How long does it take?
How long may I keep an item borrowed through GIL Express?
Recall Fines
How many GIL Express requests may I make?
What materials are available for borrowing?
What materials are not available?
Items not circulated through GIL Express may be available through our Interlibrary Loan. See Instructions For Submitting an Interlibrary Loan Request.
Overdue Materials
Lost/Damaged Material
Visit the USG GIL Express website for a complete description of GIL Express policies and procedures.
Who is eligible to use the ILL Borrowing service?
Currently enrolled students, and currently employed faculty/staff, whose library accounts are in good standing, are eligible to use the ILL Borrowing service to request items that are not available at Asa H. Gordon Library or any of the USG Libraries through GIL Express. Before submitting a request remember to check GIL Find.
Please note:
Why can't ILL borrow current textbooks for my classes?
ILL is available for borrowing items that supplement learning, teaching, or research, not for general course study materials such as textbooks. Instead of requesting via ILL, we recommend checking USG libraries and requesting from GIL Express or purchasing/renting your textbooks.
What materials are available for borrowing?
We will process requests for items requested via ILL. If a book is available from another USG library via GIL Express, we will notify you. If the ILL office cannot get an item you need we will contact you via your SSU email.
What materials listed below are typically not available for borrowing?
While the materials listed below are typically not able to be borrowed through ILL, the possibility of obtaining depends on the owning library's ILL lending policies.
How many ILL requests may I make?
You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your request, if more information is needed, when the item is available, or if your request cannot be filled.
Is there a fee for using ILL?
Generally, there is no charge for using the ILL service. Occasionally, the lending library will charge a fee for materials they supply. If there is a fee you will be contacted via email to see if you are willing to pay. All costs for loans or copies are the responsibility of the patron. Additionally, if an ILL item is lost or damaged, the lending library will determine the replacement cost, the patron will receive an invoice, and the total will be added to the patron's library account.
How long does it take?
We recommend that you plan ahead because the ILL office cannot guarantee when a requested item will arrive. The time it takes to obtain an item depends on a number of factors; the backlog in the lending library's ILL office, the method of delivery, etc. It may take a minimum of two to four weeks (Monday - Friday) for returnable loans and two to ten days for photocopies of articles. Materials owned by institutions out of state, in high demand, or difficult to locate may take longer. You may note any deadlines or need before dates on the ILL request form. You may contact the ILL office to check on the status of a request.
Book chapters and articles
Book chapters, and articles from journals, magazines, newspapers, etc., are delivered electronically via a single secure location and become the property of the patron. A URL and password will be emailed to you where the file can be accessed (saved and printed). It is recommended that you download your articles, which will allow you to keep them indefinitely.
Where do I pick-up and return my ILL book?
Pick-up ILL books from and return them to the Asa H. Gordon Library circulation desk. Please do not return ILL books in the book drop.
Loan Period
The loan period for ILL books are determined by the lending institutions. We must honor the due date set by the lending library. It is imperative that we return ILL materials to the lending library in a timely fashion to ensure continued borrowing privileges with them in the future. Patrons who consistently return ILL materials past the due date will have their items restricted to in-library-use only.
ILL books that are not picked up will be returned to the lending library on the due date. Patrons who do not pick-up ILL materials on a consistent basis (two or more times) will be refused further service.
Lending Restrictions:
Lending libraries sometimes impose restrictions on ILL materials they lend, such as, "no renewal," "in-library-use only," "supervised use only," "no photocopying," etc. All restrictions must be strictly observed.
May I request a Renewal?
Unless restricted, renewals may be requested at least five (5) days before the due date. Before requesting a renewal check the information printed on the white slip on the front cover of the borrowed book to determine if it can be renewed. Restrictions, loan periods, and policies will vary depending on the lending library.
How do I request a renewal?
If a renewal is allowed, submit a renewal request by contacting the ILL office via phone: 912.358.4339 or email: ill@savannahstate.edu.
When the library responds to our renewal request, you will be notified via email to let you know the new date or if the renewal was denied. Check your email periodically or contact the Interlibrary Loan office.
Please keep in mind: Renewals are not guaranteed and are subject to approval by the lending library.
Overdue Material
If you have overdue ILL materials, your ILL borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will also be responsible for any late fees or fines charged by the lending institution.
Lost/Damaged Material
If you lose or damage ILL materials, you will be subjected to the replacement cost by the lending institution and your ILL borrowing privileges will be blocked until your record is cleared.
Savannah State University 2200 Tompkins Rd Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: (912) 358-4324 Reference Text Line: (912) 226-2479