Can't find it at Harvard?
BorrowDirect is often the fastest way to borrow something not available at Harvard.
Can't find the materials you need at Harvard or via BorrowDirect? Submit an Interlibrary Loan request and we'll search libraries around the world.
Borrowing from Harvard Library
HOLLIS is the Harvard Library catalog. Harvard affiliates can search for books, journals, articles and other items the library system holds. Most items can be requested for pickup at any Harvard library. Many can be found on the shelf in a specific library. Turnaround time for pickup requests can vary between 1 and 4 business days.
HOLLIS gives the option of searching "everything" or "library catalog". Results searching "everything" will include all items known to the academic world, including things Harvard doesn't own. Records for things not owned will have links to BorrowDirect and ILL. Results searching "library catalog" will only include items owned by Harvard, and WILL NOT include articles. Biomedical articles are also available in PubMed.
Borrowing Books Beyond Harvard Library
Harvard Library participates in BorrowDirect, a loaning service shared between 13 academic institutions. Harvard affiliates can search for books in BorrowDirect and request any that are unavailable at Harvard. Turnaround time is approximately 4 business days.
Getting Articles Beyond Harvard Library
Articles not available through BorrowDirect can be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Library staff will search other libraries around the world. Library staff will search other libraries around the world. Turnaround time is often less than 24 hours, but can take up to two weeks depending on availability.