Georgetown Law
Georgetown Law Library

Interlibrary Loan FAQs

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about ILL.

How Long Can I Keep an ILL Book and How Do I Renew It?

How long can I keep an ILL?

Due dates are set by the lending library regardless of your status at the Law Center. The loan period varies for each borrowed item and can range from 3 to 6 weeks. A reminder to return or renew is typically issued prior to the due date of the ILL.

How do I renew an ILL?

  • Request a renewal of the ILL item through your Law Library ILLiad account within five days in advance of the due date, or
  • Request a renewal via email (law-ill@georgetown.edu)

In a few days, you will receive an e-mail response informing you whether or not the renewal has been granted by the lender. The lending library is responsible for the decision as to whether an item can be renewed and for how long. Renewals are granted once at the most and are not granted for overdue materials.

What if I need an ILL book beyond the final due date?

Submit a new ILL request for the title or contact the Law Library's ILL office. This ILL service will be glad to borrow another copy for you from a different library.

Can the lender recall the ILL book I borrowed?

Yes, lending libraries have the right to recall an ILL at any point. You will be issued a notice when a recall takes place. There is no grace period to return a recall and the material is expected to be returned promptly. Should a lending library issue a recall fine, that amount will be charged to your account.