Resource Sharing

Resource Sharing, also known as Interlibrary Loan (ILL), is a system by which librarians around the world share their materials. Once you’ve submitted a request, library staff will determine the most efficient way to obtain the materials. You'll be notified via email when your request is available for checkout. Returning materials on time and in good condition ensures that the lending libraries will continue to share materials.

Please contact us if you have any questions at resourcesharing@humboldt.edu.

Resource Sharing FAQs

Who can use Research Sharing at Cal Poly Humboldt?

Current Cal Poly Humboldt students, staff, faculty, and emeritus faculty and staff.

How do I request materials?

Sign into OneSearch
Search for the title that you want
Select the title to access the item page
If the item is not available at our Library, or is checked out, click Get It under the physical or digital option to create a request

If the title that you're searching for cannot be found in OneSearch:

Go to the Resource Sharing Link
Log in with your Cal Poly Humboldt username and password
Fill out the Resource Sharing Request form (the more information the better)
Remember to mark if you only need a specific chapter or mark if it's an article

If you need more than one chapter, each chapter needs its own request (please keep in mind copyright restrictions)

Select Send Request

What sort of materials can be requested through Resource Sharing?

Catalog items not available at Cal Poly Humboldt Library, including

Books
Journal articles
Microfilm
Government documents
Conference proceedings
Videos
DVDs
Sound recordings
Theses and dissertations

Does Resource Sharing work for textbooks?

You can submit Resource Sharing requests for textbooks, although availability may be limited due to high demand. Another option is to request electronic scans of individual chapters of textbooks. Please keep in mind that the Library may have Course Reserve copies of textbooks available through the Textbooks on Reserve program. Stop by the Front Desk and ask today!

What is not available for loan?

Print newspapers and magazines
Most materials classified as Reference or Special Collections items
New edition textbooks or items on Course Reserves

May I borrow titles owned by the Cal Poly Humboldt Library?

A request can be placed on any title in our Library Catalog
If a title is locally available, it will be pulled from the collection for you and made available for pick up at the Front Desk
If a title is checked out or missing from the collection, it may be requested from another library through Resource Sharing
If the title is only available as an e-book in OneSearch and a print version is preferred, it may be requested from another library through Resource Sharing

How much does it cost?

Resource Sharing requests are free. The Library absorbs all costs associated with most Resource Sharing transactions allowing users free access to Resource Sharing services. On occasion, we incur charges above what we are able to subsidize and it is necessary to pass these charges on to the user, or pass on the request. We will not process such requests without the user's informed consent.

How long does it take to get my requested items

Electronic items - typically available within 1-3 days
Physical items - approximately 7-10 days allowing for processing and delivery

How do I check the status of my request?

You can check the status of your Resource Sharing requests via the Requests tab in your library account. Because of our many partners and lending systems, if there are any discrepancies on your account or if you have any questions about the status of a request, you may contact Resource Sharing staff at resourcesharing@humboldt.edu or (707) 826-3431.

How do I pick up materials?

During Library open hours, bring your Humboldt ID card to the Front Desk and ask to pick up your Resource Sharing materials from the hold shelf.
Electronic material: most articles are received electronically and you will be sent email notification when it becomes available. You will then be able to access it online through your Library account.
Some articles are in PDF formats and will be sent to you as a link or an email attachment.

How long may I keep materials?

The lending library assigns the due date which will be clearly marked on the book band.

What are my responsibilities?

Material borrowed for you should be used within the time allotted by the lending library and treated with care. Report any accidents or damage to the Resource Sharing staff immediately.
You assume responsibility for charges incurred by the Cal Poly Humboldt Library due to loss or damage of borrowed material while in your possession.
Borrowed material is expected to be returned on time to the Front Desk.
Libraries loan to us as a courtesy. To maintain our reputation as a borrowing library and to retain our borrowing privileges among lenders, we must adhere to the rules and restrictions imposed by those libraries. Therefore, the Resource Sharing staff reserves the right to deny service to any user who abuses the Resource Sharing system and jeopardizes our ability to deliver quality service to our patrons. Abuses include, but are not limited to, the following:

Consistently failing to return Resource Sharing materials on time.
Refusal to acknowledge or respond to overdue notices.
Defacing Resource Sharing material or any accompanying paperwork.
Poor care of Resource Sharing materials.

Can I renew Resource Sharing materials?

The options for renewals are dependent on the circulation policies of the lending library,
If you know you will need an extension on your current due date:

Take action before the items is due so that Resource Sharing staff can process your renewal request.
Request another copy.
Contact Resource Sharing staff about renewing your specific item.

After an item is 14 days overdue, the patron will be notified that the item has been billed as lost and a $90 fee will be charged to their account.

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Resource Sharing