WMU Research Guides: CECP 6010: Research Methods: Delivery options for library materials

Getting materials sent to you

Western Michigan University has a superb interlibrary loan service, called Resource Sharing. If you identify books and articles we do not own, they will do their utmost to borrow them for you. This service is usually free of charge to WMU students, faculty and staff.

Journal articles are generally digitized and sent to your email box within a few short days of request.

Books take a bit longer, since they come the old fashioned way through the mail. Normally, books arrive in one to two weeks.

Before using WMU's interlibrary loan service, you must first register and set up an account. Click here to begin the process. You will be asked to login with your BroncoNetID and password. If you have never used the service before, follow the prompts for First Time Users. You only have to register once during your tenure at WMU.

Many of our journal databases allow you to put in an interlibrary loan request directly from the database itself. Be on the lookout for this button in whatever database you are searching . You will click on it to see if WMU owns the journal you are looking for. If we do not, you will see a link underneath it that says "Get it elsewhere." Just login in with your BroncoNetID and password and let the system do the rest.

Some researchers like to use MelCat (the Michigan eLibrary catalog and resource sharing system) to see if any local libraries have the item they are looking for. Feel free to try this, too. Sometimes MelCat books arrive sooner. You may borrow books and DVDs through MelCat.

Elegibility and Restrictions

Who's Eligible?

Students enrolled in Extended University Programs off campus courses.
Faculty and staff whose primary work site is a regional location or designated off campus site
Students who live in Kalamazoo and Portage are NOT eligible.

How Much Will It Cost?

There is no charge for the service. However, you are responsible for the cost of returning any materials loaned to you and any overdue fines.

When Will I Receive the Material?

Items are usually sent from the main campus within a 24 - 48 hour period.
Photocopies and microfiche copies will be mailed to the address on the request form. If the article is available for electronic pick up you will receive an e-mail notice.
Books will be sent via UPS. (Note: P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable.)
You are responsible for returning loaned materials to the Interlibrary Loan Servicess by the due date. Overdue fines are $0.25 per day. Over due fines for recalled items and instructional videos may be higher.

Restrictions

Journals are NOT available on loan. Only a specific article will be copied.
Non-circulating materials such as reference and audio visual materials will NOT be loaned.
Reserve materials will NOT be loaned. (Check with your instructor for materials placed on reserve for your class.)