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, or Option 2) use this form to make the request.

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 to request, save, or 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. Log into the Interlibrary Loan form.
2. Select Book or Article, depending on what you are requesting.
3. If you only need one chapter or page range from a book, click the "I only need a specific chapter or pages" box.
4. 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.
5. Make sure to hit the Send Request button
6. You can check on your request in your Library Account.

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. 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