When using large databases that search across many different publications (like PubMed), you will not have immediate full text access to every item you retrieve. In those instances, simply place an Interlibrary Loan and Print2PDF request, and the library will obtain the item you need for you.
To place a request, click on the request form (linked above) and log in with your HelixNet credentials when prompted. If you don't know your HelixNet username and password, or if your credentials have expired, please call the IT Helpdesk at 847-578-8800 to have your password reset.
If this is your first time using the interlibrary loan service, you will be prompted to create a very basic account with your name and RFUMS email address (necessary due to copyright restrictions). Once your account is created, it is tied to your initial HelixNet log-in, so you'll never have to log in separately again.
Then, simply fill out the request form. If you’re requesting a journal article, you can also place requests by pasting the article title into LibrarySearch, the search bar found at the top of the library webpage. If we have immediate access, you'll see a link to full text. If we don't, you'll see a link that says "Request this item through interlibrary loan” (see image below). The citation information will be filled in automatically when you click the link.
All of the processing, rules, and limitations are explained on the Interlibrary Loan and Print2PDF webpage, but a few FAQs are addressed below:
- Due to copyright/licensing restrictions, you must use your regular RFUMS email address when placing requests (no personal or D2L addresses). You will receive a notification when the article PDF is ready to be viewed/downloaded.
- There is no charge for the service.
- We cannot tell you in advance how long it will take to receive your request, but most requests are filled very quickly. Our average turnaround time is one business day for article requests. Many requests are filled the same day they are requested.
- Requests for older items that are only available in print format will be scanned from our print collection when possible (that's the "Print2PDF" part of the service).
- If you would like to learn more about accessing full text in PubMed, click here.