If you are unfamiliar with the services of our library's Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department, it locates and borrows materials that are not owned by the UCA Library for UCA students, faculty, and staff. The ILL Department also lends resources to other libraries.
Starting August 20, 2018, the UCA Library introduced a new interlibrary loan system called URSA. With the introduction of URSA, the library is no longer using ILLiad to process new interlibrary loan requests.
URSA has many features which make using our interlibrary loan services easy. Some of URSA’s features will be familiar to former ILLiad users, while other features offer updated functionality and new custom options. Here are some highlights:
- Easy account setup. The only step needed to set up your URSA account is to create a password on the Set/Reset Password page. On this page, enter your UCA username (the name before the @ on your email) and click on “Request a New Password.” An email will then be sent to your UCA email with links and instructions for creating your URSA password. Once your password is set, you are ready to access URSA and start submitting requests.
- Easy request submission. Requests can be submitted by logging into URSA or through the databases using the Request via Interlibrary Loan links. When you place a request in URSA, your account details are included, and all you need to provide is detailed information about the item you are requesting.
- Request tracking. In your URSA account, you can see when submitted requests are processed, when they arrive, when they are due, and a record of notifications.
- Access electronic versions of requested articles. Articles are posted on your URSA account where they can be viewed, downloaded, and/or printed. Articles remain posted on your account and are available for five views and/or for 30 days.
- Access to request history. Submitted, processed, and completed requests are stored in your URSA account and can be sorted by request number, title, or status. For former users of ILLiad, your ILLiad request history will not be transferred over into URSA. You can view your ILLiad request history by logging into ILLiad or contacting the Interlibrary Loan Office until the end of the fall 2018 semester.
- Customized communications options. URSA allows you to choose an alternate email address for notifications. You also have the option to receive notifications via text messages. These options can be set while logged into your URSA account under the heading “Communication Preferences.” If you don’t set your Communication Preferences, notifications will be sent to your UCA email account.
- Mobile friendly interface. The URSA interface allows for access on mobile devices. Forms, account information, and request details are easy to see and automatically adjust to fit screens of mobile devices.
Visit our Interlibrary Loan webpage to access your URSA account and view additional UCA ILL information. We look forward to helping you find the resources you need! Please contact the Interlibrary Loan Department at 501-450-5205 or ill@uca.edu with any questions or concerns.
