Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for distance education includes access to physical items held in Stoxen Library as well as resources held in libraries that participate in ILL. ILL services with participating libraries supplements the library collection and should be used when your needs cannot be met at Stoxen Library. ILL services are free of charge for Dickinson State University distance education students, faculty, and staff.
Once an ILL request is made, Stoxen Library will send the item to your home via the USPS or the request will be sent to lender libraries. Always allow at least two weeks for materials to arrive. Electronic copies often arrive within 2-3 days, however, sometimes it may take longer than two weeks. Physical items may also take two weeks or longer depending on how long it takes to find a lender and ship the item. As a distance education student it may be quicker to check if your local library has the material you need.
Click through the tabs to learn more about the ILL process for distance education. View the Powerpoint slide to the right to learn how to make an ILL request.
Electronic copies of the following items can be ordered through ILL for distance education:
Distance education students have access to Stoxen Library's e-books and full-text articles through the Stoxen Library website. Stoxen Library will send an electronic copy of an article in print journals or an electronic copy of a print book chapter that is in its collection and not available online. Additionally, Stoxen Library will request electronic copies of items we don't have through ILL services with participating libraries. An email will be sent to your DSU email address with an attachment of your document or with a link and password. This will be the end of the ILL process for electronic items. If you have trouble viewing the electronic document contact Stoxen Library.
Always allow at least two weeks for ILL requests. Electronic copies often arrive in 2-3 days, however, occasionally it may take more that two weeks. The lending library has full discretion when deciding to lend materials. Some items may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Additionally, copyright restrictions may limit some ILL requests.
Physical items that can be requested through ILL services include books and DVD's. Once the request is received by Stoxen Library an email will be sent to you asking for your mailing address. Reply to the email and provide your mailing address. Stoxen Library will only ship to a home address in the continental U.S. Once Stoxen Library receives your mailing address it will ship its collection items to the address provided or place an ILL request with participating libraries. Requesting physical items from other libraries may be very time consuming. Checking to see if your local library has the materials you need may save your time. Always allow at least two weeks for items to arrive. Items borrowed from a library other than Stoxen Library will likely take longer.
The lending library has full discretion when deciding to lend materials. Some items may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Additionally, copyright restrictions may limit some ILL requests.
Library material shipped to your home will contain paperwork from Stoxen Library and the lending library if applicable. Leave all paperwork in the item and return all paperwork with the item. Return items in the packaging it arrived in. Use the postage provided and follow the directions for return that arrive with your materials.
If you would like to renew an ILL item, send the request to dsu.library.ill@dickinsonstate.edu. Stoxen Library will likely renew an item in its collection unless there is a hold by another patron. Alternatively, Stoxen Library will contact the lending library through an automated system. The lending library has full discretion for deciding whether or not to grant the renewal. Stoxen Library will contact you through your DSU email account letting you know if the renewal request was denied or if you were given a new due date.
The due date will be written on the blue information slip inserted in the item by Stoxen Library. You are responsible for keeping track of due dates for ILL items and returning them on time. You are responsible for any late, lost, or damaged fees that are assessed by the lending library.