DocumentExpress Help/FAQ
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General:
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Technical Issues:
What is DocumentExpress?
DocumentExpress is an "interlibrary loan" service. It allows us to borrow books or obtain journal articles from another library on behalf of a patron when we do not own the material.
If the material you need is not available from USMAI's library catalog or the full text of an article is not available online through UMGC's library databases or Journal Finder, you may request the material through DocumentExpress.
You may also want to check a local public, academic, corporate, or military library directly to locate the materials you need. (Use Libweb to help locate a library near you.)
What Can I Borrow?
The Library provides interlibrary loan materials to currently registered UMGC students and UMGC faculty and staff both nationally and internationally. The type of materials loaned and delivery methods vary depending on geographic location.
Journal Articles:
All UMGC students, faculty, and staff worldwide may request articles that are not available full text in UMGC's library databases. These materials can be delivered electronically in PDF format.
Book Chapters and Tables of Contents:
All UMGC students, faculty, and staff worldwide may request book chapters (no more than 20% of the book) and tables of contents. These materials can be delivered electronically in PDF format.
Books:
In the Continental U.S.
If a book is not available in USMAI's library catalog, UMGC students, faculty and staff may request an interlibrary loan through UMGC's DocumentExpress service.
See Books from DocumentExpress for details about delivery options, plus renewing and returning books.
You also have the option of requesting an interlibrary loan through a local library. Use Libweb to help locate a library near you.
UMGC students and faculty at overseas and international sites may be able to request books via interlibrary loan through a local public, academic, or military library. Please check with the library regarding their policy on interlibrary loan. Use Libweb to help locate a library near you.
How Do I Submit A Request?
Articles:
Requests are accepted through the library databases or Journal Finder (look for the
buttons) or directly through DocumentExpress.
Books and Book Chapters:
Requests should be submitted directly through DocumentExpress.
When completing the form, provide as much information as possible about the material you are requesting.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
How long will it take to get my article, chapter or book?
Processing time can vary, but average turnaround times are:
- Articles: 1-2 business days on average, but can take longer.
- Book Chapters: 1 week on average, but can take longer.
- Books: 1-2 weeks on average for the book to arrive at UMGC (but can take longer), plus an additional 3-5 business days for delivery to your home address.
You will be notified by e-mail when your request is ready.
You may also modify or check the status of pending requests by logging into DocumentExpress and clicking the Modify Your Requests button.
How long will my documents remain available on the server?
Items stored on the DocumentExpress server (such as articles and book chapters) will be deleted from the server 21 days after they became available for viewing.
Does it cost to use this service?
There is no charge for using UMGC's DocumentExpress service.
Patrons who do not return DocumentExpress books within three weeks of the due date will be charged a $60 nonrefundable fee. Please review UMGC's DocumentExpress Policy for more information.
Are there limits to the number of requests I can make?
- Undergraduate students may request up to 20 DocumentExpress items per semester or 8-week term. This limit includes books and electronically delivered book chapters and articles.
- Graduate students and faculty may request an unlimited number of DocumentExpress items per semester.
- Staff are permitted DocumentExpress requests that are directly related to their job responsibilities.
Please review UMGC's DocumentExpress Policy for more information.
How do I view PDF files?
Go to the PDF Viewer Test to determine if you have a PDF viewer installed and set up correctly. That page also has links for downloading Adobe Reader and troubleshooting issues.
Why isn't my document opening?
It may be a question of file size. PDF files can be very large and take a long time to download. Also, the server may experience slowdowns during times of peak activity.
If download activity is not occurring (or your browser appears to be "stuck"), then click your browser's BACK button and try accessing the article again.
Why am I getting an error message?
If you get an error message (such as Unknown File Type or Unknown Application ) when you try to open a PDF document, it may mean that a PDF viewer is not installed or set up properly.
Go to the PDF Viewer Test to determine if you have a PDF viewer installed and set up correctly. That page also has links for downloading Adobe Reader and troubleshooting issues.
A page is missing. What should I do?
The UMGC Library staff makes every effort to ensure that documents are complete. However, occasionally, you may find that a page is missing. We apologize for any inconvenience this omission may cause you. Please contact us by phone or e-mail as soon as possible to have the missing page sent.
Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What is in it?
The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use DocumentExpress without any problems.
Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?
Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your interlibrary loan requests, you can take the following steps:
- Access DocumentExpress only from your personal computer or an otherwise secure workstation.
- When using a public access workstation:
- Delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
- Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.
Whom do I contact if I have problems or questions?
You may contact the Document Management Team.