Skip to Main Content

Student Resources

Overview

Overview


What is interlibrary loan (ILL)?

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a free service that allows NIC students, faculty, and staff to borrow books and articles from other libraries. ILL is a cooperative effort among many libraries in North America. 

Who can submit ILL requests?

Molstead Library's interlibrary loan (ILL) service is available to current NIC students, faculty, and staff, as well as emeritus faculty, NIC Board of Trustees members and NIC Foundation Board of Directors members. We will attempt to borrow materials requested by the above patron groups from any OCLC member library in the United States or abroad with the following exceptions:

  • audio-visual materials (exceptions are made for NIC faculty only)
  • material that the library already owns
  • course textbooks
  • reference materials
  • special collections materials
  • copies of articles available in one of the library's online subscription full-text periodical indexes or in serials to which the library subscribes.
     
Is this service free?

No charges or fees are assessed NIC students. NIC will pay up to $10 for materials for current NIC faculty and staff.
 

How many requests can I submit?

NIC students are limited to 20 ILLs per semester, though the Circulation Supervisor may waive this limit when circumstances warrant. No limit is placed on faculty requests. Any patron may be referred to a local public library if the library holds the requested item(s), as this may be preferable to waiting for the item to arrive via ILL.
 

How long will it take for my book or article to arrive?

ILL requests are processed daily by the Circulation Supervisor, who will notify patrons when their items have arrived. Depending on the scarcity of the item requested, it can take 7 to 30 days for a book to arrive. Articles in digital format generally arrive much quicker, from same day to 14 days.


Last Updated: 08/28/2024

eLearning & Outreach


As a student taking online NIC classes using Canvas or Interactive Video Conferencing (IVC) or attending courses at one of NIC’s satellite campuses, library staff is available to provide you with materials and services that will support your coursework. Contact the eLearning department for more information about taking classes from off-campus.

The library's e-research tools are all available online at the library web site. When the need arises, Molstead Library will mail books to your doorstep free of charge if you are a student living more than 20 miles from campus. Books may then be returned to your local NIC Outreach Center, mailed back to the library directly (at your own expense), or you may return books to most local public or college libraries (contact your local library first for confirmation of this service).

Books from Molstead Library to Your Mailbox

  1. Search keywords using Molstead Library Primo
  2. Click on “Available in the Library” in the left option menu to see items owned by the library. 
  3. Click on the item’s title.
  4. Under the “Get It” tab in the left option menu, click on the “Can’t Find It? Request…” option. A new window will open.
  5. Fill out the Interlibrary Loan form. Be sure to select “NIC Distance Students” and type out your complete mailing address.
  6. Copy and paste the requested book information from Molstead Library Primo.
  7. Click on “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
  8. Items will be shipped to your address.

TO RETURN ITEMS: Mail materials back to Molstead Library or drop them off at the NIC at Sandpoint or NIC at Bonners Ferry main office.


Last Updated: 07.19.23