Help & Services

ILL Request Form

Interlibrary Loan is a service in which libraries lend their collections to other libraries for their patrons. It is a way for libraries to offer access to many more items than their physical space or budget may allow. Salem State University both borrows material to meet our community's needs and lends our materials to other libraries.

The fastest way to get the materials you need is from the library's collection. If we don’t have what you need, you can request material that is available within the NOBLE network to be sent to SSU's Library. You will need your ClipperCard and a PIN to order items yourself from the NOBLE catalog. To obtain a PIN, visit the Library Help Desk. For items that show “available” in the catalog, we expect those items to arrive usually within 3-5 business days. For items that are currently checked out, you will be put on the “hold list” to wait for books to be returned, and then sent to the next patron waiting for them. Please plan ahead for when you need materials.

Before submitting your ILL request:

• You will need your ClipperCard number. This number is on the back of your ClipperCard and begins with 21506. It is not your student ID number.
• Provide us with as much information about the material you're requesting as you can (e.g., title, author, volume, number, dates, page numbers, etc.). If your citation includes ISBN or ISSN numbers, please include those, however they are not required to complete your request.
• There is a limit of 5 requests per student at a given time. As requests are filled, we will continue to fill additional article/book requests.
• Most of the time we can borrow ILL items for free. However, some libraries charge for their ILL service. We will always try to fill your request for free. If we cannot, we will let you know what the range of prices may be and give you the option of paying for your item or cancelling your request.
• Please note that e-books and textbooks cannot be requested through ILL.

For more information, please contact the ILL Department Staff by phone at 978.542.6501, by email at ssuill@salemstate.edu, or visit the Library Help Desk in person.