Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ILLiad

What is ILLiad?

ILLiad is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan to borrow items not available via CUNY+ or our subscribed databases. ILLiad is software that manages every step of every Interlibrary Loan transaction. Over 1200 of public and academic libraries also use ILLiad, including about 15 CUNY libraries. The name ILLiad can be thought of as an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database.

Who can use ILLiad?

Interlibrary Loan services are available to full-time faculty, part-time faculty, staff and administrators at City Tech.

How do I create an ILLiad account?

City Tech faculty and administrators should have a validated, activated college ID card before creating their ILLiad accounts. To create an account, start at the patron logon page and click on First Time Users. Be prepared to choose a username and password, and record your password somewhere secure. Have your City Tech ID card handy; you will need to type in your 14 digit library barcode number from your ID card (it is the number that starts with 22477).

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Can I use ILLiad to request an item from another CUNY library?

Use CLICS to request books that are owned in other CUNY libraries. Use ILLiad to request journal articles and individual book chapters. Before you request a journal article, check the list of full-text journals to be sure we don't already own the article you want.

How much does it cost to use ILLiad?

We do not charge our users for Interlibrary Loan through ILLiad, but if other libraries charge overdue fines or replacement costs for lost books, we must pass those charges on to the borrower.

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

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

Your username can be anything you like, such as your name, abbreviations, or an alphanumeric code. Your password also can be anything you like. We recommend that you follow good security practice and choose a password that is different from those you use to access other systems. However, no one but you will know your password, not even the library staff. Please record your password somewhere secure in case you forget it.

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What if I forget my password?

In the event that you forget your password, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office at (718) 260-5792. We can then reset your password allowing you access to ILLiad. After you log in again, please change your password to something only you know. Please store your password somewhere secure.

How many ILLiad requests may I make at one time?

You may have 10 active ILLiad requests at any one time. Once a book or article has been delivered to you, it does not count against the 10 item limit. You can check your active requests by logging in to your ILLiad account and selecting Outstanding Requests from the View menu.

Can I renew a book I obtained through Interlibrary loan?

To renew a book, log in to your ILLiad account, start at the Main Menu and click on View/Renew Checked Out Items. We will request that the lending library grant a renewal. When we hear back from the lending library, we will let you know the outcome. Many libraries allow one renewal but occasionally refuse the renewal request if the item is needed by one of their own patrons. If your renewal request is denied, please return the item as soon as possible. You can submit another request for the same item.

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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 send photocopies of articles to us in electronic format rather than via US Mail or courier. Through ILLiad, we are able to offer you the option of electronic delivery of these articles in PDF format, which you can download at any time, from any computer. You can read more about electronic delivery on the Electronic Delivery Information page.

I know that a nearby library owns the book or journal that I want. Why can't you get it from that library?

Many libraries charge for supplying loans and photocopies. In order to keep our costs down and avoid passing charges on to our users, we use networks of free suppliers whenever possible.

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

For system problems, tech support or Interlibrary loan questions, contact the interlibrary loan office at (718) 260-5792 or e-mail interlibraryloan@citytech.cuny.edu

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