Interlibrary loan (ILL) service at Evans Library is available to all current Florida Tech students, faculty, staff, researchers and professors emeriti. ILL for professors emeriti and continuing education students is limited to document delivery services unless they live locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an Interlibrary Loan Request?
You can submit a request using the button on the top right of this page. You will be prompted for your TRACKS login. You can place new requests, view previous requests, renew checked out items and retrieve documents or articles that were delivered electronically. Please provide as much information as possible when placing a new request.
May I request textbooks via Interlibrary Loan?
Current textbooks are not available through interlibrary loan due to high demand. Previous editions of textbooks used for your course may be requested, but the checkout period is limited to several weeks.
Can I borrow eBooks through Interlibrary Loan?
Each library has a unique agreement with eBook publishers about how they can lend licensed content. Entire eBooks can rarely be loaned, but in most cases, chapters or pages from an eBook can be borrowed subject, as always, to compliance with fair use and copyright law.
How many items can I request?
There is no limit to the number of items you can request through interlibrary loan. However, most libraries only lend books for 2-3 weeks. Books requested at the same time will arrive at approximately the same time. It may be helpful to space out your requests to allow ample time to use the item.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for books or scanned journal articles from any Florida library. Rarely, a fee may be assessed if the material is only available at an out-of-state library that charges for interlibrary loan service.
There is a field on the request form to set a maximum acceptable cost on all interlibrary loan transactions. If you indicate on the request form that you only want items that are available at no charge, you will be contacted to decide whether to proceed if the lender requires a fee. No charges are made for interlibrary loan services without your prior authorization.
How long does it take?
Articles and other documents that are delivered electronically can often be provided within 24 hours of submitting the request.
Print items that are delivered within Florida or via mail can take up to 7-10 business days. If you need an item by a specific date, please include it on the request form. We will make every effort to meet your deadline.
How long can I keep my books?
The due dates on interlibrary loan books are set by the lender, and to ensure continued reciprocity, we are required to uphold them. Most books can be kept for 2-3 weeks with the option to renew for an additional week or two. If the lender allows renewals, you must renew it in your interlibrary loan account prior to the actual date it is due.
Fines for overdue interlibrary loan books accrue at $.25 per day, per book, increasing to $1.00 per day, per book, for any item more than 10 days late.
How will I know when my material has arrived?
You will be contacted at your Florida Tech email address when your items are available. You can track the progress of your requests in your interlibrary loan account. If you have any other questions about the status of your request, email us.
Where do I pick up my materials?
Articles or other documents will be delivered electronically directly to your interlibrary loan account. The document is then available to download and save. The item will automatically disappear from your account after 60 days. Books and other media will be available for pickup at the Library iDesk. Please bring your Florida Tech ID with you for pickup.
What if I need more information?
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions link on the main page of your interlibrary loan account, or contact us via e-mail or chat: Ask a Librarian.
ILL Information for Distance Learners in Online Learning, Continuing Education or Education Centers
How do I know if I am a Distance Learner?
For this library service, distance learners are defined as those taking classes or employed through Florida Tech and residing outside of Brevard County, Florida.
Can I get articles from print journals at Evans Library?
Yes. Articles will be made available to you electronically via Document Delivery. When you request an article via your interlibrary loan account, be sure to indicate your status as a Distance Learner. You will be notified by email when the article is available in your interlibrary loan account.
Can I check out books from Evans Library?
Yes. Many electronic books (ebooks) are freely available to you online through the Library website. You will be prompted for your TRACKS login.
Distance learners can also check out physical books from the Library which will be mailed to the student. To borrow a physical book, distance learners must acquire a Florida Tech ID card. The number on the card also acts as your library card number. If you are unable to physically come to the main campus to obtain a card, review the Florida Tech ID Card Information online or contact Campus Services directly at 321-674-8926.
How long is the check out period for a book?
Items sent to you via mail will be checked out to you for a period of 30 days, including the transit time both ways.
Do I have to pay for shipping?
Accessing ebooks via the website and articles delivered electronically are always free.
If you request a physical book, the Library will incur the cost of shipping it to you within the United States. However, you are responsible for paying return shipping charges. Please use a secure mailing service for return mail that provides tracking, such as UPS, Fed Ex or USPS. You will be responsible for any costs due to loss, damage or late returns.
Can I get articles or books that aren't available at Evans Library?
Yes. You may submit interlibrary loan requests for any article that is not available electronically through the Library’s website. Articles will be delivered directly to your interlibrary loan account.
If you are able to pick up and return items to the Evans Library iDesk in person, you may submit interlibrary loan requests for books or other media not available at Evans Library. We are unable to ship items that we do not own in our collection. Email us with additional questions.
For more information, contact us:
Email: ill@fit.edu
Chat: Ask a Librarian