Researchers can purchase access to locked content, but we recommend you place an Interlibrary Loan request for these items as we can usually supply copies of them to you for no charge within 24-48 hours.
If a book is not available in our collections, use the drop down menu on the right side of the search box by changing it from the default "ISU Libraries" to "Partner Libraries." This allows you to search seven other academic library catalogs in Iowa. You can request the item using the same interface.
Anyone with a library account (members of the ISU community and library visitors) can request items, whether they are on the shelf or checked out. Up to 10 items can be requested, and they will be kept on the hold shelf at the chosen location for 10 days
You can also recommend books and other materials to be purchased by the library. For remote access, be sure to recommend an electronic version. If you need a print copy that is checked out, you can RECALL it from the user having it at the time.
Need a book that ISU does not own? File an interlibrary loan request and have the book delivered to you directly if you are a distance student. The first time you log into interlibrary loan, you will need to fill out basic contact information.
A library meta-catalog; ~90% of all U.S. libraries submit their collection records to WorldCat. FirstSearch is a more nuanced and higher quality search engine than the free WorldCat.org version.
Use WorldCat to learn which libraries have an item, by searching across thousands of libraries at once. Access through this link will provide ISU Library interlibrary loan and full text links.
