Frequently Asked Questions

How many requests can I order?: We will fill ten requests at a time to keep one person from monopolizing the service. You may request as many items as you wish, but prioritize them.
How long does ILL take?: The average for a book is 5-10 days, and the average for an article is 3-5 days, but it could be longer or shorter.
How do I place a request?: From the Library's Website or the Online Catalog:
Where are you located in the library?: When you enter the library, you will find the Circulation Department on your left. Our office is the next office on the left past the Circulation Desk.
What is an ISSN number?: (International Standard Serial Number) It is a number assigned to a particular journal title by the Library of Congress. Most electronic databases will include the ISSN number as part of a citation (ex: 9999-9999).
Where can you locate an ISBN number?: International Standard Book numbers are given to published books and can be found WorldCat and Books in Print. (Both are available online and in print in the library.)
Where can you locate an ISSN number?: The numbers can be found in several places. First, if you have a citation, see if it is there. If not, indexes, WorldCat, Ulrichs, Serials Directory, and the Union List of Serials will provide ISSN numbers. If you need assistance locating an ISSN number, contact the Information Desk.
Is there a charge for Document Delivery service?: At this time there is not a charge, but it is uncertain if we will always be able to provide this service for free.
Can I order a text book?: We do not order textbooks that are being used for classes on campus. We can order older editions to provide assistance. If you have a particular need, please ask the Document Delivery staff.
How much information do I have to fill out on the request form?: The more information you provide the better the chances for getting what you need in a timely manner.
Do you provide overnight delivery?: We do not promise any kind of delivery.
Do you order abstracts?: Many abstracts can be found in the library. If you need an abstract, please go to the Information Desk and ask if we have or can access the abstracts you need. If you are unable to access them at Ellis Library, we will try to order the abstracts for you.
Do you order dissertations?: We will try to order dissertations, buy many libraries will only circulate dissertations if they have a second copy. If we are unable to obtain a dissertation, you may try to purchase a microfilm or print copy from University Microfilms International. The Library has access to many abstracts and 24 page previews of dissertations through Digital Dissertations.
Do your order theses?: Yes, we will try to order theses, but many libraries do not circulate their theses unless they have a second copy.
Do you order videos?: Yes, we will try to order videos, but some lending institutions will not loan videos through ILL.
Do you order CDs?: We will try to order CDs, but we do not generally have much success obtaining them, but it depends on what it is.
Do you order microforms?: We will try to order microforms, but some lending institutions will not lend them.
Do you order newspapers on microfilm?: Yes we do, but some material is archival and may not circulate depending on the age of the film.
What is the loan policy?: We borrow materials from other institutions and they determine the lending time and they may also have stipulations or restrictions, such as IN LIBRARY USE ONLY. If a renewal is needed contact the Interlibrary Loan office and we will request it from the lender. Online renewals are not valid.
What is the borrowing policy?: We will try to order most everything except current year books, census, genealogical materials, and current textbooks.
How may I obtain genealogical material?: The public library is equipped for genealogical research. Also, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a genealogy library with many services available online. The URL for their site is: http://www.familysearch.org/
What kind of electronic access do we have?: The library has access to numerous citations, abstracts, and full-text articles from online databases. These databases are available in the Library and to ASU-Jonesboro students, faculty, and staff from off campus. If you need assistance using these databases, please check at the information desk.
What are special use items?: These items are loaned with special stipulations or restrictions, for example IN LIBRARY USE ONLY and IN HOUSE USE. We must agree to the special use before the library will send the material.
What are unfills?: Unfills are items that we have tried to obtain, but for some reason the lending library did not send them. Reasons for unfills include: non-circulating materials, not on shelf, checked out, and incorrect citations.
What is the copyright policy?: Dean B. Ellis Library and the Resource Sharing and Document Delivery Department does recognize and abide by copyright law as specified in Title 17 of the U.S. Code.
Where do I pick up my ILL requests?: ILL books as well as articles sent by mail should be picked up at the circulation desk. If an article is sent electronically it will be sent to your ASU email account. These articles will be deleted after 2 weeks.
Where do I return my ILL books?: ILL books should be returned to the circulation desk. Please do not put in the drop box.

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