You may have noticed a new feature in the library catalog: books that are owned by the Iowa Library Alliance. What is this? This is a new group of libraries that is participating in a courier service for interlibrary loan materials. The new courier service means we can get books to you faster!

This summer Preus Library participated in the launch of a new courier service for our interlibrary loan program. Teaming up with the Iowa Library Alliance and the MOBIUS consortium in Missouri, we are now part of a dedicated courier delivery route that moves books between libraries in Iowa and Missouri.

What does this mean for you? First and foremost, the courier service is decreasing delivery times for interlibrary loan items borrowed from participating libraries. The dedicated transport routes means that some items arrive the next day, and average delivery time is two business days. Previously we used USPS for most interlibrary loan items, and estimated delivery times for those items is 3-5 business days.

The faster delivery time means you have more resources available to you in less time. There are over 31 participating libraries in Iowa,  including University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa, and over 100 libraries in the full network. We hope that faster access to these large collections will make research more convenient for you. We expect the network to grow: since the launch of the service in Iowa in July several new libraries have already joined.

So now you know, when you see "Held By: Iowa Library Alliance" in the catalog: this is a book we can get into your hands faster! We’re excited about the potential for greater future collaboration with the Iowa Library Alliance and the courier service program. As always, we will continue working to improve your access to research resources.

 
Questions about the new service? Contact Freeda Brook, Acquisitions and Resource Management Librarian, at [email protected]. Questions about Interlibrary Loan? Contact Kathy Buzza, Interlibrary Loan Coordinator, at [email protected].