Q. How can I request books that are not available at any Harvard libraries?

Current students, faculty and staff can request books through Borrow Direct (BD) and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) if the book is currently unavailable at Harvard Libraries.

You can submit a request by using the “INTERLIBRARY LOAN (NOW INCLUDES BORROW DIRECT)” link when available in HOLLIS or by searching the Borrow Direct database directly.

After submitting your request, the Resource Sharing department will search for a copy of the book through Borrow Direct. These requests take 1-4 business days to arrive.

If no copy is available through BD, Resource Sharing will extend their search via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Staff will search libraries everywhere to find an available copy. These requests can take up to two weeks to arrive.

For more information, please see the BD Home Page, or the BD FAQ maintained by Harvard Library.