Interlibrary Loan

Can't find what you need in the collection? Don't worry. You can borrow books, movies, and articles from other libraries using the services listed below.

Requesting Books and Articles

To get the resource you need as quickly as possible, follow the procedure below. Call (925) 631-4229 for more information:

For Books

  1. If the item you need is a book, search the library catalog (Albert) using the title of the book. The library catalog contains books, ebooks, and media items owned by SMC Library. This is the first step in discovering what material is readily available to you.
  2. If the book is not available in the Library Catalog, check to see if it is available through the LINK+ Catalog, a consortium of libraries in California. Books and movies are usually delivered in 3-5 business days for pick-up at the Library Service Desk or at a participating Link+ library. 
  3. Looking for a specific book chapter? Get it quickly by borrowing the book it's in through Link+. You can also use ILLiad. ILLiad requests may take longer than simply getting the book the chapter is from Link+. Complete the request form for book chapter requests.
  4. If the book is not available through LINK+, you may request the book through ILLiad. Please be aware that ordering books or movies through ILLiad can take at least a couple of weeks. 

For Articles

  1. If the item you need is an article, first find the source of the article, usually the periodical title (e.g. journal, magazine, or newspaper title).
  2. Search Journals Finder using the title of the periodical to see if we carry the issue you need.
  3. If we do not have the article full text, either in print or through a subscription database, submit a request for the article through ILLiad.  You will create an account to gain access.  Articles and book chapters are posted online in 2-3 business days (Monday - Friday).

Other Services

Document Delivery is a service accessed via ILLiad and is available to SMC faculty, staff, graduate students, students with disabilities, and students who live 25 miles or more from campus. The library will consider others on a case by case basis.

Patrons can request print material available in our library be pulled and processed for electronic access. Material includes journal articles, book chapters, and other material that can be scanned. We will also mail SMC-owned books; Link+ and ILLiad material is not eligible.

Reciprocal Borrowing Privileges with U C Berkeley are available to SMC full time faculty. To begin the process of getting permissions, you may wish to consult with the Dean of Academic Resources about your research needs. Then, write a letter similar to this example on Saint Mary's College letterhead and take it to the Provost's office for a signature. 

Please Ask Us if you have further questions!