Interlibrary Loan

Document Delivery Service (DDS)

The Document Delivery Service (DDS) delivers copies of journal articles and book chapters from participating UC Davis Libraries. Fees apply for most Document Delivery Services. Academic Senate and Academic Federation members are eligible for some free services. Some Blaisdell Medical Library materials are provided to all DDS patrons at no charge.

  • DDS Services & Fees are described below.
  • Patrons must register for DDS before placing requests (if fees apply).
  • DDS is provided to support University-related research and teaching. DDS may not be used to request materials for work for private employers, for personal non-university research, or for recreational reading.

DDS Services & Fees For:

Delivery Options

  • Requests exceeding thirty (30) pages may be supplied as photocopies, at the library's discretion.

Electronic

Most DDS requests will be filled by providing an electronic copy, unless otherwise requested.

Electronic copies are posted to a UC Davis library server. When the item is available, the requester is sent an email with instructions, a web address where the copy is posted, and a unique number for accessing the electronic copy. The electronic copy will be available for 30 days or 6 downloads.

Photocopy

Photocopies can be delivered via mail or FAX, or held for pickup at your home library. For FAX delivery, FAX machines must be able to receive 24 hours every day.

How to Place a Request

There are two ways to place Document Delivery Service (DDS) requests:

  • From an article database use the UC-eLinks button and select "For Interlibrary Loan or Document Delivery use Request," then choose the "Campus Document Delivery Service" option. These requests will be transmitted directly to the appropriate UC Davis library.
  • Or use the article or book chapter online request forms available on this page or the Interlibrary Loan page.

To request entire books, use the Harvest Request feature (on-campus patrons) or the Melvyl Request feature (remote users).

Requests are processed on normal working days and will usually be processed within one (1) working day of receipt. This does not include delivery time. A large number of requests from an individual may need to be processed over several days.

RUSH service is available for patient care emergencies only. Rush requests noted "PATIENT CARE EMERGENCY" will be processed immediately. Please call the Carlson Health Sciences Library (530-752-6379) or the Blaisdell Medical Library (916-734-3559) to alert staff of your request.

Every attempt will be made to fill all orders, but delivery cannot be guaranteed since materials are occasionally in use or missing. Requesters will be notified of delays. Requests must comply with current United States copyright law.

Participating Libraries

Items requested through DDS must be available at one of these UC Davis Libraries:

  • Carlson Health Sciences Library
  • Blaisdell Medical Library
  • Physical Sciences & Engineering Library
  • Shields Library

Payment Options

Two payment options are available.

Departmental Recharge

Departmental accounts may be recharged for DDS service. Recharge account information must be provided upon registration. Users are responsible for notifying the library of any changes in recharge account information.

Bill

An invoice will be sent for requests filled within each calendar month. Bills must be paid by cash or check at the Cashier's Office in Dutton Hall. Bills must be paid promptly. The rules that apply to library circulation bills also apply to DDS bills (see: Abuse of Library Privileges).

Registration

Patrons must register for Document Delivery Services (DDS) before placing requests if fees apply. Only UC Davis faculty, students, and staff with valid library cards may register for DDS.

Register for DDS

During registration, you will select a home library from this list of participating libraries:

  • Carlson Health Sciences Library
  • Blaisdell Medical Library
  • Physical Sciences & Engineering Library
  • Shields Library

DDS requests that cannot be sent electronically or mailed will be held for pick-up at your home library. Consequently, you should choose as your home library the place that is most accessible and/or frequently used by you. The home library you select will also process your DDS requests, and provide information on the status of requests when necessary.