Resources Beyond RML

While Robinson Music Library specializes in materials supporting the curriculum of the Joint Music Program, patrons may need materials for coursework, major areas of performance or research, or other areas of expertise within 58Թ.

RML patrons can borrow materials from other libraries both nationally through two services: OhioLINK and Inter-Library Loan (ILL). 

 

OhioLINK

OhioLINK is a network of university and college libraries throughout the state of Ohio. This service is free and available to 58Թ and CWRU students and faculty. (Other borrowers may utilize OhioLINK through their local public library.)

If an item for which you are searching is not available here at 58Թ/CWRU, try searching next in the . Items can be shipped from participating libraries to your desired pickup location in approximately 5 business days.

To request materials:

  • Request your library account number at the Robinson Music Library Circulation Desk.
  • Find the item you are looking for on the .
  • Click the request button.
  • Select CWRU as your school or institution and submit.
  • Type your full name and library account number under “Guests, login here.”
  • Select “58Թ – Robinson Music Library” as your pickup location.
  • Click the submit button.

Full instructions for OhioLINK including fines, renewals, etc. visit: 

 

Inter-Library Loan (ILL)

If an item you are looking for is not available at 58Թ or through OhioLINK, you still may be able to borrow an item through Inter-Library Loan (ILL).

ILL can be used with any library participating in the OCLC network (both nationally and internationally). This means that university, college, and public libraries will share materials and ship them to requesting patrons at other institutions. You can search for these items using the --remember to note the OCLC number for the item.

To request materials:

  • Check the  to determine if your item is available. (Items available locally or through OhioLINK will not be ordered through ILL.)
  • Search  to determine the item's OCLC number (listed at the bottom of the item's record under Accession Number).
  • Complete the online ILL Request Form with information from the WorldCat record.

Full instructions for ILL including request details, item availability, etc. visit: 

 

ILL/OhioLINK FAQ

 

Q: What is the difference between OhioLINK and Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

A: Interlibrary loan will continue to be a service we offer at the Robinson Music Library, but there are some important differences between ILL and OhioLINK:

  • Scope: OhioLINK provides access to materials owned by member libraries in Ohio. You can request materials from libraries anywhere in the continental US via Interlibrary loan.
  • Costs: OhioLINK libraries do not charge borrowing fees. Some libraries do charge for lending via Interlibrary loan.
  • Requests: Individual borrowers request materials in OhioLINK. Library staff place requests on behalf of borrowers via Interlibrary loan.
  • Speed: OhioLINK is usually quicker.
  • Pick-up options: ILL materials can only be picked up at Robinson Music Library. With OhioLINK, you can choose to pick up your requested items at any participating library.
  • Renewals: OhioLINK allows multiple renewals if another user has not requested the item. ILL frequently does not allow renewals, and rarely more than one.
  • Delivery methods: ILL deliveries are usually via the US Postal Service, and occur Monday-Friday. OhioLINK loans are transported by a delivery service that handles all OhioLINK deliveries statewide. OhioLINK delivery days for 58Թ are Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Formats available: In addition to the books, scores, microforms and media that Interlibrary Loan offers, OhioLINK also has ebooks among its online resources that you can access via the database link.
Q: When should I use ILL or OhioLINK to borrow materials from another library?

A: For items owned by participating libraries within the state of Ohio, OhioLINK is the preferred method of request. For items held by institutions in other states (or potentially internationally), patrons should use ILL. 

Q: How long does it take to receive an item via OhioLINK vs. ILL?

A: Items requested through OhioLINK take approximately 5 business days to arrive at the requested location. 

ILL requests usually take a minimum of two weeks to arrive. If you are in need of items sooner than two weeks from the request date, it may be necessary to explore other avenues of acquiring the items. Please visit our Reference Desk to have a Research Services Librarian or Reference Assistant help you find alternate resources.

Q: Where do I pick up ILL/OhioLINK materials?

A: Interlibrary loan materials can be picked up and returned at the Circulation Desk.You will receive an email notice when your item(s) has been received.

For OhioLINK, patrons may request that items be delivered to any participating OhioLINK library. Most patrons of Robinson Music Library will request items be delivered to our Circulation Desk. (Select CWRU as your institution, and Robinson Music Library as your drop-off location.)

Q: Do these services cost money?

A: OhioLINK is free for all patrons of participating OhioLINK libraries.

Most Interlibrary Loan libraries do not charge borrowing fees, but some libraries do charge for lending via Interlibrary Loan. Requests with fees may be processed, but patrons will be contacted before materials are ordered.

Q: How long may I borrow ILL/OhioLINK items?

A: Items borrowed through OhioLINK will be available to patrons for 21 days from the day it is delivered to campus. These materials can also be renewed through your library account for an additional 21 days.

ILL materials have specific due dates set by the lending library. If you need an item beyond the due date, contact Martin Walters in advance to request an extension (the lending library will either accept or deny this request). If ILL materials are returned after the due date, any late fees charged by the lending library will become the responsibility of the borrower.