Collections and Services Available
CRL accepts ILL requests from non-member libraries for a fee. Independent researchers may borrow from CRL through a library with whom they are affiliated. We do not accept IFLA vouchers for loans.
Print and Microform Lending
The Center for Research Libraries lends hard copy formats to libraries located in the United States and Canada. CRL does not lend to individuals or entities unaffiliated with a library.
CRL defines one loan as a single title of less than :
- 4 Volumes
- 4 Microfilm reels
- 4 Fiche
The Borrowing Library agrees to the following :
- The safe return of the requested material to CRL after a 30 day loan period.
- The borrowing library agrees to pay costs if material is damaged or lost.
- Pay costs for return of material by UPS or similar service.
- Return materials in original containers in which they were sent.
- A fine of $20 will be charged if a container is not included or is replaced.
- A borrowing library must return material immediately upon recall.
- If recalled, no part of the fee will be refunded
Digitization of CRL Material
All digital requests are subject to U.S. copyright law. CRL will digitize items in our collection for non-members when the material is not in copyright. We will make this material publically available on our DDS Platform. Digitization requests must be made by a library.
Fees will be calculated based on labor and resources required to complete the project. Fees must be paid in advance.
CRL will copy or digitize an article of up to 50 pages for a library anywhere in the world. We will deliver articles via email or mail. The fee is $175.00 per article.
CRL supplies images suitable for research needs, we cannot deliver high resolution images for publication. We will supply the best copy we can get but this is subject to the condition of the material from which we are digitizing. Sale of a reproduction for scholarly research does not grant authorization to publish. In all cases, it is the researcher's responsibility to determine whether materials are under copyright, to discover who owns the copyright, and to obtain permission to publish.
Sending Requests
CRL accepts requests from libraries through OCLC or email of a completed ALA ILL (link is external) or IFLA loan form. Please note how payment will be made. Requests will not be processed until payments are received.
Fees and Payment Methods
All ILL requests must be prepaid. Articles and digitization of uncopyrighted material is $175.00 per request. An additional processing fee of 3.8% is charged for credit card payments. Payment may be made by Credit Card, Check, IFM or Money Order. Credit Card payment require an additional processing fee. CRL can issue an invoice in advance if requested. To make a request via OCLC (IFM) enter a valid IFM code in the MAXCOST field of the ILL request form. Make sure the value of MAXCOST is greater than or equal to the cost of the loan. For Credit Card, contact CRL Access Initiatives to arrange payment at 773-955-4545 ext.321 or email asd@crl.edu.
Loan Periods and Recall
Non-members may borrow materials for 30 days. Loans are subject to recall after two weeks of use. CRL will recall material when it is requested by a member library. CRL does not renew loans to Non-member Libraries.
Institutions Outside of the United States and Canada
CRL does not lend hard copy material outside the United States and Canada. Articles and digitization of uncopyrighted material is $175.00 per request. An additional processing fee of 3.8% is charged for credit card payments.
Non-Members & the CRL Reading Room
Individual Researchers and those affiliated with non-member libraries may make an appointment to use our Reading Room in Chicago. Appointments To use the Reading Room please make an appointment at least 3 days before a visit. All materials are paged prior to the date of the appointment. Under no circumstances may visitors browse our stacks. Please see our Reading Room page for more information, call Access Initiatives at 773-955-4545 ext. 288.or email asd@crl.edu.