Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows BVU students and faculty to request material not owned by our library. We utilize the OCLC computer network to access the book and journal holdings of other libraries all over the world so that resources can be sent where they are needed.. BVU also participates as a lender is this system so that our materials are shared with patrons at other libraries.
There is no limit to the number of interlibrary loan requests an individual can place.
Article requests are often filled within three working days. Articles are sent to you electronically.
Book requests are often filled within five working days. We use both a courier service that covers Iowa and Missouri libraries and the U.S. Postal Service for book deliveries.
All interlibrary loan requests are FREE to BVU students, faculty and staff.
Go to Request an interlibrary loan help screen, then click on the "Continue to Interlibrary Loan" button after reviewing the information on the help screen.
Click on BVU Students Students/Faculty/Staff button
Then sign in with your BVU username and password. Do NOT use "@bvu.edu" with your username! Here is an example of how Jane Smith might sign in. (Your username may not have a number.)
Information about setting up your interlibrary loan account are detailed on this page under "Receiving Notifications."
Please use your BVU email address for all notifications.
Select "Send library account updates to me"
Select "Send updates by email."
Click on "Save changes" button.
First, click on the "CREATE REQUEST" button to the right.
Then, click on ARTICLE or BOOK or MEDIA buttons to bring up the appropriate request form.
Copies of book chapters can be ordered on the ARTICLES request form.
MEDIA can be any sort of audio-visual medium.
Please fill in any required fields, marked with an asterisk like "Journal Title" or "Month/Year" below.
If you have additional information on the material, let us know. If you don't, please leave the fields blank.
If required information is missing, a librarian can help!
If we have questions about your request or are unable to fill it, you will be notified.
Near the bottom of an article request, fill in your name, email and your status from the pull-down menu. When you have entered all the information, click on "Submit Request."
Book requests require a little more information. If you attend classes in Storm Lake and/or live in Buena Vista County, you can pick up books at the BVU Library Circulation Desk. Those patrons should select that option under "Pickup Location."
If you live outside of Storm Lake and are an online student, we will mail the books to your home address. Select the option "I need this mailed to my address" under Pickup Location and fill in your address. When you have the information about the pickup location filled in, click on "Submit Request."
If you need the material past the date it is due, please contact us so that we can request a renewal on your behalf.
Email ill@bvu.edu with the title and the length of time you'd like to keep the book (up to 30 days).
Renewals are not automatic. If the renewal is not granted you may be asked to return the book immediately. If that happens, you can place another request for the same title and we'll borrow it from another library.
Interlibrary Loan materials can be recalled by the lending library if it is needed there. If you are contacted to return material before it is due, please work with us to get another copy of the material.
Interlibrary loan returns can be left in the library book drop or returned to the library circulation desk.
Off-campus students should read the tab "What if I live outside of Storm Lake?" for special instructions on how to return interlibrary loan items.
Interlibrary Loan services are available to ALL BVU students and faculty, regardless of location. Students who attend online classes in eight-week terms can face a real time crunch when using the interlibrary loan service, so please plan well in advance!
Service for books and returnable items will take longer for those who live outside of Storm Lake. Items will first be sent to the BVU Library for processing and then we will mail them to your home address. This doesn't affect journal requests which are sent electronically, just physical items like books.
Please be prepared to pay return postage for returnable items when they are due. Use the cheapest postage available. If you save the package or box the material was sent in, you can return it in the same packaging. Our mailing address is:
BVU LIbrary
Attn: Interlibrary Loan
610 W. Fourth St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588
NOTE: Students who live in Iowa may be able to return items through library courier services at their local libraries at no charge. Please check with us BEFORE you place requests so that we can inquire if this is a possibility in your home town!