Using the Library: FAQ's

Interlibrary Loan is a worldwide cooperative resource-sharing service that enables libraries to borrow and lend scholarly research resources between each other. Faculty and staff members; and currently enrolled students at Bowie State University.

For questions and assistance, call (301) 860-3864 Monday- Friday 9:00am-4:00pm

Before you request an item from ILL, make sure that the title is not available in the USMAI system. Your ILL request will be denied if your item (book or journal article) is available from any of the USMAI libraries.

Six easy steps for using ILLiad services:

1. Set up an ILLiad account with your Bowie Bulldog ID Card (click link above).
2. Find a title that you want. If you are searching in Catalog USMAI.
3. The title is not available free online or in print from the Bowie State University Thurgood Marshall Library or any of the USMAI libraries, then click on Request if from Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
4. Logon to the ILLiad page.
5. Edit or fill out the request form with required information about the book or article. 
6. You will be emailed when your item/book arrives.  Ask for it at the library Reference/ Information Desk.  Journal articles are delivered electronically to your ILLiad account.)

There is usually no fee for this service because we belong to a group of libraries that do not charge and do not accept charges. However, replacement fee for lost books may apply. 

Most loan requests usually take 5-10 working days depending on the lending institution.