What is ILLiad?

ILLiad is the electronic system you use to request an item through the GVSU University Libraries Document Delivery department. The name ILLiad can be thought of as an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database.

How is ILLiad better than traditional ILL systems?

1. You will find it easier to submit your document delivery requests. With ILLiad, you enter your name, address, and other personal information into the system only once, at the time of your first request.
2. Your request will be handled more rapidly and accurately as problems relating to misinterpretation of hand-written requests are eliminated.
3. You can get many of your photocopies more quickly through Electronic Delivery.
4. You can get information about the status of your request through the Web at any time from any location without having to call the Document Delivery Department.
5. Library personnel are able to serve you better because all data about your request and its handling is stored in a searchable database. We are able to respond quickly to your inquiries about your request. We are also able to gather statistical information about the performance of the libraries that lend to us, enabling us to make better decisions when choosing a lender to supply an item.

Are there any disadvantages to the electronic system?

Some people might find it troublesome to have to log into ILLiad using a username and password. We believe this is less trouble than traditional paper and electronic systems which require you to enter your personal information with each new request.

Why do I need a username and password to use ILLiad / Document Delivery?

Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.

Your username and password for ILLiad is the same as your GVSU network account.

What if I forget my password?

In the event that you forget your password, please contact the Helpdesk at 616-331-2101.

What Web browser should I use?

You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and preferrably Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). We recommend the current versions of either Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?

Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your document delivery loan requests, you can take the following steps:

• Access ILLiad only from your personal computer or an otherwise secure workstation.
• When using a public access workstation:
  1. Delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
  2. Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.

Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?

From time to time we purge older records from ILLiad. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.

What is electronic delivery?

Many libraries ship photocopies of articles to us in electronic format. In the past we printed these articles before delivering them to you. Now, through ILLiad, we are able to offer you the option of electronic delivery of these articles in PDF format (Adobe's Portable Document Format). You can read more about electronic delivery on the Electronic Delivery Information page.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about ILLiad / Document Delivery?

System Problems or Document Delivery Loan Questions: Document Delivery office at (616) 331-2630 or e-mail to docdel@gvsu.edu
Technical Support Questions: E-mail anytime to docdel@gvsu.edu

What if pages are missing from an article I requested?

Call the Document Delivery office at (616) 331-2630 or e-mail to docdel@gvsu.edu to notify them of the missing pages immediately. We have a two week window of time to obtain the missing pages.

Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use ILLiad without any problems.

How do I renew a book borrowed through the Document Delivery Department?

All renewals are done at the discretion of the lending library. To request a renewal log onto your account at www.gvsu.edu/library/docdel. Under the “View” menu click on “Checked Out Items.” Select the item and click “Renew Request.”

My book is overdue. Can I still request a renewal?

As long as the book is no more than 7 days past the due date you can request a renewal. Remember all renewals are done at the discretion of the lending libraries.

I requested a renewal and now I’m getting an overdue notice. Why is this?

The lending library may have denied your Renewal Request. For more information check your account at www.gvsu.edu/library/docdel.

How long does it take to get an Interlibary Loan item?

Please allow 2 weeks to obtain your requested item. In most cases the turn around time for digital copies is less than 24 hours, but some items such as videos, books and rare material take longer to obtain.

How long are my articles available on the server?

Due to Copyright and server space electronically delivered items are available for 14 days. Please be sure to save a copy of any article needed longer than this.

My Document Delivery Account is blocked. Why?

Your account first becomes blocked when you have an item that is more than 14 days overdue. The block is placed automatically when overdue notices are sent. The removal of a block is done manually. Please call our office at 616-331-2630 if the block has not been removed.

How do I return an item?

Bring the item to any of GVSU’s circulation desks or drop the item in one of our conveniently located drop boxes on the Pew or Allendale Campus.

Is there a limit to the number of requests I can place?

You are not limited to the number of requests you can place during a semester or year. However, ILLiad does limit undergraduates to 10, graduates to 20, and faculty/staff to 30 active requests at a time.

What is an active request?

An active request is any article that is pending or that you have not yet received. Active requests also include items that have been borrowed via ILL and are currently checked out. Once the checked out items have been returned you can place more requests.

Is there a charge for document delivery/interlibrary loan?

There is no charge to the patron. GVSU pays up to $20.00 on behalf of a patron for each requested item. If the lending library charges more than $20.00 the patron will be given the option to pay the difference.

Who can use ILL/Document Delivery Services?

The services are offered to current GVSU faculty, emeritus faculty, staff and students. This service is not available to Michicard patrons.

Can I request a bound copy of a GVSU owned e-book?

No, requests are limited to the items GVSU does not own.

Are there any limits on materials not owned by GVSU that may not be borrowed?

Yes, textbooks, rare books, complete issues of journals, CLEP books, and genealogy material cannot be interloaned