Higher Education

The BU Libraries do not own all of the books or articles you may find listed somewhere.
We may have more than you think, however.

For instance, to see if an article really is available to Boston University, librarians often start with a journal title search. Keep in mind that one needs to search for the journal name in this case, not the article title. There are other, similar tricks that are sometimes necessary to expose your full range of resources. How about your local public library? Or perhaps that article is available freely on the web somewhere? Occasionally the quickest way to get something - even digital access to something - is to go to another local institution that holds it.

There are several ways you can obtain books or articles that we do not own. These include:

• Interlibrary Loan. This service allows current BU faculty, staff, and students to request books, articles, book chapters, and other materials. Books generally take 1-3 weeks to arrive; articles are generally delivered electronically within 1-2 days.
  ILL online request forms for all patrons except those affiliated with the Schools of Law and Medicine. For inquires to the office, please call (617) 353-3706 or email ILLMML@bu.edu.

• Books from Boston College, Northeastern, and Brandeis. Books can be borrowed—in person—from the libraries of these three institutions using your Terrier card, the same way you borrow from a BU library.

• BLC Cards. A Boston Library Consortium Card allows the bearer to borrow—in person—circulating material from member libraries. Boston University faculty, staff, and students on the Charles River Campus may obtain a Consortium Card by filling out an application form. Medical Campus affiliates apply at the Alumni Medical Library.

Have another question?  Try searching our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).