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Research Toolkit

Answers for common research questions.

Requesting Books & Articles from Other Libraries

There are two ways to request material from other libraries: CUNY Libraries Inter-Campus Service (CLICS) and Inter-Library Loan (ILL). Use the tabs below to get instructions on how to use both of these systems.

Inter-Library Loan

ILL, or Inter-Library Loan, allows students, staff and faculty in good library standing to borrow books, articles, and book chapters from libraries outside the CUNY system.

Setting up an account

  • First time ILL users MUST create an account in order to login and submit a request.
  • Follow the prompts for FIRST TIME USERS to create an account here.
  • When signing up, be sure to use your City College email address and barcode or EMPLID number on the form.

What can I request?

  • Journal Articles/Book Chapters
    • If a journal is unavailable at CCNY, use the citation information to request the article via the ILL request form. Book chapters or sections available within and outside of CUNY can also be requested through ILL.
  • Books and Other Materials
    • In ILLiad, fill out the New Request form for books.

How long will it take to get my ILL materials?

  • Most ILL books arrive within a week to 10 business days; electronically-delivered articles take approximately 24 hours. Login to your ILL account here to track your requests.

For more information on ILL renewals and fines, please see our ILL page here.

CLICS

CLICS, or CUNY Libraries Inter-Campus Service, allows students, staff and faculty in good library standing to borrow books from libraries anywhere within the CUNY system. Watch a video here to learn how to request books through CLICS. You can find CLICS policies here.

Start by searching in OneSearch for a book by title, author, or subject. The default search is for City College libraries. You can also search all CUNY Libraries using the dropdown menu on the right side of the search box. 

Once you find a book available at another CUNY, log in using your library barcode (found on the back of your CCNY ID). The default password is your same barcode number. If you've never borrowed a book at City College, you will first have to activate your barcode. You can do that in-person at the Circulation Desk, or by emailing circdesk@ccny.cuny.edu.

Request the book be sent to City College. You'll get an email when the book is ready to be picked up at the Circulation Desk.