Interlibrary loan is a cooperative arrangement with other libraries that enables us to make available to you items not in the Pierce Law Library collection. Once a request for material is received, a search is conducted to find the nearest participating library with the item.

Interlibrary loan privileges are extended to current students, faculty, staff and attorney members.

Before Requesting Interlibrary Loan of Materials

The first step you must take before requesting material on interlibrary loan is to make sure the item is not a part of the Pierce Law Library collection.  You do this by thoroughly checking the online catalog, MELcat . Next, check the item's availability through full text electronic databases such as Hein Online (through QuickClicks).

After determining that the book or journal article you desire is not a part of our collection, nor available electronically, contact Barry Shanks to request the item. Requests can be made:

• in person
• by filling out a form located in a folder on his door
• via email ( bshanks@piercelaw.edu )
• via voice mail (extension 1193)

How Long Does It Take?

The time taken for an interlibrary loan item to arrive depends on the difficulty of the request and how close the lending library is to Franklin Pierce Law Center.  Most items arrive within five to ten days. If it becomes necessary to have a library outside of New England fill the request, it may take two weeks or longer.

Notification & Pick Up

You will receive a notice of the arrival of interlibrary loan material via email or the material may be placed in your mail slot. Journal articles will be emailed or placed in your mail slot. Unless prearranged, attorney members will be notified by email to determine the method of pick-up or delivery.

Books may be picked up in the interlibrary loan office, from the wall cabinet just outside the office door. Books should be returned to the circulation desk. Please do not remove the ILL book band or sticker.

Loan Period

The loan period is determined by the lending library.  In general, it is usually two weeks for books. Periodicals are rarely available for loan, but articles are usually photocopied in accordance with the copyright laws.  Photocopied articles need not be returned.

Renewal

Some lending libraries will not renew interlibrary loan books, but many will. Requests for renewing a book must be made through the Interlibrary Loan office on or before the due date. 

Late Materials

A fine of 50 cents ($0.50) per day, per item will be charged for overdue materials.  If materials are regularly overdue, borrowing privileges may be suspended.

Cost

For books there is no cost unless the lending library charges a fee. For articles, attorney members are charged a fee consistent with library document delivery costs.  The Law Library pays charges up to $20.00 per article for students, faculty and staff.