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How to Find a Book

Looking for a book? This guide can help you find a book in our Library, at other academic libraries in Missouri, and help you place an Interlibrary Loan request.

What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a free service for UHSP faculty, staff, students, residents, and preceptors.

Interlibrary Loan lets you borrow physical materials from libraries outside MOBIUS and obtain copies of articles or chapters from books not in the UHSP Library. 

MOBIUS vs Interlibrary Loan

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 will 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 an item is not in MOBIUS. 

Interlibrary Loan FAQs

What can be requested through Interlibrary Loan?

  • journal articles

  • newspaper articles

  • books

  • book chapters

Is there a charge for Interlibrary Loan?

No! Interlibrary Loan is free for current UHSP faculty, staff, students, and preceptors. The Library does occasionally pay a small fee, but we don't pass that charge on to our users.

How long will it take to get the items I requested through Interlibrary Loan?

Books usually arrive within 1-2 weeks. If you have any questions about the status, please email Shirley.Moreno@uhsp.edu.

MOBIUS books arrive quickly (3-5 business days) because they are sent from libraries in Missouri, while books requested through Interlibrary Loan may be coming from libraries across the US.

How long can I borrow Interlibrary Loan items?

The loan length is determined by the owning library. Loans are usually anywhere between 2-6 weeks. 

How will I be notified when my book arrives?

An email will be sent to your UHSP email address and you will have 1 week to pick up the book from the Library Service Desk.

Where do I pick up my book?

At the Library Service Desk during normal operating hours.

Can I renew my Interlibrary Loan book?

Unlike MOBIUS books, you can NOT renew interlibrary loan books through your library account. To renew, please email Shirley.Moreno@uhsp.edu.

How do I cancel my request if I no longer need the material?

Email Shirley.Moreno@uhsp.edu to cancel a request.

Questions? 

See our Interlibrary Loan guide.