Due to statewide budget constraints, GIL Express On-Line Requesting and Delivery will be Suspended Effective October 1, 2008.

The recent decline in state tax revenues has forced the University System of Georgia (USG) to implement budget cuts for the current fiscal year. The level of these cuts means there is insufficient funding available to continue GIL Express operations for on-line requesting and delivery of books. Therefore, this service will be suspended beginning October 1, 2008. Suspending GIL Express will allow libraries to continue to provide most GALILEO electronic resources for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Can I still do walk-up (on-site) requests?

Yes. Only on-line requesting that requires books to be shipped to another library is being suspended. Patrons can still check out books from any USG library with a current and valid institution issued-picture ID. A current and valid government issued picture ID such as a driver's license or a Georgia ID card, a US passport or a US military ID are also acceptable. For example, a Georgia State student can walk into Georgia Tech's library and check out books from their collection. This is called a walk-up or on-site transaction.

Can I still return books to other libraries?

Yes, GIL Express books can still be returned to any USG library and will be sent back to their owning library.

What do I do if I need a book listed in the Universal Catalog, but I can't travel to another library to get it?

1. Check with a reference librarian at the Research Support Desk on LN2 or use the online Ask-a-Librarian service at http://www.library.gsu.edu/askalibrarian/ Librarians will help you find other sources in the library that might meet your needs and/or help you explore other alternatives.
   

2. Request the book through Interlibrary Loan by using the online form located at: http://illiad.gsu.edu/illiad/GSU/logon.html For detailed information about Interlibrary Loan services, read the FAQ located at: http://www.library.gsu.edu/services/pages.asp?ldID=68&guideID=281&ID=4217

When will GIL Express on-line requesting and delivery return?

While we are hopeful that the situation will improve, given the current unsettled budget climate we do not know when the service will be restored.

Why does GIL Express cost so much?

The main costs associated with GIL Express are the shipping costs via the courier service. Additionally, many courier services are adding fuel surcharges to cover the high cost of gas. Given the level of the current budget cuts, we can no longer afford to use this service to ship and return books across the state.

Where can I send comments about the suspension of this service?

Take the online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QeaiIXuOKQXTbYVQ76wnkw_3d_3d

Page updated on: July 13, 2009