Documents on Demand extends your access to library resources
Is the book you need for your research paper checked out? Are you hitting a paywall for that journal article you need to access? Or maybe you’re looking for something that CMU Libraries doesn’t have in its collection, like your favorite childhood movie. Don't worry—just contact Documents on Demand!
Whether you need a specific book, article, or multimedia item, Documents on Demand is here to help. Our team works diligently to source materials from a variety of external libraries and databases, ensuring that you get what you need as quickly as possible. Whether it’s a rare academic text or a resource not available in our own collection, we are committed to providing seamless access to support your needs.
Last year, Documents on Demand (DoD) fulfilled over 9,900 requests from CMU students and faculty. Despite the high volume of requests, we pride ourselves on our efficiency. Our average turnaround time for electronic requests is just 8 hours—proving that we live up to our name!
Here are some recent comments we have received from some of our satisfied patrons:
“I regularly explain to students that even if we don’t have online access to an article, Documents on Demand will get them a copy as quickly as possible, sometimes (but not always!) on the same day. I can say that with the confidence of personal experience.”
“As a doctoral student residing a considerable distance from CMU, online tools, particularly Documents on Demand, have been critical in my coursework. The rapid delivery of materials and the ease of search/request/receive make it an invaluable resource.”
What Services Does Documents on Demand Offer?
Documents on Demand offers the following free services to all current CMU students, faculty, and staff:
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Access books, articles, and more from libraries globally.
- Scans on Demand: Request scans of articles and book chapters from CMU Libraries’ collections.
- MeLCat ILL: Borrow books, audiobooks, movies, and other materials from other Michigan libraries.
What types of materials can I request from Documents on Demand?
You can request books, articles, book chapters, theses, dissertations, music, movies, audiobooks, and more.
How can you submit requests to Documents on Demand?
We offer several convenient options to submit your request:
- “Get this for me” link on your Smart Search Result
You can easily request items by using the "Get this for me" link within the libraries’ Smart Search. We recommend this option whenever possible, as it is typically the fastest way to submit your request. Additionally, using this method increases the likelihood of your request being fulfilled more quickly through RapidILL, a fulfillment service used by DoD—often without the need for DoD staff mediation. Please note: If you are not currently signed in, you will be prompted to sign in with your CMU Global ID and Password.
- Your Documents on Demand Account
You can use your Documents on Demand Account to request materials from libraries around the world. To sign in, simply use your CMU Global ID and password. If it is your first time, follow the prompts to create your account. Using this method increases the likelihood of your request being fulfilled more quickly through RapidILL, a fulfillment service used by DoD—often without the need for DoD staff mediation.
- Contact Us Directly
By Phone: 989-774-3022 or 800-274-3838 By Fax: 989-774-4499By Email: askdod@cmich.edu Please note: DoD staff are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST.
I Live off campus, can I still use Documents on Demand?
Absolutely! CMU off-campus students, faculty, and staff can make requests through their Documents On Demand account for needed items. We provide one free UPS return shipping label in each package delivered within the United States. You can use this label to return your books to Documents on Demand at no charge. (If you decide not to return all of your books in one package, you will need to pay the shipping on any additional packages.)
When will my item(s) arrive?
- Electronic Copies/Scans on Demand (e.g., Articles, Book Chapters)
Most electronic requests are fulfilled within 24-48 hours. You will be notified via your cmich.edu email account with instructions on how to download it.
- Physical Items (e.g., Books, CDs/DVDs)
Most physical requests are fulfilled within 7-10 business days. You will be notified via your cmich.edu email when your item has arrived at our library.
Please note: There are many factors that are outside of DoD’s control that may impact turnaround time of your request(s) such as the speed of the lending library, shipping delays, and availability of items. It is important to plan ahead when using ILL and submit your requests as soon as possible when you are working on a deadline.
How can I renew an item I have received from Documents on Demand?
Items may be requested for renewal by logging into your library account, or by contacting Documents on Demand directly.
To request a renewal in your library account, simply click on “renew” for your overdue loans.
Please note: Some renewals may be granted automatically. For others, DoD may have to contact the lending library directly. Renewals and loan periods are all determined by the lending library. You will be notified via email if your renewal request was either approved or denied.