We cannot predict the availability of material or the response-time of other libraries. All Interlibrary Loan requests are generally processed within one working day. Items that have to be requested from other states or countries can take from two to eight weeks.

For urgent needs, please include your deadline information in the Notes field of your request.

Items that may take longer to receive

  • Rare, valuable or otherwise unique materials that would be difficult or impossible to replace
  • Bulky or fragile materials that are difficult or expensive to ship
  • Materials in high demand at the lending library
  • Materials with local circulation restrictions, such as Reference or Course Reserve materials
  • Audio visual materials
  • Musical recordings
  • Computer software
  • Textbooks
  • Reference materials
  • Bound & unbound journals

There are several factors that influence how quickly you receive materials. If the item is located geographically close and is owned by a large number of schools, then the item usually arrives quickly.

To improve turnaround time, Oregon State University Valley Library has agreements with Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA), and Rapid to provide access to a greater number of items within a short turnaround time (48 hours, excluding weekends, for articles).

The Valley Library also belongs to the Orbis Cascade Alliance, made up of Pacific Northwest academic libraries.