DocuServe (InterLibrary Loan)
About DocuServe Services
InterLibrary Loan (ILL)
DocuServe is an information delivery service available to Caltech faculty, students, and staff. We participate in resource sharing partnerships and networks to provide you with alternative access to materials that we do not own or subscribe to. DocuServe includes InterLibrary Loan, document delivery, and more.Request materials such as books, journal articles, book chapters, theses, or media that are not available in the Caltech Library, through ILL.
What can I request? Request materials related to your research, teaching, study, or employment at Caltech, such as books, journal articles, book chapters, theses, or media. We are not able to provide textbooks through DocuServe, but Course Reserves may be able to help.
How long does delivery take? Most journal article requests are fulfilled within 48 hours. Physical items are usually delivered within one week.
How much does ILL cost? No charge for article, book, or book chapter requests. Certain items like patents and standards involve a cost that varies per item.
How do I receive ILL items? Once the item arrives, you will be notified via email, and you can check out the request at Sherman Fairchild Library (SFL) Circulation Desk. Articles and book chapters will be accessible through email.
How do I access the material? Once the item arrives, you will be notified via email, and you can check out the request at Sherman Fairchild Library (SFL) Circulation Desk. Access articles and book chapters through email.
What Is RUSH Delivery Service?
Use RUSH rapid delivery service to receive articles that we don't have immediate access to.
How long does RUSH take? Requests are typically filled within 15 minutes. Sometimes more time is needed to retrieve and deliver a hard-to-find article.
How much does RUSH cost? Caltech faculty, students, and staff receive ten free RUSH-delivered articles each academic year. We will keep track of your usage and notify you when you have fulfilled your ten free articles for the year.
When do I get charged? On the eleventh RUSH article request, you will be charged $15. We will invoice you using the information from your DocuServe account. You can also pay by credit card at the Sherman Fairchild Library. On October first of each year, your ten free RUSH requests begin again.
What is the cost limit for RUSH items? The typical cost to the Library for RUSH articles is approximately $30 per article. For articles that cost $100 or more, RUSH service is not available. You will be notified if this occurs and we will try to acquire the article through InterLibrary Loan instead.
How to Submit a DocuServe Request
1. Search for your item before placing a request
Search LibSearch, Web of Science, JSTOR, or another database to verify that we do not already have access to what you are requesting. You can also try searching the open web or Google Scholar.
If you prefer us to check multiple items, email us with thorough citation information at docuserve@library.caltech.edu and we will create individual requests for each article on your behalf.
2. Create a DocuServe account
The first time you log in to DocuServe, you will see the new user registration form. Enter your personal information then select Submit Information.
3. Submit a RUSH request through Library Catalog
To submit citations through DocuServe:
- Log in to your DocuServe account. Select the type of request under Main Menu/New Request. For assistance, select "Help" and complete the web form.
- Fill in all required fields. Any extra information provided will make it easier to process your request.
- Submit Request.
To submit requests through a database:
- Log into the database, and search for an article. Click on the article.
- Select the Get-It@Caltech button for the item you want to request.
- Select DocuServe it (always free): Submits a normal DocuServe request. A DocuServe window will appear with most of the appropriate citation fields already populated. Select "Submit Request" to complete the request.
- Place article RUSH request. (Steps from Library Catalog)
- Steps from Web of Science:
Contact Us
Location: Room #131 at Sherman Fairchild Library
Phone: 626-395-6437