Library FAQs

There are two main ways to request a book or article that the Library doesn't have: Option 1) login to and request from another CSU library from within OneSearch; and Option 2) Login and request it through ILLiad (interlibrary loan site). Option 2 is also useful if a full text link doesn't actually give you the full text or the request button does not appear when you login to OneSearch.

For articles or books that do not appear when you search or for which you do not see a Request button, you can request the article or book through the Interlibrary Loan service, and the Library will get it for you.

Option 1 - Check if the book is held at another CSU campus

To do this, search for the book in OneSearch on the Library's homepage. 

If you see the book you want, click on the title. If another CSU campus has it, you should see something similar to the screenshot below:

If you have not already done so, click "Sign in for more options", which will prompt you to login with your NetID and password. Then, you can request the physical book be sent to the library for you, or you can request one chapter be scanned and emailed to you. See the screenshot below. 

Option 2 - InterLibrary Loan (ILL)

For articles or books that do not appear when you search All CSU+ Collections, you can request the article through the Interlibrary Loan service, and the Library will get it for you.

1. Create an account or log into the Interlibrary Loan site (ILLiad).
2. On the left hand menu under "New Request" Click on Article, Book/loan or Book Chapter (this is a scan). 
3. Fill out the request form. Give as much of the publication information as possible including: Author, Title, Publisher, Date, and Journal information (name, volume, issue), if applicable.
4. Make sure to hit the Submit Request button
5. You will know that your request was successful if you see it on your Main Menu. 
6. Requests that cannot be filled will be returned to you via email with an explanation
7. View the current status of your requests & request renewals by logging on to ILLiad

For articles and book chapters, it takes 1 - 3 days to deliver scans. You will receive an email when the article is ready.

For books, it can take up to 1-2 weeks because the book/item is being shipped to us from another library. You will receive an email when the book is ready for you to pick up.

​Additional information about ILL service

What can be requested?
Books, book chapters, and journal articles that cannot be found in the CSUEB Library.

What cannot be requested?
Items not usually available through ILL include: whole issues/volumes of journals; films, DVDs, videos, CDs, etc.; maps; software and CD-ROMs; rare, fragile, and special collection books; genealogy materials; reference books; and some dissertations.

ILL fees and fines
ILL is free of charge for Cal State East Bay students, staff, and faculty. However the shipping, processing costs and miscellaneous fees incurred by the ILL process are paid by the University Libraries. You are liable for lost, damaged or overdue material. The lending library will determine the costs, fines and processing fees.

Item delivery and return
Articles and book chapters will be scanned and emailed to you.

Books will be mailed by the lending library to the University Libraries. Allow at least two weeks from the date of your request, but average delivery time is 5 to 10 days. An email will be sent to you when materials are available for pick up at the Check Out Desk. Return books to the Check Out Desk. Do not leave them in a library book drop. Do not remove the purple book band! Observe due dates to avoid fines.

Loan periods and renewals
Book loan periods are usually 3-4 weeks and are noted on the purple book band. Renew items online through your ILLiad account by clicking on “View/Renew Checked Out Items”. Renewal requests must be made within a few days of the due date noted on the purple book band. Renewal is at the discretion of the lending library. All books are subject to recall and must be returned immediately when a recall notice is issued.

Helpful hints

• Contact Us: Interlibrary Loan Department, Email: ils@csueastbay.edu; Phone: 510 885 4903