Q. How do I get a book that the Kean Library does not own?

Books not owned by the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons may be requested from another library through Interlibrary Loan. There are several options for you to request books through Interlibrary Loan.

The first option is available to you while you are searching for books through the WorldCat Discovery search box on the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons home page. If you click the checkbox next to Libraries Worldwide to the left of the WorldCat search results list, you will likely see some records for books that are NOT designated as being Available - Kean University Nancy Thompson Library. If you are interested in accessing any of these non-Kean books, then follow the steps listed below:

• Click the book's title from the WorldCat Discovery search results list.
• Click the blue Request Item through Interlibrary Loan button.
• Fill out and submit the form.

A second option is also available for requesting books and book chapters through Interlibrary Loan:

• Go to the Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons home page.
• Click the Our Services link toward the top of the screen, then click Interlibrary Loan. 
• Click the Kean University Learning Commons Interlibrary Loan Form.
• Fill out the form, then click Submit.

In either case, you will be notified by e-mail when the Interlibrary Loan book is ready to be picked up at the Access Services (Circulation) Desk in the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons. Books must be returned to the Access Services Desk by the due date specified by the lending library. If you have requested a specific book chapter, then a photocopy of that chapter will be emailed to you.

Kean-Ocean patrons may use the Ocean County College interlibrary loan service to request books not owned by either the Kean or Ocean County College library.

Please note: you may also borrow books in person from other New Jersey academic libraries. Visit the VALE Reciprocal Borrowing Program page for information, access to the application form, and links to VALE member library catalogs.