George Mason University Libraries Interlibrary Loan Policies
Borrowing Terms
Terms and conditions (i.e. due date, renewals) for items received by interlibrary loan are set by the lending library. George Mason University Libraries staff cannot change these conditions. Failure to return materials on time can damage our relationship with other libraries and possibly prevent us from borrowing from them in the future. Overdue interlibrary loan items will result in your library privileges being suspended until the item is returned.
Interlibrary loan requests are subject to recall by the lending library. When an item is recalled, please promptly return the item to the Information Desk at any George Mason University Library location. In most cases, we can submit a new request for the item to be borrowed from another library.
Replacement Charges
George Mason University Libraries does not charge for interlibrary loan service, unless the Interlibrary Loan Department is charged replacement fees by a lending library due to damage (i.e. marking in book, water damage, etc.) or nonreturn of an interlibrary loan item. If a replacement fee is charged, it will be added to your library account and payment is expected as soon as possible. A hold may be placed on your university PatriotWeb student account until the item is returned or the replacement fee is paid. The loss of multiple interlibrary loan books may result in a suspension of interlibrary loan privileges.
Interlibrary Loan Expenses
Some requests may incur copyright and request fees. These expenses are paid by George Mason University Libraries. In some cases, the library may not cover the cost to obtain the material (i.e. patron has previously received the article).
Non-pickups
George Mason University Libraries pay shipping expenses to package and return the item to the lender and expenses to libraries that charge to borrow material from their collection. Please only request research items through the interlibrary loan service and check out items within 14 days of being placed on the hold shelf. After five non-pickups in one semester, your interlibrary loan privileges may be temporarily suspended until you reach out to the interlibrary loan department regarding the issue.
Textbook Requests
Interlibrary Loan is not a reliable replacement for purchasing textbooks required in courses. Most libraries do not purchase textbooks and those that do, often do not allow the newest editions to circulate through interlibrary loan. Please be aware that it often takes longer to receive textbooks due to more staff time required to locate a library that owns a copy eligible for interlibrary loan. For those we can fill, it often takes 6-8 weeks to locate and receive a textbook copy. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to keep the book for the entire semester as due dates are set by the lending library.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and revised as needed.