Interlibrary Use Programs
The Emory Libraries participate in the following interlibrary use (ILU) programs, which enable Emory students, faculty and staff to use many academic and research libraries in the Atlanta/Athens area, North America, and even overseas.
- GETS Interlibrary Use Program (local)
- ARCHE Interlibrary Use Program (local)
- OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program (US and Canada)
- OCLC Research Library Partnership, SHARES On-Site Access Program (US, Canada & overseas)
Please note that some ILU programs allow you to borrow items from participating libraries, while others only allow you to use library collections and services in-person while at the participating library.
GETS Interlibrary Use Program
Through the GETS (Georgia-Emory-Tech-State) initiative, all you need is a valid Emory ID card to borrow circulating items from the following libraries:
- University of Georgia :: Borrowing Policies
- Emory University
- Georgia Institute of Technology :: Borrowing Policies
- Georgia State University :: Borrowing Policies
ARCHE Interlibrary Use Program
The Interlibrary Use (ILU) Program of the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE), can provide you with limited direct borrowing privileges at other ARCHE member libraries.
How to Apply for an ARCHE ILU Card
Apply in person at your Emory home library before you visit an ARCHE library. You will need your Emory ID for the application.
- Apply at the Woodruff Library Service Desk
- If you are a student, faculty or staff member of Emory College, Laney Graduate School, Goizueta Business School, or university administration.
- Apply at the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library Desk
- If you are a student, faculty or staff member of School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Rollins School of Public Health
- Apply at the Pitts Theology Library Desk
- If you are a student, faculty or staff member of Candler School of Theology
- Apply at the Hugh H. MacMillan Law Library Desk
- If you are a student, faculty or staff member of School of Law
- Apply at the Oxford College Library Desk
- If you are a student, faculty or staff member of Oxford College
Your Emory library can issue you an ILU card for a specific ARCHE member library and only for a specific and limited period of time. Cards can only be issued by your Emory library as designated above, are only for your use, and are not transferable. You may apply for an Interlibrary Use card whenever the need arises.
Each ARCHE library determines its own borrowing policies, which you are expected to observe. Each library determines how many books you may borrow and for how long. You can usually renew items online, directly with the lending library, according to that library’s policies.
Please note that the ARCHE Interlibrary Use program does not permit the use of another library's facilities for general study purposes.
Libraries at the following ARCHE member institutions accept Interlibrary Use (ILU) cards:
- Agnes Scott College
- Atlanta University Center*
- Brenau University
- Clayton State University
- Columbia Theological Seminary
- Georgia Gwinnett College
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GETS--no ILU card needed)
- Georgia State University (GETS--no ILU card needed)
- Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw & Marietta)
- Mercer University (Atlanta & Macon)
- Morehouse School of Medicine
- Oglethorpe University
- Savannah College of Art & Design (Atlanta only)
- University of Georgia (GETS--no ILU card needed)
- University of West Georgia
*Library serving Clark-Atlanta University, Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Morehouse College, and Spelman College.
ARCHE Borrower Responsibilities
- You are responsible for the good condition and timely return of all materials borrowed with your ARCHE Interlibrary Use card.
- You may return materials borrowed from other ARCHE libraries directly to the lending library or via the ARCHE delivery van.
- To allow time for transit back to the lending library, please bring books to be returned via the delivery van to the Woodruff Library Interlibrary Loan Office or Library Service Desk (2nd Floor), at least four days before the due date.
- Emory Libraries are not responsible for any loss or damage to these materials en route, and that you are responsible for any overdue fines which may accrue on materials which are returned via the van delivery system.
- The lending library will notify and bill you directly for any overdue, damaged, or lost books.
- Please be sure to pay any fines, repair, or replacement costs in a timely manner. Failure to do so could result in suspension of your ILU privileges, transfer of the outstanding amount to your Emory Bursar's record, and/or suspension of your borrowing privileges at the Emory Libraries.
OCLC Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program
The Reciprocal Faculty Borrowing Program is sponsored by OCLC's Research Libraries Advisory Committee to enable faculty of participating universities to use collections on-site and, in most cases, to borrow items from participating libraries in the United States and Canada. Each participating library decides what services they will offer visiting faculty.
OCLC Research Library Partnership, SHARES On-Site Access Program
The OCLC Research Library Partnership's SHARES program includes On-site Access privileges* that enable Emory students, faculty, emeritus faculty, and academic and professional library staff to use the collections and services at other SHARES libraries.
*This program allows you to enter participating SHARES libraries (many of which have very restrictive access policies) and use library resources on-site. However, it usually does not include borrowing privileges.