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Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024     Views: 273

Both systems are types of interlibrary loan between UW Libraries and other libraries. These services are free for UW students, faculty and staff (see note below). The system will notify you when ordered items are available and allow you to pick-up physical items at the campus library of your choice.  The following should help decide when to use Prospector or Interlibrary Loan. 

 

 Prospector

  • Borrow books, videos. and audio CDs from over 200 Colorado libraries.
  • Service is limited to UW students, faculty, and staff (no public account holders).
  • Search the Prospector database directly and click on the "Request item" link. You can track the request and obtain renewals through My Accounts.
  • If the item is available at a participating library, you receive it in 4-7 business days.
  • Notification of arrival of the item is sent to your UW email address.
  • Loan periods and renewals on books (and some CDs) are for three weeks with one renewal; and videos (and some CDs) are one week with no renewals.

 Interlibrary

 Loan


  • Borrow books, videos and audio CDs as well as obtain electronic copies of journal articles and book chapters from UW and 10,000 libraries world-wide.
  • There are two ways to order materials: 
    • 1) borrow by searching the UW collections with QuickSearch or any electronic database and then clicking on Interlibrary Loan button or
    • 2) fill out request forms through your Interlibrary Loan account. From your account you can also track requests, request renewals, and obtain scanned copies. Here is a link to the Interlibrary Loan policy page.
  • If loans or copies are available at UW, you will receive notification in 2-3 days.
  • If copies are from other libraries, you will receive it digitally in 4-5 days.
  • If loans are from other libraries, you will receive the book in 3-21 days.
  • Loan periods and renewals are determined by lending library.

 

NOTE:  Off-campus students, faculty, and staff must use Interlibrary Loan for all document delivery, including items found in the Prospector catalog.

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