ILLiad FAQ

ILLiad is the system that our library uses to manage ILL transactions. As a user, you will use ILLiad to send ILL requests. You will also be able to check the status of current orders, review past orders and keep an archive of items received electronically.

What is ILLiad?

ILLiad (InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database) is the system you use to request an item from libraries beyond the NExpress and BLC consortiums.  Using ILLiad, you can request books, articles, microfilm, videos, and more.

How do I register?

The first time you use this system you will need to select a username and password. Please use your Williams username. Click here to register.

ILLiad Proxy Accounts:

If you are the student proxy for a faculty member, sign up using the information below:

First name: "Proxy"
Last name: Copy from your library proxy card
User name: Last 5 digits from barcode on proxy card
Email: Faculty's email
Phone: Faculty's phone

You will need to share the user name and the password with the faculty member so that they can retrieve articles sent to the account.

What if I forget my username or password?

Your username is usually the same as the Williams username that you use to check e-mail, etc.  If this doesn't work, please contact the Sawyer Research Help Desk at x2505 or call the ILL Office at x2005 during normal business hours for assistance.

You can reset your password online through the forgotten password form.

How are articles delivered?

When an article arrives it is converted to a PDF and placed in your ILLiad account.  You will receive an e-mail with a link to the article so that you can download it and read it.  You will need Adobe Reader to view the PDF file.

How are books, microfilm, and other items delivered?

When an item arrives that can't be digitized (like a whole book or reel of microfilm) it will be available for you to pick up at the Sawyer Circulation Desk or the Schow Services Desk.  You will get an e-mail notifying you that it has arrived on campus.

You can specify which library your items are delivered to in the preferences section of your ILLiad account.

Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?

Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your interlibrary loan requests, you can take the following steps:

  1. Access  ILLiad only from your personal computer or an otherwise secure workstation.
  2. When using a public access workstation:
    • Delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
    • Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.

Where did my older requests go?

Requests are purged from ILLiad after 30 days to protect your privacy.  If you want to keep a PDF after thirty days, you should save a copy on your computer.

I still have questions. Who can help?

Technical Questions: Sawyer Research Help Desk (2505) or Systems Office (2084).

Questions about a Request or making a Request: E-mail ill@williams.edu

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