Borrowing From Other Libraries

Borrow Direct

Interlibrary Loan

Is there a book you need but the library does not have? Or do you need a book quickly whose copies are all checked out? Yale offers two services that allow students to borrow materials from other libraries. We recommend that you utilize Borrow Direct, which can deliver materials quickly to campus. All requested books can be picked up at the underground Bass Library circulation desk.

Borrow Direct is an interlibrary borrowing service that allows Yale faculty, students and staff to request books directly from other participating university libraries (Brown, Columbia, etc.). The service allows readers to request items from other institutions for quick delivery. Requests can be submitted 24/7 via this website. You will receive an e-mail from the partner library confirming your order. When the book is ready for pickup, you will receive an e-mail from the Yale library. Borrow Direct is the quickest way to get a copy of a book. Delivery typically takes 2-4 days. 

Below is an example request.

In the unlikely event that Yale does not have a desired item in its collection, students can use the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service to request the item from libraries around the world. Interlibrary Loan usually has a delivery period of 4-14 days. For more information and to submit loan requests, please visit the ILL website.