Distance Delivery

Distance Delivery lets distance users request UF-owned items to be shipped straight to them.

Need to check if you’re eligible? Visit our Check-Out Guidelines and Privileges page.

Request 

Distance Delivery items are requested through the UF Library Catalog. You will need to visit our Delivery for Distance Users page to apply for distance services in order for the Request button to show up.

To submit a Distance Delivery request, first log in to the UF Library Catalog with your GatorLink credentials. Then, check to see if we own the book (make sure to connect to the UF VPN for full access). Once you find what you’re looking for, click the Request button, and select the Ship to Me option from the drop-down menu. For more detailed instructions, visit our Distance Delivery Tutorials page.

Distance users can submit requests through the UF Library Catalog for both UF-owned books and items not owned by UF. Most books owned by UF can be shipped as Distance Delivery. If we don’t own the book, or if it’s unavailable, we will request it through Interlibrary Loan.  

Delivery

You will get an email when your book is ready to ship asking you to review your shipping details. No action is needed if everything looks correct. We usually process the book for shipment the following business day.

We check out the book to your UF Library Account. This is where you will be able to keep track of your due date. 

Within 24 hours of us shipping the book, you will receive an email from UPS with the tracking information. Your items will arrive in a returnable protective mailer. Save this mailer to reuse when you are ready to return your items.   

For more information, visit Shipping Guidelines.

Renew

Distance Delivery books can be renewed through your UF Library Account. You can also renew these items by contacting any UF Library circulation desk.  

A book might not be eligible for renewal if: 

• There is an overdue item on your UF Library Account.  
• The item has been recalled.  

Renewing your items does not remove any overdue fines. If you return items late or renew after the due date, you are responsible for any fines accrued.  

Follow these steps to renew your item:   

1. Log in to your UF Library Account.   
2. Click Menu in the top right corner of the screen and then select My Loans.   
3. Find the item and click Renew.  

Return

To make sure your items are properly returned, please keep the colored band on your books, as it includes important information for processing.  

If an item is part of a multi-volume set, please return all items together.  

You can return your Distance Delivery books in the following ways:  

1. By mail using the included pre-paid UPS shipping label.
   • Find detailed instructions for shipping your items back here.
2. In person at any of the following circulation desks: 
   • Library West 
   • Marston Science Library 
   • Architecture & Fine Arts Library 
   • Health Science Center Library 
   • Education Library 

Don’t have a shipping label? Refer to our Shipping Guidelines or Contact Us.   

If an item is lost or damaged, the owning library may bill you for overdue and replacement costs. For questions regarding lost or damaged items, please Contact Us. 

Recalls

All Distance Delivery items are subject to recall. When an item is recalled, the due date may change. If you still need the item after the new due date, you can submit an Interlibrary Loan request to get it from another library.  

Recalled items have an accelerated fine and replacement schedule. All overdue and lost fees are nonrefundable.  

For more information regarding UF recalls and the associated fines, please see our Recall Policy.