Have you ever wondered what happens after you click the “Get It” button in Libraries Search? Sometimes, the item you request isn’t coming from The Ohio State University Libraries—it might be traveling from another university across Ohio. It may feel like magic, but there’s a coordinated, statewide system working behind the scenes to get your book from one OhioLINK library to another.

Understanding this process helps you choose the best pickup location, estimate delivery times and make informed borrowing decisions—especially when you need materials quickly. This information is useful for any Ohio State student, faculty member or staff member who relies on OhioLINK for materials not held locally.

What is OhioLINK?

OhioLINK (the Ohio Library and Information Network) is a statewide partnership of academic libraries that share resources across Ohio. That means your requested item could come from any participating library—not just Ohio State. In total, OhioLINK connects 115 academic libraries, plus the State Library of Ohio.

How Your OhioLINK Request Travels to You

1. You Make a Request

When you find a book in Libraries Search and click “Get It,” staff at the lending library receive your request in their digital task list. They go to the stacks, locate your item and prepare it for shipment.

2. Getting It Ready to Ship

After the book is found, it’s scanned into the system, updating your library account immediately. Staff attach an OhioLINK band, print a routing slip and pack the item into a shipping bin. Priority Dispatch—OhioLINK’s courier service—picks up bins from all participating libraries.

3. On the Road

Your book enters a statewide delivery network where bins are sorted and routed to their next destination. Most OhioLINK items arrive at your chosen pickup location within three to five business days.

4. Time to Pick Up

When your book arrives at your chosen pickup location, staff check it in and you receive an automated email letting you know it’s ready. It will be held for 10 days on the hold shelf.

5. Sending It Back

When you're finished, you can return the book to any OhioLINK library, whichever is most convenient. Staff will check it in, clear it from your account and send it back to its home library—no need to remember where it originally came from.

Now that you’ve seen each stage of the journey, here’s why the system works so effectively for Ohio State users.

Why This Matters

• Big network: Connects 115 academic libraries and the State Library of Ohio.
• Vast resources: Together, OhioLINK and its member libraries provide access to more than 38 million books and other print library materials, more than 40 million electronic journal articles, 290,000 electronic books and 145,000 electronic theses and dissertations.
• Fast and accurate: Managed through the Alma/Primo VE system for accuracy and efficiency.

Tips for Smooth OhioLINK Requests

• Double-check your pickup location when placing a request.
• If you need something quickly, look for an Ohio State-owned copy first—it will arrive faster.
• Use your My Library Account to monitor the status of your request.
• If Ohio State doesn’t have an available copy, you can request the item through OhioLINK or Interlibrary Loan, and the system will automatically locate a lending library.

OhioLINK makes borrowing materials from across the state simple and efficient, giving you access to millions of resources beyond Ohio State’s collections. Now that you know what happens behind the scenes, you can request items confidently and understand each step of your book’s journey.

Ready to Start Your Book's Journey?

• Search the catalog: Use Libraries Search. Pro Tip: Didn't find what you were looking for? Select the link to include items you can request from other libraries to see the full OhioLINK collection.
• Track your progress: Sign in to your My Library Account to see exactly where your book is in the process.
• Questions? We’re here during normal library hours and can help you virtually:
  • Email: hslinfo@osumc.edu.
  • Ask a Librarian: Use our online form. We aim to answer questions within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.