RaiderLoan Document Delivery & Interlibrary Loan: Placing a Request Instructions

Step #1:  Search for the book, CD, or DVD title in [GRCC Library OneSearch] to see if GRCC owns or licenses the title you need. Refine your  search results using the OneSearch  [Full Text Online] - OR - [Library Catalog] filters in the menu shown.

1. If we own or license the title, use GRCC's copy.
2. If the title does not appear, or GRCC's copy is unavailable, proceed to Step #2.

Step #2:  Search for the title in [RaiderSearch Library Catalog]. (Yes, even though we already know we won't have it.) When the screen says the title "would be here" - a.k.a. is NOT available - click the [Search MeLCat] icon which runs your last search in the Michigan eLibrary MeLCat catalog - a real-time list of the holdings of most Michigan libraries.

Step # 3:  Your title should appear on the MeL screen.  If multiple editions are available, choose the record that has the most copies listed. This will increase the odds that a copy is available.

1. If MeL lists the title as available, click the [Get It For Me] icon and follow the screen prompts to have it delivered free to GRCC.
2. If the title is not listed in MeL - or - has some other status (LIB USE ONLY, MISSING, NOT REQUESTABLE, etc.) proceed to place an order through RaiderLoan.

Step #4:  You will receive an email confirmation when your request has been received, and another when your request arrives.

1. Items may be picked up and returned at the Library's 1st Floor Circulation Desk, unless you asked for them to be mailed to your home or office. Mailing the item may add 2-3 days to the delivery time.
2. Please return these items to GRCC by the Due Date listed on the title wrapper. If you received home delivery of the item, re-use the packaging and follow the instructions included in the mailing. We send the item to you for free; you are responsible for return mailing costs. Contact the Off-Campus Librarian if you cannot afford return costs and take your classes at an off-campus location.

If your title is not available, or, if you could use some other resource on the same topic, call a Reference Librarian (616-234-3868), or, [Ask-A-Librarian] for additional options.

Step #1 Periodical Articles:  Search for the title of the periodical (not the title of the article) you need in [eJournal List] to see if GRCC owns or licenses the periodical title you need. 

1. If we own or license the periodical for the year you need, follow the Database link and use GRCC's copy.
2. If the title does not appear, or if the year you need isn't included, proceed to Step #2.

-OR-

Books, CDs, DVDs, etc.:  Search [RaiderSearch Library Catalog] and MeLCat first as described in the other box.

1. If we own or license the title you need and it is available, use GRCC's copy.
2. If the title does not appear, or if the title appears but is not currently available, proceed to Step #2.

Step #2:  The first time you use the system, you must [Create a New Users Account] in RaiderLoan before you can order. Use your GRCC email address and a password you can remember. This is not tied to your network account.Follow the screen prompts.  Proceed to Step #3.

Step #3: Click the [Sign In to Create a Request] link and select a request form for the kind of resource you need: book, article, or other). Fill in as much information as available. If you have a DOI, please be sure to include that.  [Submit] your request.

Step #4: You will receive an email confirmation when your request has been received, and another when your request arrives.

1. Articles: Copies are yours to keep, and usually are delivered online.
2. Everything else (books, CDs, DVDs): Items may be picked up and returned at the Library's 1st Floor Circulation Desk, unless you asked for them to be mailed to your home or office. Mailing the item may add 2-3 days to the delivery time. Please return these items to GRCC by the Due Date listed on the title wrapper. If you received home delivery of the item, re-use the packaging and follow the instructions included in the mailing. We send the item to you for free; you are responsible for return mailing costs. Contact the Off-Campus Librarian if you cannot afford return costs and take your classes at an off-campus location.

If your title is not available, or, if you could use some other resource on the same topic, call a Reference Librarian (616-234-3868), or, [Ask-A-Librarian] for additional options.