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Interlibrary Loan: Get materials not available @ UHSP

Find out how to get articles and books that are not available in the UHSP Library.

Wait! Did you check our Library and MOBIUS?

Check the UHSP Library first!

If you need a book quickly, check the UHSP Library. Books requested through MOBIUS or Interlibrary Loan can take days or even weeks to arrive, so always check our library first. 

If we don't have the book, try MOBIUS

MOBIUS is a large consortium of academic libraries in Missouri and surrounding states, plus several large public libraries. MOBIUS libraries share books with other member libraries for free. If a book you want is at the UMSL Library, they’ll send it to us free of charge for you to borrow!

So, is MOBIUS the same thing as Interlibrary Loan?

Yes and No: MOBIUS is a type of Interlibrary Loan.
MOBIUS is your quick and easy option for getting print books not available in our Library. True Interlibrary Loan is only for when you can't find a book in MOBIUS. 

See the chart below to understand the differences between MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan. 

 
MOBIUS
Interlibrary Loan
Libraries All academic libraries in the state of Missouri and several large public library systems Every library outside of ours

Placing a request

Request books 24/7

You submit a request to the Library, then Library staff submit the request to a larger system of libraries around the world.

Time Frame

Books arrive in 2-3 business days. 

Books arrive in 1-2 weeks.

Checkout length

4 weeks, with 2 renewals possible.

Length Varies--it could be 2 weeks or 3 months. 
Length is set by the lending library. 

Renewals

 Renew online any time.
Maximum of 3 renewals allowed		 Contact the Library Staff to submit a renewal request. Library Staff will then contact the lending library to ask for a renewal

Requesting Books

How do I request a book through Interlibrary Loan?

Who can request books through Interlibrary Loan?

All current UHSP students, staff, and faculty can place requests.

How much does it cost?

It is FREE!!! 

When will my book arrive?

Books usually take around two weeks to arrive. If you need something quicker, we recommend checking in MOBIUS. If we are unable to obtain a book from any of our partner lending libraries, we will let you know as soon as possible. 

How will I be notified when my book arrives?

An email will be sent to your UHSP email address. You will then have 1 week to pick up the book from the Library Services Desk.  

Where do I pick up my book?

At the Library Services Desk. 

How can I renew my book?

Email ILL.Library@uhsp.edu. Most books can be renewed, but not all lenders allow for renewals.