Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services?
Circuit and Rapido/ILL services are available for:
- Current SDSU students
- Current and retired SDSU faculty and staff
What can be ordered via Rapido/ILL?
A variety of materials, including articles, books, and audiovisual, may be requested via Interlibrary Loan provided they meet the following criteria:
- The item must be needed for SDSU research or coursework.
- The item must not be owned by the SDSU Library (but it's OK to order books that are currently checked out).
The SDSU Library has implemented a new ILL system
In the Summer of 2025, the SDSU Library changed its system for requesting materials from all other libraries to a system called Rapido that is integrated into our library catalog. This system was initially implemented across the entire California State University system to improve how we share resources between campuses and was formerly referred to as CSU+. Now this system is being used instead of ILLiad from OCLC to fulfill all requests for materials from other libraries.
How is the new system working?
Since the switch, we've been able to fill the majority of our requests using the new system and the San Diego Circuit borrowing network (which includes San Diego County libraries). However, we’ve seen an increase in the number of requests that we cannot fulfill and are still working to improve how the system handles certain items.While the new system may not, currently, be as robust as our previous system, we are actively working to improve access and fill rates.
What if I need something urgently?
If you run into any issues or have urgent needs, please contact Tim Tully, Head of Collection Strategies, at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to help.
If there are any pressing needs and concerns while we work to enhance the new system, please reach out to Tim Tully, the Head of Collection Strategies, at [email protected].
Turnaround Times, Request Limits, and Loan Periods
| Service | Material Types | Turnaround Time | Limits | Loan Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit | books only | 1-2 days | 20 books/time | 112 days / no renewals |
Additional Questions about Interlibrary Loan
The status of Rapido/ILL and Circuit requests are linked to your Library Account.
You'll be notified by email when loans are available for pickup at the Circulation Desk and you will receive an email when an article / book chapter is posted on the web via your Circ Record.
Articles and book chapters are delivered to you electronically. If you receive an email that your article has been posted to the web, please log into your Circ Record.
Loans are held for pickup at the Circulation Desk. Your SDSUid card will be required for checkout.
In order to maintain good relationships with other libraries, it is very important that material we borrow from other libraries be returned on time.
Fines for loans borrowed from other libraries are as follows:
Rapido/ILL Materials
- There are no overdue fines. If a loan hasn't been returned there is a $98 fee.
Circuit books
- $1/day + $15 billing fee
Return all items directly to the Circulation Desk on or before the due date.
Please do not remove the identifying strap from the book cover.
Please do not return other libraries' books in a book drop. Book drops are not emptied on a daily basis.
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