As information resources grow more plentiful, it becomes increasingly difficult for any library to acquire all the materials students and faculty need for their research. Therefore the UWM Libraries have established several methods for UWM faculty, staff, and students to obtain items not held at UWM. General option choices may be viewed at http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/ris/ill.html

Interlibrary Loan -- The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Office will locate materials available in other libraries throughout the state, across the country, or around the world. This service greatly expands access to needed material for scholars in all disciplines. However, this method may be time-consuming and an expensive process for the Libraries. When using Interlibrary Loan, it is advisable to allow a minimum of two weeks to receive the material. There is no charge for this service, though certain limitations may apply. The ILL Office uses an online system, called ILLiad. Login to ILLiad to make requests, ask for renewals, and track the status of requests. Access ILLiad via PantherCat or from "Library Request Forms" on the homepage; from within PantherCat, click on the "interlibrary loan" button at the top of the screen.

Rush ILL -- Undergraduate students who need articles on a rush basis may request Rush ILL. The Libraries' charge is a flat fee of $5.00 per request. Articles are typically received within 24-48 hours. RUSH ILL SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO FACULTY, STAFF, AND GRADUATE STUDENTS AT NO CHARGE, WITH SOME LIMITATIONS. Please contact the ILL Office (414-229-4493) for more details on this service.

ILL Direct Request -- Thanks to WorldCat, available via the UWM Libraries' homepage at http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/, UWM students, faculty, and staff can directly request books from library collections around the world. Non-book materials such as manuscripts, maps, and journals may also be identified via WorldCat and requested through Interlibrary Loan via the online ILL request form.

Dissertation Express -- UWM faculty and students can buy low-cost printed copies of doctoral dissertations through Dissertation Express. This service provides an alternative to borrowing dissertations (often on microfilm) that are needed for research through Interlibrary Loan. Dissertations are $29.00 per dissertation, prepaid. Dissertation Express orders can be placed and picked up in the ILL Office during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

UW SYSTEM BORROWING

UW System Borrowing -- UW System Borrowing allows library users with a valid UWM ID to request, borrow, and return materials directly from any participating library within the UW System, without travelling to the other institution or filling out ILL request forms. Materials may be borrowed from and returned to any participating UW System library. Users may track borrowing activities through their PantherCat Personal Record. Journals and magazines, reference books, course reserves, and special or archival collection materials are not available. Requests for journal articles should be made through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) office. General information is available in the library guide, UW System Borrowing.

Please contact the UWM Libraries' RIS Information Desk (414-229-4659) for assistance in locating materials held in other UW libraries. Contact either the Main Circulation Desk (414-229-4132) or the RIS Information Desk for additional information on UW System Borrowing.