Choose BorrowDirect when it is an option. Choose interlibrary loan when there are no other options available.
What is BorrowDirect?
BorrowDirect is a library resource sharing partnership between thirteen Ivies Plus members (Johns Hopkins is a member). Member institutions share collection resources, a search interface, underlying technologies, and a delivery service for physical items.
Delivery of a BorrowDirect item typically takes 3-6 business days.
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary loan is a service that delivers items not held by Johns Hopkins to Johns Hopkins users.
Delivery of an interlibrary loan item takes between 1-28 business days.
How do BorrowDirect and Interlibrary Loan Compare?
| Comparison | BorrowDirect | Interlibrary Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery time |
Approximately 3-6 business days |
Usually 1-28 business days |
| Requestable items |
Books and other physical items |
Items that are not in the Johns Hopkins Collection |
| Can I use it is a Johns Hopkins item is checked out? |
Yes |
No, interlibrary loan is only available for items that are not held in the Johns Hopkins Collection. |
| Tips for use |
A BorrowDirect link will appear as an option in Catalyst and Find It if the item is checked out. |
An interlibrary loan link for Welch borrowers appears near the bottom of Find It records. |