You can use Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) to request items such as books, articles (print or electronic), and dissertations from libraries worldwide. Please note, however, that Interlibrary Loan is a cooperative service; because some libraries may have staff limitations, requests may be delayed or remain unfulfilled.
Interlibrary Loan does not fill requests for Items already owned by the SJSU Library or items on Course Reserves.
Do not put Interlibrary Loan materials in the book drop.
Placing Requests
Note: Before placing a request, check the library catalog to make sure we do not already own the item. If an item we own is missing, contact the Circulation Department to request a search; if it cannot be located, you will be allowed to submit an ILLiad request for the item.
Request Limits: There are no request limits, but Interlibrary Loan staff can limit how many requests are processed per day per user during busy periods.
Cost: Most requests are free, but some libraries do charge fees to lend their items. If this is the only option available, we will contact you to confirm whether you are willing to pay the fee.
Waiting Period: Items are usually received in 7 to 10 days; some requests can take longer, and some as little as 2 or 3 days. There is no guarantee that the requested material will be located, however.
Delivery time depends on many factors, such as where the material is located and how quickly that library responds to requests. We make every effort to get your items in the shortest time possible. We cannot accept requests with a deadline.
Borrowing Rules
Loan Period: The loan period is set by the lending library, usually around 3 weeks.
Renewals: Renewals can sometimes be arranged, and may be requested online through ILLiad.
Late Fees: $1 per day/per item.
Lost or Damaged Items: You will be charged for any lost or damaged materials. Libraries may refuse to lend to us in the future if their materials are late or damaged.
Pick-ups & Returns
Pick-Up Notification: You will be notified by e-mail or phone when your requested material arrives. You can also log in to your ILLiad Account to monitor the progress of your request.
Where to Pick Up:
Returning Items: All Interlibrary Loan materials must be returned in person to the King Library.
Do NOT put Interlibrary Loan materials in the book drop.
SJSU students, faculty, and staff have access to over 29 million books across the entire CSU, right from within OneSearch. You can request books from any of the other 22 California State University libraries and have them delivered to the SJSU Library within 2-5 days.
Requests can be made directly in OneSearch, but you must be logged in to your account see this option. Only currently enrolled/employed SJSU patrons are eligible to borrow from other CSU libraries. Loan periods are as follows:
There are no daily fines for materials borrowed from other CSU libraries, but they will be considered lost at 14 days overdue and you will be billed the replacement cost of $90 per item. Fines must be paid online; no cash or checks will be accepted.
All CSU libraries also offer walk-in privileges to current SJSU students, staff, and faculty. SJSU patrons may check out books at other CSU libraries using their Tower Card. Books and media can be checked out for 30 days without renewal.
Distance students who would like to take advantage of this program can request a Tower card from the Bursar's Office: bursar@sjsu.edu. Bring a photo ID and your Tower card to check out books at another CSU.
In WorldCat, you can search the collections of nearly 17,000 libraries worldwide to find a library that has the item you're looking for.
You can borrow items through Link+ that are not available at the San José Public Library (SJPL) using your SJPL card.
Check out what other Bay Area and California libraries have to offer. Select a library's website to find a phone number to call for assistance or search the library's catalog yourself.