Get It Delivered Overview

Using DocumentExpress, the Library Databases and the Library Catalog (Text-Only Version)

Librarian:

Welcome to the UMUC Information and Library Services' Get It Delivered presentation.

Student:

I was doing some research in the UMUC Library's databases and came across an article that would be useful for my paper, but it was not available in full-text. Is there any way I can get a copy of it?

Librarian:

If you are in one of the Library's databases and you find an article that is not available in full text, by using Find It you can go directly into our DocumentExpress service from the Find It menu.

Document Express is a library service that provides full-text articles not available in one or more of the library's databases… as well as various book delivery options. One advantage to accessing Document Express through Find It is that Find It automatically transfers the article's citation information to DocumentExpress – you don't have to type it in!

Let's say you want to do some research in Academic Search Premier. From the Library's home page, click on Articles and More and choose the letter “A” from the list of databases by title.

Then select Academic Search Premier and perform your search.

You decide that you want this article that you found in the Academic Search Premier database. Click on Find It, and because Find It indicates that the article is not available in full-text in the Library's databases, click on DocumentExpress.

You will be taken to the DocumentExpress logon page. Enter your last name and barcode from your student ID.

However, before logging on, remember to check your contact information to make sure it is correct. Does this information look OK? If so, click Information Is Correct. Otherwise, click Update Email Address to make edits.

Click the Logon button.

As you can see, the citation information from your article is already filled in for you. All you need to do is submit the request.

Student:

Is this the only way to access DocumentExpress?

Librarian:

No, you can use the Get It Delivered option on the Library's home page to access various delivery options. Let me show you how it works. First, from the Library's home page click on Get It Delivered.

Student:

I live in Florida.

Librarian:

OK, then choose the option for students, faculty, and staff in the continental United States and since you already know the article you want is not available in full-text in the Library's databases, go directly to the DocumentExpress link listed under I Need an Article.

This will take you to the DocumentExpress logon screen. Now, logon to DocumentExpress.

After logging on, you'll see the main menu of DocumentExpress. You can then go to the Request an Article form.

Fill out the form using information from your article's citation; please note that some fields are required. Any additional information you can provide about the article will be helpful to us in getting the article to you as quickly as possible. Then submit the request.

Student:

This is great, but how will I know when the article is available to me?

Librarian:

The Library will send you an e-mail letting you know that the article is ready.

Once you receive the e-mail, logon to DocumentExpress. At the Main Menu, choose Download Your Documents.

You will then see a list of documents that you have requested. Click on the document you want to view and it will appear in PDF format. You will have 21 days to view and save the document before it is deleted from your DocumentExpress online account.

You can also request book chapters through DocumentExpress. It works much like requesting articles.

Fill out the form with the required information and submit the request. Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot send you more than 20% of the book.

Student:

Thanks for the tips about getting articles and book chapters, but I have also heard that if I live outside Maryland I can get books mailed to me from the library catalog, is this true?

Librarian:

Yes, if you live outside Maryland, but inside the continental United States, you can get books delivered to your home address. Let's look at that.

From the Library's home page, click on the link for Books and Media.

This will take you to the Library's catalog. Select My Account and sign in using your student ID's barcode and last name.

Conduct your search, and when you find the book you want, click on Availability to check if a copy of the book is on the shelf. If so, select request. Let's request this book.

For the pick up/delivery location, choose UMUC Distance Education and the book will be mailed to you via UPS if you live outside Maryland but within the continental U.S.

If you live inside Maryland, you should choose one of the pickup/delivery locations close to you in order to pick up the book in person.

If the book is not on the shelf, you can place a hold on it using the request feature and it will be sent to you when it becomes available. If you live in Maryland or the Washington DC metropolitan area, you can pick up and return books at any of the USMAI libraries listed in the catalog.

For information on placing holds and using the Library's catalog, From the libraries home page, click on Learn How To and then select Find Print Books, Media and More: Using the Library Catalog.

Student:

What if I need a book that isn't in the Library's catalog?

Librarian:

That takes us back to DocumentExpress. It works much like requesting an article or book chapter. Choose the link for Request a Book.

Fill out the required information and we will search outside the University System for an available copy and send it to you. We can fill most requests in two to four weeks, so if you need to use this service, please plan ahead. Sometimes, especially in the case of an old or rare book, a library will not send it to us. We also cannot obtain most non-print items such as videos or CDs.

If you decide you'll need a little extra time, use the renewal option in DocumentExpress.

Student:

When I am through with the book, how do I get it back to you?

Librarian:

One week before the book is due, go to Return a Book. Use this form for books that you received from DocumentExpress as well as for books that you received from the library catalog.

Fill out the Book Return Form , follow the instructions, and UPS will return the book to us.

You can also access the Book Return Form from the DocumentExpress main menu.

Student:

Thank you for the information, what about loan periods and fines?

Librarian:

Loan periods for UMUC books are usually 56 days for students.

Loan periods and fines for books coming from other libraries are set by the lending libraries, not UMUC, so check the due date carefully.

In addition, a book may be recalled for another borrower, shortening the due date. You can also renew a University System book (unless it has been recalled) by using the MyAccount feature in the library catalog.

Student:

Thanks. This will really help me to get the materials I need for my courses. I have one more question. I'm in the Air Force, and I may be transferred overseas later this year. Will I still have the same options for article and book delivery?

Librarian:

Click on the Outside the Continental U.S. link under Get it Delivered to see the options available to you.

If you live overseas, you can request articles and book chapters through DocumentExpress. Unfortunately, we cannot deliver books overseas; however, we suggest you use tools like the LibDex or the LibWeb databases to find libraries near you that may own the title.

You can also check for electronic versions of the title by using the e-book link.

Student:

Well, you answered all my questions. I feel confident enough to use these services now.

Librarian: 

Remember, if you ever need help, librarians are available 24/7 to provide you with assistance.

Thank you for viewing this presentation. Visit us often for all your information needs.