Requesting Materials: Some Additional Options
Using Interlibrary Loan from within HOLLIS
When Harvard's copy is checked out, on reserve, or MIA for some reason, look for the Interlibrary Loan link when you open the full record. It appears right above the Access options, toward the bottom of the screen.
We'll first try to fulfill your request via a smallish consortium of libraries which work to exchange materials rapidly. Typical turn-around is 1-4 business days. You simply indicate which Harvard Library we should deliver the requested item to and we do the rest behind the scenes.
When we can't borrow from our immediate consortial partners, we'll expand our search nationwide. That process may take a little longer than 4 days, but the wait is always worth it for materials important to you and your work.
When your requested item arrives, you'll receive a message from our Resource Sharing office and you can pick it up at the Access Services (circulation) point you designated.
SEARCHING BORROW DIRECT FOR ITEMS NOT IN HOLLIS
In instances where a book you're after doesn't surface in HOLLIS, your next best step might be to point your browser to https://library.harvard.edu/services-tools/borrowdirect, and click on the blue button there. You'll open us our consortial catalog; search the title/author and if copies are available, you can request them from there (just as you would in HOLLIS).
PLACING INTERLIBRARY LOAN REQUESTS OUTSIDE HOLLIS
If you're pressed for time, can't find the item in HOLLIS, or if your Borrow Direct search turns up empty, let us take the process over for you!
You don't have to be in HOLLIS to submit an Interlibrary Loan request. Our submission form is always available at the Interlibrary Loan link above.
Scan and Deliver (Digital Delivery)
When you need a few pages from a book or a full journal article, Scan and Deliver is the service to use. (Up to two chapters per book or two articles per journal issue)
Scan & Deliver requests are placed through HOLLIS.* When you locate the item, look under "Get It," for the Scan and Deliver option. (Your first time in, you'll need to set up a profile.)
Normally, Scan and Deliver requests are filled within four days of the request. You'll get an email with a link to the PDF. You have 30 days to download or print out before the item disappears from your account.
*If you can't find a listing for the item in HOLLIS, or if do not see a Scan & Deliver link, you can request it as an Interlibrary Loan.
Purchase Requests
If you need material to which the library does not have access, you can ask the library to acquire a copy, in print or online, using our Purchase Request form.
When in Doubt
Ask Sue or Emily for assistance or just a second pair of eyes when you need a little help.
