University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint

Getting materials from other libraries

Q: If I need a book or article that the Thompson Library doesn't have, how can I get it?

A: If you come across a citation to a book or article that the Thompson Library doesn't own or have access to, you have several options.

Request it through interlibrary loan.
Currently enrolled students and faculty and staff can request that books and articles be sent by other libraries to the Thompson Library for their use. It usually takes between three and five working days for materials to arrive, so allow sufficient time to complete your research.

You can make an interlibrary loan request online, or stop by the reference desk for a form.

Get it yourself from another library.

  • Other University of Michigan libraries. UM-Flint students, faculty, and staff have borrowing privileges at most of the libraries on the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.

    You can check hours and find maps on Ann Arbor's University Library homepage. (N.B. Circulation desks usually close before the library does; make sure you find out the hours of circulation when going to Ann Arbor, especially in the evening). If you are not familiar with the Ann Arbor campus libraries, it is advisable to stop by or call the Thompson Library reference desk (810-762-3408) to tell us what you hope to accomplish by going there. We may be able to save you time and trouble if you check with us first. You can search the holdings of Ann Arbor and Dearborn through Mirlyn.

  • Other academic libraries in Michigan. Graduate students at all three UM campuses, Michigan State, and Wayne State have borrowing privileges at all of these institutions. You must be currently enrolled and in good standing with your own library. To receive a library card from one of the other institutions, stop by the Thompson Library circulation desk to fill out a form to take with you. You must present a currently valid student ID. (Graduate students at Ann Arbor, MSU, and Wayne State must obtain the form at their home institution). You can access these libraries' catalogs through Mirlyn.
  • Other libraries in the area. You can check WorldCat for book, media, and periodical holdings state- and nationwide.

    UM-Flint, Kettering University, Mott Community College, and Baker College of Flint have mutual borrowing privileges for their students and faculty through the Academic Resource Sharing (ARS) program. With an ARS card, you can check out two books at a time, up to ten per semester, from these institutions. UM-Flint students need to stop by the circulation desk at the Thompson Library to get an ARS card, which is valid for one semester. Additionally, local public libraries are potential resources.

  • Other library resources. Other library resources in the state include:

Ask a librarian for other ideas.
There may be helpful resources available at the Thompson Library that you have overlooked. Stop by the reference desk or call (810) 762-3408 during library hours to explore other possibilities. Make sure the Thompson Library doesn't already have what you're looking for! Check Flint's catalog in Mirlyn for books, videos, CDs, and check Journal Finder for periodicals.

If in doubt ASK A LIBRARIAN FOR HELP!

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