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Document Delivery / Interlibrary Loans: How does Document Delivery work?

Obtaining access to items not owned by Edith Cowan University Library

How Document Delivery works

Ever wondered how ECU Library obtains your ILL requests?

  • Once your request is submitted, the system will search all libraries which hold the book ISBN or the journal ISSN.
  • If the request does not have an ISBN or ISSN it will diverted to ECU Collections Team staff to find this information.
  • When the request is submitted all libraries which hold this item will be listed as potential suppliers.
  • The request is sent to the first library on the list to check if they can supply the item.
  • If the library cannot supply, the request will be sent to the next library on the list.
  • Once a library is found that can supply the item, it is shipped to ECU library (either electronically or by post).
  • Physical items (ie. books or print articles) are processed for collection from your home campus or they will be posted to your home address if you are enrolled as a 'remote' staff or student. 
  • Items supplied electronically will be sent to you via email and can also be retrieved by logging in to your Library Account. See Notification and tracking your requests.