Weaver Library
Library Hours
Monday: 8AM – 6PM*
Tuesday: 8AM – 6PM*
Wednesday: 8AM – 7PM*
Thursday: 8AM – 7PM*
Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12PM – 4PM**
*Only students allowed after 5PM
**Only students allowed
Interlibrary Loan and TRAILS Resource Sharing
The Weaver Library offers interlibrary loan and resource sharing options.
What is interlibrary loan?
What is resource sharing?
Please see answers to common questions below or contact us with any questions about interlibrary loan and resource sharing.
Who may borrow?
Interlibrary loan (ILL) and resource sharing requests are accepted from current faculty, staff, and students.
Interlibrary loan and resource sharing services are not available to alumni or community borrowers due to the high cost of processing requests for borrowing and lending libraries. Community borrowing members may use the Great Falls Public Library to access interlibrary loan services.
What can I borrow?
Interlibrary loan materials
- books
- journal articles
- videos
- audiobooks
- CDs
Resource sharing materials
- books
- audiobook CDs
- DVDs
- music CDs
There is not a limit on the number of items you can request through resource sharing.
How do I make an interlibrary loan or resource sharing request?
Interlibrary loan requests
Interlibrary loan requests can be made by filling out the Interlibrary Loan Request Form. Please fill in as many fields with as much detail as possible so that we can identify and request the correct items from the lending library.
Please check the library catalog carefully before making an interlibrary loan request. Items can only be requested through interlibrary loan if Weaver Library does not own the item and no institution in our borrowing network, TRAILS, owns the item. If Weaver Library or a TRAILS library owns the item, your interlibrary loan request will be canceled and converted to the appropriate request type.
Resource sharing requests
Resource sharing requests can be made using the library catalog. Please see our Searching the Library Catalog (Primo) LibGuide > Requesting Items tab > Requesting items from other libraries in TRAILS, for step-by-step instructions on placing a request.
How does the interlibrary loan process work?
Once you submit an interlibrary loan request form, Weaver Library is notified of your request. A Weaver Library Staff member processes your request following these steps:
- A staff member confirms that the item is not available at Weaver Library or a TRAILS library. For article requests, the staff member confirms that the requested article is not available through library subscription databases or openly available through another online source.
- A borrowing request form is then filled out in WorldShare, our interlibrary loan management system, and the request information is sent to lending libraries that own the requested item.
- Once a lending library confirms that they can fill the request, the item (if a book, DVD, or other physical material) is shipped to Weaver Library. Journal article copy requests are sent electronically and delivered via email.
- When Weaver Library receives the item, we will check it out to your library account and notify you via email that it is ready for pick up at Weaver Library. If you would like to be notified by phone, please indicate this in the additional comments section of the request form.
- When you return the item to us, Weaver Library ships the item back to the lending library.
How does the resource sharing process work?
- When you request the item through the Weaver Library catalog, the request will be sent to the library that owns the item.
- They will process it and, if they are able to fill it, Weaver Library will receive confirmation and the item will be sent to us.
- Once we receive the item, you will be notified that it is ready for you to pick up at Weaver Library.
- There are cases where requests cannot be filled. In that case, Weaver Library Staff will place an Interlibrary Loan request on your behalf and try to get the item from another library.
How long does it take to process and receive my request?
Interlibrary loan requests
Interlibrary loan requests are processed Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Average processing times are:
- Electronic article copies: 3-7 days
- Books and other physical items: 3-4 weeks
These estimated time periods are based on the time it takes for the lending library to receive, fill the request, and send the item. Requests may take longer to fill based on shipping times or other factors outside each library’s control. Please plan ahead and leave enough time for request processing before your assignment or project is due. We will always try to fill your request as quickly as possible.
Resource sharing requests
Because resource sharing requests are sent directly to the library that owns the item, it may take less time to process your request. You should still allow plenty of time for the member library to receive, process, and send your requested item.
Why can't my request be filled?
Most libraries will refuse interlibrary loan or resource sharing requests for the following types of items:
- difficult-to-ship materials (such as print newspapers, LP records, or maps)
- reference books
- textbooks
- recently published books
- materials on reserve or in demand at the lending library
and rare items or volumes from special collections.
If your request gets denied by a lending library for any reason, Weaver Library will work to try and get the item from a different library. However, there may be cases where Weaver Library may not find a library willing to lend a particular item. If we have difficulty filling your request, we will contact you to let you know.
How do I receive my interlibrary loan request?
In most cases, journal article copy requests will be delivered by email with a secure link to access an electronic copy of the article. See “How do I access my electronic journal article copy?” for more information.
Physical interlibrary loan materials should be picked up at the Weaver Library circulation desk. Borrowers will be notified by email that their items are ready for pick up. Please double-check your spam and junk folders to make sure emails regarding your request were not flagged. If you prefer to be notified by phone, please provide that information in the additional comments section of the interlibrary loan request form.
Materials can also be shipped to distance students living outside the Great Falls area. Borrowers are responsible for shipping costs to return the item to Weaver Library, and we strongly recommend sending the item with tracking and shipping insurance. Items are due back to Weaver Library by the due date, and you should ship the item out with enough time for Weaver Library to receive the item by the due date. If items are lost during return shipping, the borrower will be charged a replacement cost determined by the lending library, plus any accrued overdue fees.
How do I access my electronic journal article copy?
When the request is filled, you will receive an email with a URL and password. This email will be sent to the email address indicated on your interlibrary loan request form. After receiving the email, you should:
- Click on the URL, which will bring you to the OCLC Article Exchange screen.
- Enter the password in the field provided (password is case-sensitive).
- Click Get my file.
- In the file download window, click save to save the document.
Please note, once the file is uploaded, it is available for 30 days, or 5 views, whichever comes first. We recommend saving the article to your device to prevent loss of access.
How long can I keep the materials I borrowed?
Interlibrary loan materials
Lending periods for interlibrary loan materials are set by the lending library. When you pick up your requested materials, we will let you know when they must be returned.
Resource sharing materials
Items will be checked out to you for a total of 90 days, including the time it takes to arrive from the lending library.
Where can I return my interlibrary loan or resource sharing materials?
Loans must be returned to the GFCMSU Weaver Library circulation desk on or before the due date. Weaver Library is open Monday-Friday, 8-5 p.m.
Interlibrary loans and resource sharing materials may not be returned via book drop.
Article copies do not need to be returned.
How do I renew materials?
Interlibrary loan materials
Renewal requests must be made a minimum of 5 days before the item is due. Please contact Weaver Library via email ([email protected]) or phone (406-771-4398) to request a renewal.
Since Weaver Library does not own the material, we must request a renewal from the lending library. If the lending library agrees to extend the due date, the borrower will be notified of the new due date. If the lending library does not agree to extend the due date, the borrowed materials will be due on the original due date, and overdue fines will apply to late items.
Resource sharing materials
Items borrowed through resource sharing are non-renewable.
Why haven't I received an email about my request?
It is possible that your email provider has flagged the message and sent it to your junk or spam folder. Be sure to check these folders if you expect an email from the library. You can also add the library’s email address to your trusted senders list. If you still have not received an email from us and believe you should have, please contact us via email or phone (406-771-4398).
What will interlibrary loan cost me?
Weaver Library tries our best to provide interlibrary loan services at no cost to current students, faculty, or staff. We prioritize borrowing items from libraries that do not charge lending fees. There are some cases where costs may be your responsibility as the borrowing patron. If a lending library charges us more than $20 for a loan or a photocopy, the user will be asked to pay the excess cost. We will contact you if this is the case and if you choose not to pay the excess cost, we will cancel the loan request.
What happens if my interlibrary loan or resource sharing item is late, lost, or damaged?
Weaver Library will charge the following fines for late, lost, or damaged interlibrary loan and resource sharing items:
- If an item is overdue, any fines or fees charged by the lending library will be the patron’s responsibility. They will be applied to your library account, in addition to a $1 per day overdue processing fee charged by Weaver Library.
- If an item is lost, you will be charged the replacement cost and processing fees determined by the lending library, plus any accrued overdue fees.
- The lending library assesses damage to items. If their item is returned damaged, they reserve the right to charge fines for damaged items. These damage fines and any processing fees charged by the lending library will be transferred to your library account and treated like any other fine or fee assessed by Weaver Library.
Unpaid fines are forwarded to the Business Office for collection when they reach $25 or are not paid by the end of the semester. The Business Office will add the amount due to your student account and may withhold academic transcripts and other services from you until the amount is paid in full.
Can I lose my interlibrary loan privileges?
It is a privilege to borrow items owned by other libraries and it is our responsibility as the borrowers to make sure that items are treated with care and returned promptly. As a borrowing partner, we reserve the right to suspend our patrons’ interlibrary loan borrowing privileges if items are not treated with care. Patrons’ interlibrary loan borrowing privileges may be suspended for the following reasons:
- Unclaimed interlibrary loan requests
- Excessive or repeated damage to interlibrary loan items
- Losing an interlibrary loan item
- Excessive or repeated overdue interlibrary loan items (more than 3 per academic year, or an accumulation of $25 or more in overdue fines)
Weaver Library ILL lending policies
Lending fees
- We charge reciprocally. In other words, we charge you what you’d charge us. We prefer not to charge and are happy to consider reciprocal agreements. We are members of LVIS.
Types of materials loaned
- Books
- Videos
- Photocopies/electronic copies of journal and newspaper articles
Types of materials not loaned
- Reference materials
- Unbound journals and newspapers
- Technology items
- New items
Types of requests accepted
- We prefer requests via OCLC.
- We also accept requests via ALA forms (by mail or FAX).
- E-mail requests must include the complete call number/volume as well as a designated library e-mail address.
Loan period
- 6 weeks
- Renewed for another 1 week
- Loaned items are subject to recall at any time
Lost or damaged items
The borrowing library is responsible for borrowed materials from the time they leave the lending library until received back at the lending library. If items are lost or damaged, an invoice will be sent for damage costs or replacement costs. In addition, a non-refundable $20.00 processing fee will be charged.
Service may be suspended for failure to return item or pay for lost or damaged materials.
What methods of payment are accepted?
IFM, check (made out to Great Falls College Montana State University, Weaver Library in memo line), credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).
TRAILS resource sharing lending policies
Who is eligible to borrow items through resource sharing?
Member libraries in TRAILS (Treasure State Academic Information & Library Services) are able to borrow items from Weaver Library on behalf of their institution-affiliated patrons.
Types of materials loaned
At this time, only books, audiobook CDs, DVDs and CDs are available to request through resource sharing from TRAILS.
Request Method
Resource sharing requests should be submitted by patrons through their respective library discovery layer. Requests can also be submitted by library staff through Alma.
Loan period
- Items will be checked out to you for a total of 90 days, including the time it takes to arrive.
- Items borrowed through resource sharing are non-renewable.
- There is not a limit on the number of items you can request through resource sharing.
Lost or damaged items
The borrowing library is responsible for borrowed materials from the time they leave the lending library until received back at the lending library. If items are lost or damaged, an invoice will be sent for damage costs or replacement costs. In addition, a non-refundable $20.00 processing fee will be charged.
Service may be suspended for failure to return item or pay for lost or damaged materials.
Who is eligible to borrow items through resource sharing?
Member libraries in TRAILS (Treasure State Academic Information & Library Services) are able to borrow items from Weaver Library on behalf of their institution-affiliated patrons.
Types of materials loaned
At this time, only books, audiobook CDs, DVDs and CDs are available to request through resource sharing from TRAILS.
Request Method
Resource sharing requests should be submitted by patrons through their respective library discovery layer. Requests can also be submitted by library staff through Alma.
Loan period
- Items will be checked out to you for a total of 90 days, including the time it takes to arrive.
- Items borrowed through resource sharing are non-renewable.
- There is not a limit on the number of items you can request through resource sharing.
Lost or damaged items
The borrowing library is responsible for borrowed materials from the time they leave the lending library until received back at the lending library. If items are lost or damaged, an invoice will be sent for damage costs or replacement costs. In addition, a non-refundable $20.00 processing fee will be charged.
Service may be suspended for failure to return item or pay for lost or damaged materials.
What methods of payment are accepted?
IFM, check (made out to Great Falls College Montana State University, Weaver Library in memo line), credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).
Great falls college faculty, staff, and students may request interlibrary loan items using the form below.
Great Falls College faculty, staff and students may request interlibrary loan items by clicking the button below and filling out the form.
