Use the library catalog, to search for books, journals, eBooks, and audio-visual materials owned by the library
Make sure you check all our available resources- our catalog, Ohiolink and SearchOhio- before placing book requests. If you item can be found either locally or in the state we will cancel your request and re-request the item through one of these means.
The Interlibrary Loan service serves to provide Otterbein University faculty, staff and students with materials not readily available in either our collection or through OhioLINK. Alumni and community patrons may also use ILL if they become Friends of the Library and they will be responsible for any fees we are assessed for acquiring an item.
It can take article requests up to 5 business days to arrive but because material requests are coming from libraries out of state it can take between 7-10 days from the date of your request to arrive. Occasionally there are items that we are not able to borrow and if this is the case you will be notified by email that we can not find a lender. Any requests for books available through OPAL or OhioLINK will be canceled and your item will be re-requested through that catalog.
Loan periods for Interlibrary Loan items differ from items from our library or items borrowed through OhioLINK in that they are determined by the lending library and can only be renewed with their approval. To get a renewal for your interlibrary loan items, please either ask at the Customer Service desk or send an email to rraeske-grinch@otterbein.edu. If the lending library approves the renewal you will get an email with your new due date.