How do I request books?
First, check whether CUNY libraries own the book you need:
- Search for the item in OneSearch
- If the book is owned by a CUNY library, use the “Request a Copy” button to order
If the item cannot be ordered from CUNY libraries, request Interlibrary Loan:
- Search for the book in WorldCat and click on “Request This Item via ILL”.
- Alternatively, log on to ILLiad and complete a “New Request” form.
Limits: Please note that undergraduate students are limited to 20 active requests. A request is considered “active” until you return the item to our library.
Damaged items: The borrower is responsible for all ILL items in their possession. If an item is lost or damaged, the lending library reserves the right to invoice us for the repair or replacement costs. The amount billed will vary and will be passed to the borrower for payment. Repeatedly damaging items may result in the suspension of ILL privileges.
How do I request articles?
- From databases, use the “Find It!” button to request articles via Interlibrary Loan if there is no full text.
- If working from a citation, search the library’s journals page in OneSearch first. If the journal or article is unavailable, log on to ILLiad and complete a New Request form (when we get the article, it will be as a PDF).
What can I request through Interlibrary Loan?
- Books not owned by any CUNY library: Books not owned by Baruch College but that are owned by another CUNY college should be requested in OneSearch
- Articles not available at Baruch College: First, search the library’s journals page in OneSearch
- All other items not available at Baruch College: Can be requested via Interlibrary Loan. Exceptions: Textbooks, study guides, workbooks, or leisure reading materials cannot be requested via Interlibrary Loan.
How long does Interlibrary Loan take?
Books are typically available to pick up in 3-10 days. Articles are typically available to download as PDFs in 1-3 days.
However, please keep in mind that waiting times vary for each individual request. You can track your requests by logging on to your account in ILLiad.

How do I get the quickest turnaround?
Include the full citation and standard number (ISBN or ISSN) for your material to get the quickest turnaround.
Is there a limit on the number of requests that can be submitted?
The following limits apply according to category of library user:
- Faculty: No limit
- Doctoral Student: No limit
- Master’s Student: 40 items per academic year*
- Undergraduate Student: 20 items per academic year*
- Staff: 20 items per academic year
For all user categories, there is no limit on the number of requests that a user can submit to borrow books from other CUNY libraries.
* Students who are engaged in a major research project, such as an honors thesis, may request a waiver by contacting the interlibrary loan manager and providing the name of the Baruch College faculty member who is directing or assigning the project. After consulting with the faculty member, the interlibrary loan manager will decide whether to grant the waiver.
How will I know when an Interlibrary Loan item arrives?
You will receive an email notification when the item arrives. If it is an electronic article, your email will contain instructions on how to retrieve the article (which will be in PDF format). If it is a book, it will be available for you to pick up from the Circulation Desk of the Library on the 2nd floor.
How long are article files available on the Interlibrary Loan server?
Electronic articles are stored in the Interlibrary Loan server for 30 days for a maximum of 5 viewings.
How do I renew Interlibrary Loan items?
If the Interlibrary Loan sticker on the item you borrowed does not say “NO RENEWALS,” you can request a renewal in ILLiad/Interlibrary Loan. Log on, under Checked Out Items, click on the transaction number of the item to renew.
Interlibrary Lending
We supply materials to other libraries and corporations through OCLC WorldShare and ILLiad. If you do not participate in OCLC, please send us lending requests via email to illbb@baruch.cuny.edu using an ALA form and we would be happy to fill your requests.