Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible for ILL/DDS (InterLibrary Loan/Document Delivery Services)?
  

  Faculty, staff, trustees of the College, administrators and registered students of Bridgewater State College are eligible for document delivery privileges.

• Can I get anything I want via ILL/DDS?
  

  All libraries have certain materials they prefer not to loan. In such cases, most libraries will be willing to photocopy selected pages or microfilm special material for your use. Materials that generally cannot be borrowed include dissertations, journals, and reference and special collections materials. The U.S. Copyright Law may restrict how much material can be borrowed in the form of photoduplication.

• How long will it take to get materials I need?
  

  The average length of time needed to receive materials is 10-14 days. Requests are sent out in the order received, except when a large number of requests are made by the same individual. These will be staggered to allow other people fair access.

• What do I have to do in order to request materials through ILL/DDS?
  

  ILL/DDS now is a web-based services. You need to log on with a valid BSC e-mail ID. Once you successfully log in, you can fill out your requests by following online instructions.

• How much does it cost to request materials?
  

  Charges for document delivery vary depending on the lending institution and its loan policies. Many libraries do not charge fees for lending materials. All charges are absorbed by the student. We will contact you before ordering items that will incur a charge.

• Where can I inquire about the status of my request?
  

  You may check the status of your requests in the web-based ILL/DDS system. Also, you will be automatically notified when your requested materials are available for pick-up. However, you may also contact the ILL/DDS office at (508)531-1706 or e-mail to dds@bridgew.edu.

• What do I do if I don't know all the information requested on the form?
  

  When citation information is incomplete or incorrect, please ask a reference librarian if s/he can help you locate the needed information or use our Ask A Librarian service.

• Where do I pick up the materials that I have requested?
  

  All requested materials are held at Circulation Desk.

• Can I receive articles in electronic format?
  

  Desk top delivery of certain Document Delivery requests such as journal articles and chapters in books is available. This service can forward copies that we receive electronically to your Bridgewater e-mail address. Books cannot be delivered through this method.

• How long is requested material held before being returned or disposed of?
  

  Returnable items (such as: books and videos) are held until the due date. Copied items are held until the end of the following semester.

• How long can I keep a loan? Can I take the material out of the library?
  

  The length of a loan period and the restrictions on use are at the lending library's discretion. Loan periods tend to be between two to four weeks; and items can generally be removed from the library. Due dates and any restrictions will appear on the white bands around the books.

• Can materials borrowed via ILL/DDS be renewed?
  

  Request for renewals need to be submitted 5 days before the due date. Renewals are determined by the lending library. ILL/DDS Office will contact you regarding the renewal status.

• Where should I return a loan item?
  

  Please return books, videos and other materials to the Circulation Desk when the library is open. Journal articles do not need to be returned.

• Are there other ILL/DDS services availble?
  

  The other ILL/DDS service is called SMCL. Students and Faculty of Bridgewater State College may borrow directly from the members of the SMCL (Southeastern Massachusetts Cooperating Libraries) consortium, which includes Brockton Public Library, Brockton Veterans Administration Medical Center Library, UMass Dartmouth, Stonehill College, Taunton Public Library, and Wheaton College.