hedberg Library, you will see the option to “Request Item through Interlibrary Loan.”
  • You will be directed to log into your library account and complete the ILL request form.
  • Please review your request before submitting it. Make sure that you fill out as much of the information as you can.

Can I Request an Item Outside of the Catalog?

You may request an item through the form below. Please fill out as much information as you can.

Interlibrary Loan Request Form

Can I request an ebook via ILL?

Libraries do not have the technology to share ebooks with patrons outside their home libraries.

Why is my account blocked?

An ILL account is automatically blocked when previously requested items have not been returned to the library (this status is assigned after an item is 30 days overdue).  If your account is blocked and you have overdue ILL materials, please return them to the library. If your account is blocked and you believe you have returned your materials, please email ill@xyschool.net.

Where do I pick up my items? How do I know they’ve arrived?

You will be notified via email when an item has arrived. All requests are available for pick up at the Circulation Desk in the Hedberg Library with your Carthage ID. Please pick up your materials as soon as possible so that you will have adequate time to use them.

How do I retrieve electronic articles from my account?

You will receive a direct email from the Interlibrary Loan Department (ill@xyschool.net) with the article. 

Why are there papers in my book/DVD/CD case?

Please keep the paperwork with the item. Interlibrary Loan staff use the identification numbers to track the request. Contact information for the library loaning the item to Carthage is also on the paperwork.

What is my due date? why are the due dates different for the two books I just received?

Lending periods are determined by the lending library, not Hedberg Library. They usually range from 2 to 8 weeks. You can use My Account to review when your items are due.

How do I renew Interlibrary Loan materials?

  • Login to My Account (“Sign in”).
  • Go to “Checked Out Items.”
  • Click on the transaction number of the item you want to renew.
  • Click on ‘Renew Request’ above the checked-out item list. This option is only available before the due date has passed.

If you want to renew a book after the due date has passed, please email ill@xyschool.net, and our staff will assist you with renewing or reordering the item.

How do I return an Interlibrary Loan item?

Please return all Interlibrary Loan items to the Hedberg Library Circulation Desk or mail them to the library at the address below:

Hedberg Library Interlibrary Loan
Carthage College
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140

Why does my account say an item is checked out to me? I haven’t picked it up yet.

Once an item leaves our office, it is checked out to the patron who requested it. We will hold the items at the Circulation Desk, and you may ask for them there. It is up to the requester to pick up the items as soon as possible to maximize their given checkout period.

My item was recalled. What does that mean?

The lending library has requested that the material be returned. A recall from the lending library negates any time left on your loan and the item should be returned to Hedberg Library as soon as possible. Once the item is returned, we can request another copy from a different library for you.