What is WCU University Libraries Contingency Plan during COVID-19?

See library.wcupa.edu/contingency for more details and updates.

What is ILLiad?

ILLiad is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan. The name ILLiad can be thought of as an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database.

Who can use ILLiad?

Anyone associated with West Chester University. This includes all faculty, students (including distance education), and staff. You must have an affiliation with WCU to use our services.

What Web browser should I use?

You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). We recommend the current versions of Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari (if using a Mac). Internet Explorer will no longer work with ILLiad.

Why do I need a username and password to use ILLiad?

Your campus username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.

Your username and password must be your WCU network login.

What if I forget my password?

Your password is associated with your WCU network login. If you forgot your password, please see WCU Account Self Service or call the IT Help Desk at 610-436-3350.

Can I request textbooks from ILLiad?

Yes! We can't guarantee it, but we'll try to get them for you. We suggest starting with EZBorrow first because it will give you the longest loan period. If you cannot obtain the textbook through EZBorrow, then try ILLiad.

How long will it take to get a book once I request it?

Currently, we can only obtain books in print. We cannot take requests for e-books. In general, books arrive within 3-7 days. We order books from all over the country, and internationally as well, so it also depends on who is supplying the book to us. We will always try to find the closest supplier. Popular, new, and rare titles can sometimes take much longer to obtain depending on availability and willingness of the institution to share.

How long will it take an article or book chapter to arrive once I request it?

Articles may arrive as quickly as 1-3 days. You will get an email alerting you that a PDF of the requested article is in your ILLiad account. All articles and book chapters are delivered electronically. Articles from more obscure or international journals may take longer to obtain. Pre-publication articles may also take an extra amount of time depending on publisher embargoes.

How long may I keep the books requested through ILL?

The amount of time to keep material depends on the due date given by the institution. The library sending us the material decides when it is due. Generally, most books lend for 30 days. Some institutions will allow up to 12 weeks. It just depends on where it comes from. If you feel you need more time with your book, you can always ask for a renewal. Just call 610-436-2380 or 610-436-3066 or email illoan@wcupa.edu.

Can I renew a book that was obtained through ILLiad?

In most cases, you can renew. The lending library who provided the material to us decides if it can be renewed or not. Contact us at 610-436-2380 or 610-436-3066 or email illoan@wcupa.edu.

I take classes off-campus, what should I use for my ILLiad status?

If you do not come to the WCU main campus AT ALL, choose Distance Education for your status. If you come to campus for at least 1 class, choose Undergraduate or Graduate for your status.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about ILLiad?

System Problems or InterLibrary Loan Questions: InterLibrary Loan office at 610-436-2380 or 610-436-3066 or e-mail to illoan@wcupa.edu
Technical Support Questions: E-mail anytime to illoan@wcupa.edu

How is ILLiad better than traditional ILL systems?

1. You will find it easier to submit your interlibrary loan requests. With ILLiad, you enter your name, address, and other personal information into the system only once, at the time of your first request.
2. Your request will be handled more rapidly and accurately as problems relating to misinterpretation of hand-written requests are eliminated.
3. You will receive your articles in PDF format via Electronic Delivery. You will be notified when these articles arrive in your ILLiad account.
4. Library personnel are available should you have questions about submitting requests, or about the status of your requests. We are also able to gather statistical information about the performance of the libraries that lend to us, enabling us to make better decisions when choosing a lender to supply an item.

Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use ILLiad without any problems.