Information about our Document Delivery Pilot Project

Access Services, in cooperation with Interlibrary Loan, has launched a pilot project designed to electronically deliver selected articles and documents from the library’s collection of microform materials.

What is the Document Delivery pilot project?

The document delivery microform pilot is a service whereby Valparaiso University undergraduate students can receive electronic delivery of microform items (articles and documents).

Why is this called a pilot project?

We are giving this service a test-run to find out if this is useful to students. Should we decide to continue (or perhaps expand) this service, we want to work out any processing difficulties before we announce the availability of the service widely.

Doesn’t the library already provide Document Delivery?

Yes, the library already offers Document Delivery service for distance education patrons which makes it possible to receive copies of campus-owned journal articles located in the CCLIR.

Who can use this microform delivery service?

Undergraduate students at Valparaiso University.

What items are eligible for Document Delivery?

For most students, only items from our microform collection are eligible for Document Delivery. For distance patrons, see our expanded offerings here.

How do I place a Document Delivery request?

Requests are made through ILLiad, just like regular interlibrary loan requests. For more information, go to our interlibrary loan page: http://www.valpo.edu/library/ill.

So, I found an article I want. . .

The easiest way to place a request is through the database you’re searching (just like any other interlibrary loan request). Example: ERIC documents that are not full text online can be requested from the ERIC (via EBSCO) database by selecting the “Request via Interlibrary Loan” link at the bottom of the record.

Alternatively, when you locate an article or document that we have on microfiche or microfilm, you can make a note of the author, title, and relevant citation information. For journals or newspapers, also note the volume, number, date, and page numbers. For ERIC documents, also note the document number. You can manually enter this information into ILLiad.

How do I receive the document?

An e-mail will be sent to you by the ILLiad system when the material is ready. Login to ILLiad to retrieve your item.

How long does this take?

We are hoping to deliver within one business day (a weekday when which classes are in session). If a request is received by noon, Monday through Friday, the item(s) will be available in 24 hours or less. If the request is received Saturday, or Sunday, the item(s) will be available by 5:00 p.m. on Monday.

Please note: If we find that we do not own the material you requested, we will request it via interlibrary loan from another library.

As this is a pilot project, please be patient with us as we work out the details.

Is there a limit to how many I can request?

No. But if there are what we deem to be an excessive number of requests from the same patron, we may limit the number we will process. Requests for more than 10 articles at one time will require additional processing time and may not be delivered within one business day. If you need many documents from our microform collection, a Circulation Manager would be happy to show you how to use the microform equipment.

What if the document I want is really long?

There is a 40 page limit per article or document. Should you request a very large document, we will scan the title page and contents and ask you to select the chapters or sections you need. A Circulation Manager would be happy to show you how to use the microform equipment enabling you to view the chapters and sections, and select those you would like to have scanned and delivered.

How much does Document Delivery cost?

There is no charge for this service.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Sam Simpson, Circulation Manager, (464-5799) or William Weare, Access Services Librarian, (464-5464) would be happy to answer your questions.

What if I have questions about ILLiad and interlibrary loan?

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about interlibrary loan and ILLiad can be found here: http://valpo.illiad.oclc.org/illiad/FAQ.html.