Update on Access to the ILLiad

The University Libraries’ access to the public interface of the ILLiad Interlibrary Loan System was suspended April 20, 2006 as a precaution against potential misuse of user information from an off-campus web server.

While no breaches of security were known, and the opportunity for data interception was slight, it was judged prudent to create a system within the university where all activities could continue in the most secure environment.

The Libraries’ Interlibrary Loan Services staff were suddenly faced with the challenge of maintaining high-tech services in a lower-tech environment. Traditional, some might even say old-fashioned, print forms and in-person phone calls have temporarily reappeared. Attempts to keep disruption to library users at a minimum included the creation of mediated online request forms, PDF delivery of journal articles, email notifications, and quite a bit of behind-the-scenes intervention.

Since the closure of the system, some Interlibrary Loan Services staff has processed over 1,200 requests for research materials from Ball State University students, faculty, and staff. Fortunately, the portion of the ILLiad system which addresses lending of materials to other institutions was unaffected, and service to other libraries around the world has continued uninterrupted.

Interlibrary loan, library linking, and resource sharing are services that are highly valued by Ball State’s students and faculty, information consumers, and scholars. We anticipate restoring full, regular interlibrary loan services by mid-June.

Questions may be directed to Elaine Nelson, Interlibrary Loan Supervisor, at ENelson@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1323.