Services

When you can’t find the resources you need at Concorida, Interlibrary Loan (ILL) can bring the resources to you. Borrow articles, books, and other research materials that we do not have at Concordia University from available lenders across the United States.  

Requesting from another library is available for current Concordia University, St. Paul students, faculty, and staff. This service is NOT extended to Courtesy Borrowers. Courtesy Borrowers should consult their local public library to request items they need through Interlibrary Loan. 

Digital requests for articles and book chapters are typically filled within 2 business days and will be delivered in electronic format via email. In some instances, you may receive an email directly from the lending library. Please download a copy of any PDFs to ensure you have continued access to it.

Physical requests for books and DVDs are typically filled within 4 business days and are available for pick-up at the Information Desk. They will be returned to the lender library if not picked up within 2 weeks. Please bring your Concordia ID to check out these items. 

If you are a distance user and need your items mailed to you, please reply to the email you receive when your item is ready for pickup with your address information. Learn more about mailing materials to distance users on our services webpage. 

How to Request from Another Library

Users can request electronic resources or physical items that are not available at Concordia University, St. Paul to be filled by another library using the Interlibrary Loan Request form.

1. Login using your CSP email address and password.
2. After logging in, select the option to “Request from another library.” on the resource you are looking to get. This will open a set of fields that should be automatically filled in with the item’s information.
3. Verify the information is correct. You can add additional information on your request in the “Comment” section. When finished, read and acknowledge the copyright statement by checking the required box and select “Send Request.”

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

While OneSearch has citation information for many electronic resources and physical items we don’t have everything. If you cannot find an item by searching in OneSearch, you can place a request using this form:

How to Retrieve a Digital Request in OneSearch

Users who have article or book chapter requests filled by another library using the Interlibrary Loan form will have the option to download the item in OneSearch.

1. Open OneSearch and Login using your CSP email address and password
2. Once Logged in, select your Last Name, First Name in the top right corner and choose “My Library Account” from the drop down list.
3. Choose the section called “Requests” to view any recent article requests that have been sent digitally to you.
4. Select “Download” to download the requested material to your device. You can download materials a total of 8 times over the span of 30 days. After 30 days the requested material will be removed from your library account.

Below is an example of a request in a OneSearch account:

How to Retrieve a Digital Request in Email

Users who have article or book chapter requests filled by another library using the Interlibrary Loan form will receive an email with the option to download their item directly from the email.

1. Open Gmail and login using your CSP email address and password
2. Once logged in, look for an email from library@csp.edu with the subject of “Request Ready for Download.” Open the email.
3. Select “Click here to download your request” This will open a sign-in screen where you will enter your CSP email address and password.
4. After entering your password, the browser will automatically download the requested material and show you a page that says “Download Completed Successfully”.
5. Look for the PDF in your recent downloads on your web browser or in the “Downloads” folder on your computer. If you do not automatically see the download, select the “Link” on the download page to try downloading the file again. You can download materials a total of 8 times over the span of 30 days. After 30 days the requested material will be removed from your library account.

If you experience any trouble downloading the article you can reply to the email from library@csp.edu and a librarian will assist you. 

Below is an example of a request sent to a CSP email account:

You may request a renewal; however, it is at the discretion of the lending institution as to whether a renewal is granted and for how long.