Who can use this service?
The interlibrary loan service is available to current BU students,
faculty, and staff, with the exception of individuals affiliated
with the Schools of Law, Theology, and Medicine, where comparable
library services are available.
What can be requested?
Materials not available in a library on the Charles River
Campus may be requested. Please check the online
catalog before submitting a request.
How do I request materials?
Requests for books or article photocopies may be submitted
by using an online form,
or by filling out a paper form at the Reference Desk. Please
use a separate form for each request and include information
about where you found your citation (i.e. the "verification
source"). One of our Electronic
Indexes is preferred as a verification source, but a
journal article or a Website is acceptable if fully described.
How much does it cost?
There is currently no charge for this service.
How many items may I request?
We will process twenty five requests per week per individual.
How long does it take?
The average turnaround for photocopies is 2-3 weeks, but
requests sent to the BU Medical Library are received in
7-10 days. Particularly urgent requests for photocopies
can be processed in 1-3 days using commercial document delivery
vendors. Many journal articles published in the last 5-10
years are available this way. We will make every attempt
to accommodate "needed by" dates, so please provide them
thoughtfully. The average turnaround on books is three weeks.
How will I be notified?
You will be notified by e-mail or postcard when materials
arrive. Article photocopies can be picked up at the SEL
circulation desk. Books are held at the Interlibrary Loan
Office on the first floor of Mugar Memorial Library and
need to be picked up there.
