Step 3

Check local holdings.

Once a patron has placed an ILL request, it's time to find the item and decide the best way to request it. Different material types will present different problems. Your library may borrow through different channels for books, articles, or audiovisual materials. Dissertations and microfilm also offer unique challenges.

You do not want to borrow something that is available in your library or through your library's databases.

Books: Check your library catalog and local catalogs that offer patron-initiated borrowing.
- OCLC flags a record when your institution owns the item.
- Libraries whose collections are available through patron-initiated borrowing can be highlighted in special custom holdings groups.
Articles: Check your library catalog and databases. Use:
- your library's catalog
- your library's journal linking product (such as Serials Solutions)
- CUFTS Journal Search

Be aware of special microfilm collections or uncataloged collections when looking for local holdings.


	Fun Interactive Exercise!
	Checking Local Holdings
	What to do with a request for: an item on reserve, an item that is currently checked out, an e book, an article that is in a full text database but in the embargo period, an item that is full text in a database but the patron is having trouble downloading, an ERIC document (ED) (after 1993), an item that is available through patron-initiated borrowing. What response to each provides the best service and is the best use of the resources of ILL?

If you did NOT find the item available in your library's collection, forward to Step 4: Search and verify

If you DID find the item available in your library's collection, forward to Cancel request

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