The TCNJ Library Interlibrary Loan service (ILL) can borrow books which you need that the TCNJ library doesn't own, as well as request copies of articles. The TCNJ library is a single medium-sized college library so there will often be times when some of the better books or articles, you need for a research topic, are not available here either physically or electronically.

You will need to start your research well ahead of your assignment due date to get articles or books using ILL because it can take about two weeks (sometimes less, sometimes more) for the materials to arrive at the TCNJ library. You'll be notified by phone or email when the materials you requested have arrived and are available for you to pick up at the Access Services Desk (where you check out books).

You'll also need to activate your barcode on your TCNJ ID card (the strip of short lines, like you see on a product that a store scans) to use this service. The numerical part of your barcode number, the long number below your name, is what you need to use the ILL service. Checking out a book automatically activates the barcode (this process identifies you as a user of the library and lets the library know who you are and how to contact you). You can also just go to the Access Services Desk and ask to have your ID barcode activated.

To request materials through ILL, you'll use one of two electronic forms (one for periodical articles and one for books). To access the ILL page with links to detailed ILL policies, the two electronic request forms, instructions for which form to use for various types of material, and more, simply select the "Interlibrary Loan" link from the library's home page.