About the Field Museum Library

Borrowing Information

Borrowing privileges are reserved for Field Museum staff and affiliates who are registered users of the Library. Before submitting an interlibrary loan request, please check the Library's online catalog to verify that the item you're requesting is not owned by our Library.

FAQ

What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary loan provides timely and effective delivery of library materials between institutions. ILL is an essential aspect of library services. Our registered users need ILL services in order to acquire materials not held by the Field Museum Library.
 
Who can use this service?
Interlibrary Loan privileges are reserved for Field Museum staff and affiliates who are registered users of the Library.
 
How do I submit a request?
Please provide as much information as you can about the book (author, title, edition, year) or article (journal title, article title, author, volume, number, year) and send an email to: ill@fieldmuseum.org. 

What can I borrow?
We will request any type of item you may need, in accordance with the policy of the lending library. This policy may exclude recordings of any kind, complete issues of serials, oversize items, and rare books.

How long will it take for the materials I've requested to arrive?
The average delivery time for a book if 7 to 10 days. The average time for an article or chapter request is 1 to 3 days. Delivery time is entirely dependent on the library sending the material and the availability of the requested material.

How long can I keep the item?
The policy of the lending library sets both the borrowing period and the ability to renew items. Please respect this due date! Failure to return materials on time damages our relationship with other libraries and compromises our ability to borrow materials from them in the future.

How will I receive my materials?
Most article and chapter requests are scanned by the lending library and sent electronically to our ILL staff where they are checked in and sent to you via email. Physical items will be left for you at the Reference Desk. Library staff will notify you via email that the ILL items are available for pick-up.

Can I take a book I have borrowed out of the building?
No. Please treat interlibrary loan items as you would items from the Field Museum Library collection. Unless otherwise noted, items can be taken to your workspace only; they should not leave the museum.

What happens if I lose or damage a book?
If an item borrowed through interlibrary loan is lost or damaged, you, the borrower, are responsible for the replacement of the material, as determined by the lending library.

Where do I return books I have borrowed through interlibrary loan?
Please return all loans to the Reference Desk in the main Library Reading Room

Lending Information

Lending requests are welcomed from the libraries of museums, universities, and research institutions worldwide. Requests should be submitted from libraries (not individuals) via OCLC WorldShare Interlibrary Loan.*

Please note: 

• Loans are for in-library use only and may not be checked out to the patron. 
• We are unable to serve public libraries for interlibrary loan. 
• The following materials will not be loaned: rare books, reference items, archive collections, and any materials considered too large or too fragile.

*While we cannot loan physical materials directly to individuals, independent scholars who are not affiliated with an institution may be able to arrange access to scanned articles or book chapters. Those interested should email ill@fieldmuseum.org to discuss available options.  

Loans are sent to libraries via FedEx or Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS). Copies are scanned and sent as PDFs via email.